Call Description

This exhibition is open to artists working in all media and celebrates those who are drawn to the vivid colors of the dark and possibilities of the night. It aims to showcase the many artistic worlds that emerge after sunset, whether quiet and contemplative, energetic and vibrant, dreamlike, or even unsettling. In doing so, this exhibition offers a rebuttal to the old saying: “Nothing good happens after midnight.” 

We welcome works of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramic, video, installation, collage, printmaking, jewelry, mixed media, and beyond!

Painting at night may seem contradictory to the artistic process, yet it has a long and rich history. Depictions of the night, often referred to as Nocturnes, a term popularized by James McNeill Whistler with his controversial 1875 work Nocturne in Black and Gold, have been a recurring subject in Western art since the Renaissance and continue to inspire night owl artists today. From Plein Air painters working outdoors under moonlight, to Magical Realists capturing the ethereal qualities of twilight, to artists embracing Gothic and countercultural lifestyles, the night offers a unique space for creativity and identity. 

Submission Requirements
Entry fee: $12 per entry
Size limit: None.
Eligibility: United States

IMPORTANT INFO AND DATES IF ACCEPTED:

Important Dates
Entry deadline: July 27, 2026 at 11:59pm 
Jury notifications: After August 1, 2026
Artwork drop-off/delivery deadline: August 23, 2026
Exhibition timeframe: September 3 - 27, 2026

Presentation
All works must be ready for installation upon delivery and professionally presented (not damaged or differing from what was accepted). Wall-hung artwork must be ready to hang with wire. If your work requires special installation instructions, please contact ellen@artlinkfw.org.

Sales
All artwork sales are subject to a 35% sales fee. Artists will be mailed a check for sold work following the close of the exhibition. 

Liability
Artwork will be insured during exhibition at Artlink. Artlink is not liable for damage or loss in transit to the gallery. Any damage caused by improper preparations by the artist will not be covered by Artlink. 

Hand-Delivery
Hand-delivered artwork must arrive by August 23 and is accepted during gallery hours, Thursday 10am - 8pm, Friday/Saturday 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 12 - 5pm.

Shipping
Artwork that is shipped must be sent through UPS, FedEx or USPS and must include a return shipping label. Artwork must arrive at Artlink by August 23, 2026. Shipped work must be framed with plexiglass, no glass permitted. Any damages that occur during shipping must be covered by the artist. In such an occurrence, the Gallery Coordinator will contact the artist for a credit card number to facilitate repairs. Please, no crates or Styrofoam peanuts. Ship your work in reusable packaging to: Artlink Contemporary Gallery, 300 E Main Street, Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Application Requirements

$12 per entry

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be 18+ and reside in the United States