Request for Submissions

EMBODIED 
Curated by Lydia Nong
Request for Submissions

Mainframe Studios is proud to present EMBODIED, a multimedia exhibition exploring the human figure as a powerful tool for storytelling. Featuring artists who use the body as their primary language, the work reveals how posture, gesture, and form convey emotion, identity, and lived experience. Embodied invites viewers to consider the body not solely as the subject but as the narrator, offering a powerful reflection on what it means to be human, seen, and felt.

Submissions are welcome from a wide range of disciplines including but not limited to: illustration, printmaking, creative writing, comics, zines, calligraphy, creative writing, digital and mixed media. The exhibition is open to any work maintaining a reasonable connection to the theme.

All submissions are due by Sunday, January 4th at 11:59 PM (CST), and late submissions will not be accepted. Artists will be notified tenatively by January 16, 2026. There is no entry fee to apply.

Accepted Works will be on display in all four public gallery spaces at Mainframe Studios during February 2026, with a special reception held during First Friday, February 6, 2026 5-8pm. All participating artists are encouraged to attend. 

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Curator: Lydia Nong is a figurative artist from Iowa whose work explores the emotional and psychological layers of the human experience. I earned my BFA from Iowa State University and have exhibited throughout the Midwest, receiving multiple juried awards and completing a year-long residency. Using the human body as my primary language, I transform complex feelings into visual metaphors, illuminating the shared emotional currents that connect us all.

Exhibition Timeline 

All dates are 2026

Location: Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

Exhibition Details

1. Eligibility: We invite artists who live and create in Iowa and are at least 18 years of age to apply. Multimedia works are welcome but must demonstrate a clear connection to the Embodied theme. Artists may submit up to three (3) pieces. 
    
2. Authenticity: All work must be original and created in the past 5 years. 
   
   
3. Exhibit-ready: All work must be ready for installation.  
   • Wire is suggested 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 works 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.
     
     
4. Drop off/Pick up: Artists must be able to deliver their accepted artwork to Mainframe Studios and pick up during the scheduled times.
   
   • Due to capacity, artwork will not be shipped. 
   • Only accepted artworks will be included, pieces may not be swapped.
   • Late delivery may result in exclusion of the accepted piece from the exhibit.

5. This exhibition will be curated and juried by Lydia Nong. Recognition will be awarded in the following categories: Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and People’s Choice, celebrating outstanding artistic achievement across the exhibition.

   If you have questions please reach out to Libby Crimmings, Community Engagement Coordinator at: Libby@mainframestudios.org. (Please do not contact the Curator) 

Important Information & Agreement:

1. All works must stay up for the entirety of the exhibition. 
   
   
2. While Mainframe has insurance for catastrophic incidents and 24 hour surveillance, we cannot guarantee the safety of artwork while on display. 
   
   
3. Mainframe Studios encourages artists to sell their works. Mainframe does not take any portion of any sales. If artwork is for sale, buyers will be asked to contact you, the artist, directly.
   
   
4. Mainframe operates with a community agreement that upholds respect and collaboration. We reserve the right to not display someone's work if they act unprofessionally towards the curator or staff.
   
   
5. Any works left at Mainframe without communication on pickup arrangements by March 30th, 2026 will be considered abandoned. 

Thank You!

Thank you for your application. Although decisions are based on specific criteria, they do not reflect, in any way, your value or talent as an artist.

Please do not contact the curator. All questions should be directed to: 

• Libby Crimmings, Community Engagement Coordinator
  libby@mainframestudios.org