Theme
Rooted in Love, the Suffolk Art Gallery’s fall exhibition, is presented in partnership with Suffolk Public Library. In conjunction with the Gallery’s 40th anniversary and the opening of SPL’s new downtown library, this exhibition is inspired by our commitment to community–to nurturing a culture rooted in love, care, and respect for all of our neighbors. The exhibition theme is inspired by bell hook’s seminal book All About Love, a bestseller for over 25 years since it was first published in 1999.
Artwork submitted for this exhibition should consider or feature the various ways we experience and share love in our community:
· How we show care for each other
· How we communicate
· How we commit to each other
· How we respect each other
· How we trust each other
· How we own our actions and their impact
· How we recognize and celebrate each other
We are looking for artworks created in a variety of mediums that engage with the theme in a thoughtful and visually exciting way.
Exhibit Calendar
July 6, 2026: Call for Entries opens
August 28, 2026: Call for Entries closes
September 4: Artist notice of selection
September 12-13: Artwork delivery
September 26: Opening Reception, 6-8pm
October 17-18: Artwork Pick-up
*This exhibition will also include special programming at both the Gallery and SPL locations.
Entry Procedures
Each artist may submit up to three (3) works for consideration. Digital images will be used to determine acceptance into the exhibit, and all entries must be submitted online. No physical pieces will be accepted at the gallery for jurying.
- All works must be labeled (with title and artist name on back), framed if 2D, and ready to display at time of delivery. A hanging wire must be securely attached to each 2D artwork at delivery. No clip-type or sawtooth hangers will be accepted. Suffolk Art Gallery reserves the right to not display any selected work that fails to correspond with the required presentation format and quality, including artwork that differs from the submitted digital image.
- Please contact the gallery before entering large sculpture (more than 50 pounds). 3D works must be stable or have mounting hardware and installation instructions. Pedestals will be provided as needed.
- Please ensure artwork submitted is available for display during the listed exhibition dates above. Selected artists must be able to drop-off and pick up their work during the designated timeframes. The Gallery does not have storage space to store work beyond the exhibition dates.
Entry Fee
It is free to enter.
Eligibility
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Open to all artists ages 16 and older.
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Submitted works must be originals completed within the last two years.
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Works must not have been previously displayed at the Suffolk Art Gallery.
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All styles and mediums are welcome. Installation art, video, and audio enhancements will be considered within gallery limitations.
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Works generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
Format Criteria for Entry
File type - JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF only. File dimensions - 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side. File size - under 5MB. The file name should include title of work and artist name (Last Name. First Name. Title).
Sale of Work
Suffolk Art Gallery retains a 30% consignment of all works sold. All work must remain on display for the duration of the show.
Awards
Best in Show - $500
1st Place - $300
2nd Place - $200
3rd Place - $100
Honorable Mention - $100 each, 2 winners
Viewer's Choice - $100
Image Usage Rights
With entry submission, artists grant Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Parks and Recreation the right to use their images for the purpose of promoting gallery exhibits and programs. Promotions and images may also be placed on social networks for Suffolk Parks and Recreation/Suffolk Art Gallery. Artist’s recognition is provided with any use. Artists retain all copyrights to their submitted images.
Judging
This is a juried exhibition; application does not guarantee acceptance into the exhibit. A special advisory group of local arts leaders will determine the selected artists. Jurors' decisions are final.
Contact Suffolk Art Gallery with questions at (757) 514-7284 or jlucy@suffolkva.us