PROSPECTUS
"Modern Mirrors" is a Juried art show to be held at Ardest Gallery in The Woodlands, Texas, just North of Houston between September 3rd - 27th. The Deadline to apply is Friday, August 1st by 11:59 PM.
Portraits can be literal, interpretive, symbolic and/or realistic representations. "Modern Mirrors" aims to exhibit works that explore a shift in portraiture away from solely representing a person's likeness.
Example prompts could include, but are not limited to:
- Exploring their inner world
- Exploring their identity
- Exploring the complexitites of human experience
- Abstract and non-representational
- Embracing complexities
- Diverse media
- Self portraits
The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 5-8 p.m. with a presentation by the Juror at 7 p.m.
GUEST JUROR - GABRIELA MONTERROSO
Guatemalan born and raised, Monterroso is a multidisciplinary figurative artist, living and working in Houston. Her work predominantly features the female figure and horses as central themes. She is an alumna of the Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where she completed her Certificate in Painting and is currently a candidate in Ceramics (2026). Monterroso is the founder of Monterroso Gallery, which focuses on contemporary Latin American art, with a special emphasis on artists from Guatemala. Her work has been widely exhibited in Houston, including at the Holocaust Museum, Lawndale Art Center, and the Kinder Morgan Building.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES & APPLICATION FEE
Each artist is limited to six (6) entries per submission. There is a $30 (USD) non-refundable/non-transferable fee for up to six (6) images. Payment must be submitted at the time of the application.
HOW TO ENTER
Please read through all of the materials, including load-in and load-out dates to ensure that you can participate. Entries can only be submitted via JotForm.
Please LABEL all submissions as "Work Title.Artist Name.Medium.Size.Price." Should your work(s) require additional details or notes, kindly note that in the "special requests" section offered in JotForm.
ELIGIBLE MEDIA
All works must have been completed between 2020-2025 and not previously exhibited at Ardest Gallery. Eligible media includes, but is not limited to, drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, oil, chalk, pastels, ink, ceramics, sculptures, metal work, wood work, and textiles. Max size for works is 48x60.
If you have a question about whether your work is suitable for submission, please contact julieverville@ardestgallery.com.
ARTIST NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Accepted artists will be notified no later than August 8th via the email provided in the submission application.
LOAD-IN/LOAD-OUT DATES
Load-in for will be offered both Friday, AUGUST 29TH between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday, AUGUST 30TH between 12-4 p.m. at Ardest Gallery, located at 25200 Grogan's Park Drive, The Woodlands TX 77380.
Pre-arranged shipments of artwork WITH return labels are also accepted. BUT, the works must arrive during the gallery's open hours.
ALL accepted works delivered MUST be ready-to-hang or display AND include a printed inventory sheet with title/size/medium and price alongside a thumbnail of the work(s).
Load-out will be offered on Saturday, SEPTEMBER 27TH between 2-4 p.m. or MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
GALLERY SALES
Works will be exhibited and available for purchase by visitors to the gallery, and via an online gallery. All sales throughout the show's duration will be managed by the gallery, with a 35% commission retained by the gallery. Commission statements will be provided via email to artists that sell work along with payment via their preference of Zelle, Venmo or check.
AWARDS
Awards will be provided for one Best in Show, 1st Place & 2nd Place. Honorable mentions will also be noted.
PUBLICITY
The exhibition will be publicized locally via our social media platforms, digital media platforms and event listings, email newsletter and press releases submitted to local news outlets. Ardest Gallery reserves the right to use photographs and/or digital images for the purpose of publicity for the exhibit and/or the artist.
If you have any questions about this exhibition - please contact Julie Verville, Gallery Director/Curator, julieverville@ardestgallery.com or 832-296-6723. Thank you!