Call Description

ON EDGE is an annual juried exhibition of contemporary work by artists residing in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region who are pushing the boundaries of material and concept. EDGE Gallery has exhibited groundbreaking contemporary art for more than 30 years and has been instrumental in presenting important experimental work in our region.

All artists working in any media and residing in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to submit their work. This show is open to contemporary art of any medium, with an emphasis on work that challenges the margins of material, content, artistic process, and technology. The merits and definition of “contemporary” will be defined by the juror. IMPORTANT! Accepted artwork must be hand delivered. Edge Gallery does not have storage or facilities to handle shipped artwork. 

Edge Gallery's On Edge 2026 Honorary Juror: David Dadone. Mr. Dadone has been Executive Director + Chief Curator of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) since 2010. Under his leadership, BMoCA has experienced tremendous growth in attendance; and significant expansion of exhibitions, programs. He has championed underrepresented artists and experiential exhibitions that spark dialogue and, expanded the reach of the museum to the Front Range region. He has served in the Denver Public Arts Committee and was appointed to the Denver International Airport Public Arts committee during this tenure.  He previously served as Deputy Director of Museo de las Americas in Denver. He holds an MBA from University of Colorado Denver, attended the Executive Museum Studies program at Claremont Graduate University/Getty Museum, a BS in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and a BA in Art Theory/Criticism from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Prizes: $250 Juror's Choice Award

All artists of all ages are welcome to apply. We encourage participation from all artists, no matter their background, identity, neurodiversity, physical ability, appearance, or who they love. We believe art is at its best when it is representing the whole of humanity.

Blind Jury Process
On Edge exhibitions are evaluated without without artist statements, or artist names visible to the juror in order to ensure that the quality and content of the artwork is the primary guiding factor for selection. The juror is encouraged to select works that demonstrate the best contemporary art, as defined by the perspective and expertise of the juror.  In addition, Edge Gallery co-op member artists will not submit their work for this exhibition do avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

Guidelines: 

Artists must be able to drop off and pick up their work in-person (hand-delivered) to Edge Gallery. We cannot receive shipped artwork. 

Application fee is non-refundable.

No Artwork Substitutions: Delivered artwork from the invited artists must be the specific art pieces selected in the jury process. No substitutions for other art pieces is allowed. Images and information provided in the CAFE application must be representative of the work. Accepted work may be refused if the quality or information does not meet standards.

Installation Requirements

All artwork must be ready to hang or install in a professional manner. 

• For 2D framed work: the frames, mats, and wiring must be of sturdy quality, in good condition and substantial enough for the weight of the artwork. (Sawtooth hangers, instead of hanging wires, are not acceptable). Maximum weight of any 2D art work or relief is 70 lbs. Any 2D work that is heavier should provide more substantial methods of installation such as french cleats.
• For 3D work: the artwork must be stable and balanced. Any protective materials or coverings must be provided.
• For special installation: all hardware needed to install the work must be provided, including written instructions for the steps to install.  Or the artist may be asked to personally install more complicated pieces at a scheduled time.
• For 4D or time-based work: Accepted artists must provide equipment to display their work (video monitors are preferred; projectors are difficult to hang from the ceiling in the gallery and artists will have to install themselves on installation day; however projectors may be easily placed on a pedestal that we provide). Headphones are required--works cannot disrupt viewing of other artist's works. Please provide video or computer monitors and/or other playback equipment at the time of drop off.

Work may be refused if Edge Gallery is unable to install, hang professionally, or properly protect the artwork from standard wear and movement.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Application deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026

Exhibition dates: July 31 – August 16, 2026

Artists Notified: Week of July 6-10, 2026

Artwork Drop Off Times: Sunday, July 26, 6:00pm-8:00pm and Monday July 27, 6:00 pm-8:00pm.

6501 W. Colfax, Lakewood, CO 80214 (Our gallery is located on the east side of the 40West Art Hub building, next to Burger King.)

Opening Reception: Friday, July 31, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Meet-the-Juror artist reception and Juror's Choice Award announcements: August 16, 3:30-5:00 pm. (Artists may pick up their work after event.)

Artwork Pick Up Times after the show closes: Sunday, August 17 - 5:00-7:00pm (After Meet-the-Juror Artist Reception) and Monday, August 18 - 6:00-8:00pm

Important note: Edge Gallery does not have art storage facilities. Artwork not picked up on the exhibition pick-up dates after 5 days will be considered abandoned and deemed the property of Edge Gallery--unless artists make arrangements beforehand.  Contact stephenshugart@comcast.net

Sales

EDGE Gallery takes a 30% commission on anything sold through the show. Price provided on the CAFE application cannot be changed  Edge Gallery will pay local and state sales taxes.

Questions? Please email stephenshugart@comcast.net 

Application Requirements

1-3 total images/media of artist's artwork. This event is accepting:
Images - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 3

Video - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 3 
Audio - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 3

Total Media - Minimum: 1, Maximum: 3

Eligibility Criteria

All artists of all ages are welcome to apply. We encourage participation from all artists, no matter their background, identity, neurodiversity, physical ability, appearance, or who they love. We believe art is at its best when it is representing the whole of humanity.