"Full Circle" by Mary Walter

PROSPECTUS

Out of the Blue -- Art quilters share your best blue quilts. Were you inspired to make a quilt from a flash of an idea? Was it a song, a quote, a summer sky or ocean scene, or fabrics from your stash of blues? Grab your camera, sketchbook, scissors and sewing machines to design your next blue quilt for THe BRush Art Gallery's 2026 Art Quilt Exhibit.

All entries must be three layers stitched together. The techniques of hand and/or machine work, surface design, embroidery and embellishments to complete your entry are welcome. 

Finished quilts should not be larger than 60” wide and 65” high. Please include a 4”- 6” sleeve on the back for hanging.

AWARDS

The winner of Best in Show will receive $200 and the Juror’s Award will receive a $100 cash prize.

ELIGIBILITY

This is an international call for artists, open to all. Artists may submit up to 3 images for consideration.

METHOD OF SELECTION: Digital images only (no slides)

COMMISSION: 30% for Brush members, 40% for non-members.

ENTRY FEE: Non-refundable entry fee of $25.00, Up to 3 entries, 2 views each (Full and Detail). Follow this link for payment online: https://thebrush.org/quiltentryfee.htm. To make a payment by check or money order, please mail directly to:

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios
256 Market Street
Lowell, MA 01852

ENTRY PROCEDURE: Artists may submit up to three entries (Full and Detail images) for a total of 6 images. 

• Only original art quilts completed within the past 5 years are eligible. All quilts should be no larger in height than 65” and no more than 60” wide and must be ready for hanging with a 4 to 6 inch sleeve (large enough to comfortably accommodate a wood dowel or wood/plastic slat). All quilts must be accompanied by dowels or slats. Dowels need hardware and slats should have hardware or holes for hanging. Quilts that don’t meet these requirements will not be accepted for hanging. Quilts should be clearly labeled on reverse with artist’s name and title of quilt.
• After completing the on-line form, either pay online or mail a check for $25.00 made out to the Brush Art Gallery & Studios at 256 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852.  Follow the instructions of the e-mailed form.
• Please email a description of 25 words or less for each entry to director@thebrush.org.
• Note: all communication, including jury decision will be done via e-mail, so make sure to provide an e-mail address that you check frequently.

Please keep in mind, The Brush Art Gallery and Studios is open to the public. All submissions should be suitable for both children and adults. Submissions will be reviewed for exhibit suitability and response to show theme. We reserve the right not to display entries that appear different than the submitted artwork.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
Entries must be submitted online and received no later than 11:59pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The required entry fee must also be received by this time. Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. No late entries will be accepted.

IMPORTANT PROJECT DATES

April 15 – June 13, 2026         Open period for artist submissions

June 13, 2026                          Deadline for submission of application materials

June 28, 2026                          Artists notified of selected works for exhibit

Sat, July 18, 2026          Hand-delivered and shipped work must arrive on or before

Aug 1, 2026                              Show opens/First day of exhibit                

Saturday, August 15, 2026           Public reception for artists

September 12, 2026                  Show closes/Last day of exhibit

Tue, Sept 15, 2026, 12-4 p.m.    Pick up of work at Brush Gallery

Wed, Sept 16, 2026, 12-4 p.m.   Pick up of work at Brush Gallery

Week of Sept 20, 2026               Work shipped back to out-of-state artists

 

LENDER INFORMATION

Please see loan agreement (http://thebrush.org/PDF/LOAN_AGREEMENTweb.pdf) for detailed information regarding shipping, photo reproduction, insurance, sales, and commission.

ABOUT THE JURORS

Guest Curator, Mary Walter: For over 35 years, quilter Mary Walter has been recognized for her original quilting style, often incorporating a mix of traditional, ethnic, and contemporary quilting techniques into her quilts. Mary is also a freelance curator presenting exhibits for a variety of cultural organizations nationwide. You may also find Mary teaching in her studio designing patterns and fabric, meeting, and teaching on Zoom, traveling to exhibits, lecturing, and judging quilts. She is a member of Quilters Connection, The Cambridge Modern Quilt Guild, SAQA-Studio Art Quilts Association, and NACQJ - National Association of Certified Quilt Judges.

Guest Juror

Valerie Maser-Flanagan uses self-created hand-dyed fabric to design abstract sewn constructions. Her work is influenced by both the rural setting she currently resides in, her exposure to urban structures from working in Boston for thirty years, and her attraction to ethnic design. Maser-Flanagan has exhibited throughout the United States and received numerous awards for her work. Her Work has been purchased by the Chandler Arts Council in Arizona, Visions Art Museum, and by private collectors. Examples of her designs are published in Quilting with a Modern Slant by Rachel May, Dyeing Alchemy by Diane Franklin, and Art Quilts International Abstract and Geometric by Martha Sielman.

Maser-Flanagan began as a traditional quilter but transitioned to contemporary design through studies with Nancy Crow, David Hornung and Carol Soderlund.

  

Exhibit Sponsor: Quilters Connection www.quiltersconnection.org

 

ABOUT BRUSH ART GALLERIES AND STUDIOS The Brush Art Gallery and Studios is located in the Lowell National Historical Park across the courtyard from the Visitor Center. This dynamic and captivating place was originally founded by the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, U.S. Department of the Interior in 1982. The Brush presents museum quality exhibitions, educational programs, and has collaborated with many other nonprofit groups. Artists occupy studio spaces to interact with and educate the public on a weekly basis. Studio artists produce paintings, illustration, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, quilts, and handwoven items. Associate artists display work in the common area. The Brush Art Gallery and Studios is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. The Brush is supported by Lowell National Historical Park. For more information, please visit: http://thebrush.org.

QUESTIONS For more information or inquiries, please contact Jim Dyment, Executive Director, Brush Art Galleries and Studios, at (978) 459-7819 or via email at brushdirector@gmail.com.