Call Description

Red, White & Blue

This summer marks the 250th Anniversary of the United States. To honor this moment, the Denver area artist-collective Core Art Space is sponsoring a juried exhibition on the theme of “Red, White and Blue.” This theme is to be interpreted as being fairly broad in its application. Artists may submit works that simply feature the colors of red, white and/or blue. Some may see the theme as being inherently political, as red, white and blue are the colors of the flag. Since other national flags also sport these three colors, such as France or Great Britain, works that reference other countries would be appropriate as well.  Work might also express ideas prompted by the concepts associated with the phrase, “red, white and blue,” whether or not those colors are actually employed in the submitted works.

 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, accompanied by a $35.00 fee.

The deadline for submissions is June 16, 2026

Juror: Michael Paglia is an art historian and professional art writer whose weekly columns appeared in Westword for 25 years.  In addition, Paglia’s art reviews have been published in national periodicals, and he has authored more than twenty books on modern and contemporary art in the American West. Paglia has juried and curated many exhibits.

CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES 

Show dates: Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Application Deadline: June 16, 2026

Notification of acceptance: June 20, 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 June 21, 2026.

Artwork to Core:  All accepted work MUST arrive at CORE by Saturday, July 4, 2026, by 4:00 pm for hand delivery. If shipped, plan for work to arrive by July 3 due to the holiday.  All accepted artists will receive detailed shipping instructions to an offsite location

Artist reception: Friday, July 10, 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  June 20, 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, July 4, 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 July 3, 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.