Call Description

The Cat and Dog Show

They’re our best friends, those Cats and Dogs! Core Art Space would like to see your take on portraying your beloved felines and canines. Maybe they’re not your BFF, in fact maybe they’re not your pet at all, and that’s fine too. We entertain all styles of imagery of cats and dogs for this open call show. All media will be considered, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, fiber and sculpture. The only exception is video.

Up to 3 entries must be submitted electronically by April 12, 2026, accompanied by a $35.00 fee.

Juror: Tim Vacca is an arts professional with more than two decades of experience in exhibitions, public art, and arts leadership across Colorado. Tim has been deeply engaged in the regional arts ecosystem as a juror, panelist, and arts leader. He has served on the Denver Arts and Venues Public Art Committee and participated in numerous public art selection committees throughout Colorado. 

CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES 

Show dates: Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Application Deadline: April 12, 2026

Notification of acceptance: April 16, 2026 
Please note that Cafe will send out separate emails for accepted and for non-accepted works. Artists may receive both emails. Artists can also find  jury results in their own Cafe account under "My Cafe Entries" on April 16, 2026.

Artwork to Core:  All accepted work MUST arrive at CORE by Saturday, May 2, 2026; by 4:00 pm, if hand delivered. If shipped, accepted artists will receive detailed shipping instructions to an offsite location

Artist reception: Friday, May 8, 2026, 5:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Core Art Space gallery, 6501 West Colfax, in Lakewood

Application Requirements

Submitting Images:

Minimum: 1, Maximum: 3

MAXIMUM ARTWORK SIZE:

• 2-D work must be no larger than 60” inches on its longest side, including frame.
• 3-D work  should be within 36”x36”x36".
• Work not within these parameters will be disqualified. 

INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Notification emails will be sent  April 16, 2026. Artists will receive separate emails for accepted and declined artworks. Please make sure your Spam email does not include emails from Café. You will also be able to check your acceptance status on your own Café page.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• All artwork must be original.
• 2D Artwork must be received ready to hang on standard picture hooks. 3D works should be free-standing or hangable from the ceiling (20 lb. weight limit).
• NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS. Standing art must be stable. Set-up diagram must accompany multiple pieces and installation art.
• All art must remain in place for the duration of the show. CORE reserves the right to reject any work that does not comply with the entry criteria.

DROP-OFF:  Work by accepted artists can be dropped off at the gallery during operating hours. Final day for drop-off is Saturday, May 2, 2026, by 4 pm. COMPLETE DETAILS WILL BE EMAILED TO ACCEPTED APPLICANTS.

SHIPPED WORK: Shipped artwork will be sent to a separate shipping address that is not the gallery address, since the gallery is closed Monday - Friday and cannot accept packages. THE SHIPPING ADDRESS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ACCEPTANCE EMAIL. Plan for your shipped work to arrive in Colorado by May 2, 2026.

SALES: CORE charges a 30% commission plus tax on art sold. CORE will collect the payment for the artist. Your payment less the 30% commission will be sent to your address within 45 days of the close of the show. Art need not be for sale.

LIABILITY: CORE will take all due precautions to protect premises and art. However, CORE is not responsible for loss due to damage, theft, vandalism, or accident. All work is submitted at the artist's own risk. Each artist is responsible for his/her/their own insurance.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be 18 or older.