Request for Submissions

Critters & Creatures 
Endlesss Pawsibilities
Juried by Melanie Jacobs 
Request for Submissions

Mainframe Studios is proud to present Critters & Creatures, Endless Pawsibilities. A joyful exhibition celebrating the critters and creatures from our world and our imaginations. This show explores shared connections to animals and the stories artists tell through their spirit, personality, and presence.
 

Submissions are welcome from a wide range of disciplines maintaining a reasonable connection to the theme.

All submissions are due by Sunday, March 29th at 11:59 PM (CST), and late submissions will not be accepted. Artists will be notified tentatively by April 10, 2026. There is no entry fee to apply.

Accepted Works will be on display in multiple public gallery spaces at Mainframe Studios during May 2026, with a special reception held during First Friday, May 1st, 2026 5-8pm. All participating artists are encouraged to attend. 

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Juror: Melanie Jacobs is the artist behind Cat Loaf Studio, specializing in playful digital illustrations hand-sketched and painted on her iPad using Procreate. Inspired by her studio assistant and certified grumpy cat Sansa, Melanie’s work blends a love of puns with the everyday humor and antics of feline companions. After participating in local art shows across Iowa, her joyful, cat-centered creations continue to grow and delight fellow animal lovers.

Exhibition Timeline 

All dates are 2026

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

Application requirements

To complete your application, you will need the following:

• Artist Bio (75 word max)
• Artist Statement that aligns with your submission (100 word max)

The following is needed for each piece submitted:

• Images - Accepts PNG or JPEG files. (3 per piece max)  (Please title images using the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST INITIAL_TITLE )
• Title
• Materials
• Size of work (include frames)
• Year completed
• Any special information such as installation requirements. 

Promotional Information (Optional)

• Website Link
• Social Media information
• A Photo of you with your artwork (Please title photos using the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST INITIAL)

Important notes:

• Once you begin the application, you cannot save and return later.
• Please be sure you have all materials ready before starting.
• The full application should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Exhibition Details

1. Eligibility: We invite artists who live and create in Iowa and are at least 18 years of age to apply. All disciplines of work are welcome but must demonstrate a clear connection to the 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 Melanie Jacobs. Recognition will be awarded in the following categories: Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, celebrating outstanding artistic achievement across the exhibition. In addition, a People’s Choice Award will be selected by Mainframe guests through on-site voting for their favorite work in the exhibition.

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

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 juror or staff.
   
   
5. Any works left at Mainframe without communication on pickup arrangements by June 30th, 2026 will be considered abandoned. 

Click NEXT to begin application 

Ready to Submit? 

Please click the SUBMIT button below to finalize your application. 

Please remember 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 juror. All questions should be directed to: 

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