The Environment // Exhibition Call for Entries

The Environment // Exhibition Call for Entries

Mainframe Studios is excited to announce "The Environment," an open-call exhibition curated by artist Diane Kunzler.

Selected works will be on display in three gallery spaces at Mainframe Studios during May 2025, with a special reception held on First Friday, May 2, 2025. All artists, ages 18 and over, and living in the Greater Des Moines area, are encouraged to submit works for consideration.

The "environment" theme is open to interpretation. We invite works that examine our surroundings: the observed, imagined, and idealized views, as well as images that explore the effect of human existence and our choices on thennatural environment in which we live.

Works that explore the places where we reside that have a long and rich
history, from discovering uncharted lands to documenting spaces that shape our everyday existence. The intrusion and habitation of humankind alters our environment in many ways, including weather, water, migration, sounds, and biomes. We welcome works of all media that illustrate aspects of our environment, from the sublime view and the altered to the fragile connection between us and our surroundings.

All media of original works are eligible, and entry is free. Please note all online entries are due by April 6th at 11:59 PM, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Artists will be notified of selections on Monday, April 17th. The selection process is anonymous, and the curator will only have access to your images and artwork details. All other information is for staff use and will remain confidential.

Please Note:

You can submit this form online as your application, record an application and upload it at the end of this form to submit your work. Due to our capacity, we cannot support applications past our original deadline. Submissions are due by APRIL 6th at 11:59 PM (CST). All applicants will be notified of the results.

Eligibility & Exhibition Details

Eligibility: Submitting artists must be 18 years of age or older and live and create in Greater Des Moines.
Authenticity: All work must be original and created within the last 5 years.
Exhibit-ready: All work must be ready for display and wired for hanging for most 2-D works.
- Artwork should not weigh more than 75 pounds or measure over 5 feet in any direction although exceptions may be made.
- Wet oils will not be accepted.
- Fragile work or work that requires special equipment (TVs, speakers, projectors, etc.) will be the responsibility of the artist to install and remove.
Drop off: All accepted work must be delivered during the posted delivery time. Late delivery may result in exclusion of the accepted piece from the exhibit.

Important Information & Agreement:

Selected works must be delivered to Mainframe Studios between Monday, April 16th - Saturday, April 23rd, by 4 pm.
The exhibition and reception will be held on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 from 5-8 PM.
The works must stay up for the entirety of the month and be de-installed and ready for pick up on May 30th.
While Mainframe has insurance for catastrophic incidents and video monitoring, we cannot guarantee the safety of artwork while on display.
Mainframe Studios will not take a portion of any sales and will have buyers contact the artist directly.

I understand the above information.*

By checking this box, I acknowledge and agree to these conditions.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Cell Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Pronouns*

Please upload your 1st entry for consideration by the curator. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 1st entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price. Please include any special installation instructions.

Please upload your 2nd entry for consideration by the curator. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 2nd entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price. Please include any special installation instructions.

Please upload your 3rd entry for consideration by the curator. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 3rd entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price. Please include any special installation instructions.

Write a brief bio (2-3 sentences)*

Write a brief artist statement that aligns with your submissions. (3-5 sentences) *

Optional: If selected, Mainframe Studios will use the following information for promotional purposes. Please upload up a photo of you with your artwork, you creating artwork, and/or a photo of yourself.

Optional: What advice do you have for other artists? Or, what is your favorite tool or material to make art with and why?

Optional: Social Media Handles (If you would like to be tagged and promoted in social posts)

Optional: Website Link

Optional Alternative Application Submission: Upload your Audio or Video Files here

Optional: Any special accommodation requests?

Selection Process

Although decisions are based on specific criteria, they do not reflect, in any way, your value or talent as an artist. The selection of artists for "The Environment" Exhibition will be chosen by artist and curator Diane Kunzler.

Diane graduated with an art degree from Graceland University and received her MFA
from the Art Institute of Boston. Much of her career has been devoted to art education while maintaining a vigorous personal art practice. Her work has been exhibited in group and solo exhibitions throughout the Midwest and is included in public and private collections. Diane teaches painting and drawing classes and maintains a studio in the Mainframe Studios building in Des Moines, IA. She also works and teaches ceramics in her family’s gallery and studio, Kunzler Studios, in Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA.

Thank you for participating in our "Call for Entries!"