Bestiary: An Animal Art Show

Hardy & Nance Studios is pleased to announce our Call for Entries for Bestiary: An Animal Art Show that will be on display Saturday, July 18th 2026, from 6-10pm. This call for entries is open to all artists in Houston and surrounding areas working in 2D & 3D media.

THEME: Artworks created in a variety of artistic styles and mediums: painting, drawing, print making, digital art, photography, sculpture, assemblage, conceptual, video and more.

This exhibition will celebrate creatures both real and imagined. Inspired by medieval bestiaries, folklore, mythology, nature, and beyond, we’re seeking artwork that explores the beauty, mystery, symbolism, and spirit of animals through all artistic styles and mediums. From ancient-inspired illustrations and gothic creatures to contemporary interpretations of wildlife and fantasy beasts, we welcome works that bring the animal kingdom to life in bold and imaginative ways.

No loose glitter or confetti. If using these mediums, they must be completely adhered to the surface in a manner that it will not fall off. No AI generated artwork will be accepted.

Size Restrictions: 2D wall hanging work cannot exceed 72 inches on any side. 3D stand alone work must fit through a standard doorway. Oversized work will be considered on a case by case basis. 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

Artists can submit images and information for up to four (4) pieces no later than July 8th, 2026 at 11:59pm. This is a curated show, so some pieces may not be chosen.

Image files no larger than 2MB. Images must be labeled Last Name, First Name, Title. (ex. Smith_John_Untitled1.jpg)

• All notifications of acceptance will be sent via email on July 10th, 2026. 

ART SHOW FEE:

The entry fee for this show is $15 cash per accepted piece, due at drop off. If entry fee is not brought during drop off, we cannot accept art.

There is no fee to submit images for consideration.

There is NO commission fee involved and therefore artists are required to handle all sales transactions whether in person or electronically. Be sure to have Square, Paypal, Venmo, or other application to take credit card sales. If an artist is unable to handle any sales transactions, Hardy & Nance Studios is happy to facilitate the sale on your behalf for a 20% stipend to cover processing & handling fees.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

1. All artwork must be original by the artist, preferably available for purchase, and cannot have been previously shown in the Hardy & Nance Gallery.

2. Size Restrictions:  2D wall hanging work cannot exceed 72 inches on any side. 3D stand alone work must fit through a standard doorway. We consider all work on case by case basis if outside of these parameters.

3. Medium:  Please no loose glitter or confetti. If using these mediums, they must be completely adhered to the surface in a manner that it will not fall off.

4. Hanging Hardware:  All artwork must be dry and ready for hanging. We prefer wall hung artwork to be wired, as this gives us the most options for hanging. Learn how to wire your art HERE. (Sawtooth hangers, D-rings, key-holes, etc. are accepted if wiring is not possible and will damage the artwork or frame.) No loose paper. All paper must be mounted or framed. Contact us if you need advice regarding your piece.

5. Labeling:  All pieces should be labeled on the back with: Artist’s Name & Title of the piece.

6. Drop-off:  Accepted artwork needs to be delivered on Sunday, July 12th (2-4:30pm) & Monday, July 13th (5:00p-7:30p) WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Delivery accepted through Door G entrance.

7. Entry Fee:  $15 CASH only per accepted piece. There is not an ATM close to the studio so plan accordingly.

8. Pick-up:  All artwork MUST be claimed/picked up at the end of the show - July 18th at 10:00pm or on Monday, July 20th: 5:00-7pm. Any art left behind will be considered abandoned and done with as H&N Studios sees fit. Please reach out if you need special consideration and we will see if we can accomodate.

• Curators reserve the right not to hang work that isn’t properly wired and/or does not meet the requirements as specified above- or for any reason that the owner may find issue with.

Please fill out Submission Form and Upload your images on the next page.

Please use the following format when labeling all files before uploading:   LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (ex. Smith_John_BWLandscape.jpg)

* IMPORTANT * - DO NOT leave an empty space in the file name or it will not upload properly. Please use an Undersore _ in place of a space.

Please use the following format when labeling all files before uploading:   LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (ex. Smith_John_BWLandscape.jpg)

Please use the following format when labeling all files before uploading:   LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (ex. Smith_John_BWLandscape.jpg)

Please use the following format when labeling all files before uploading:   LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (ex. Smith_John_BWLandscape.jpg)

If you experience issues with the form not submitting, please double check that all required fields are filled out and that your image files sizes are 2MB or less. The most common reason for the form error is because the file sizes are too large. You can use a free, online image optimizer to reduce file sizes.

If you have any questions, please email artcuratorhn@gmail.com.