FRESH 2026
Artspace's Biennial Open Survey Exhibition & Juried Competition
FRESH is back!
FRESH is Artspace's biennial open survey exhibition and juried competition featuring new work by North Carolina artists. The exhibition demystifies the juried exhibition process while providing artists from across the state an opportunity to exhibit their work alongside both established and emerging artists.
Unlike a traditional juried exhibition, every eligible submission will first be exhibited in the FRESH Open Survey before juror Lia Newman makes selections for the FRESH Juried Exhibition.
Artists may submit one artwork. All submitted artworks must be available for sale.
A portion of all artwork sales supports Artspace's mission, exhibitions, artist residencies, arts education, and community programs.
FRESH at a Glance
- Open to North Carolina artists age 18 and older
- Submit one artwork
- All eligible submissions are exhibited in the FRESH Open Survey
- Juror Lia Newman selects artworks for the FRESH Juried Exhibition
- Artwork must be completed between 2024–2026
- Artwork must be available for sale
- Cash awards totaling $2,000
- Entry Fee: $25 Artspace Members / $35 Non-Members
- Entry Deadline: August 7, 2026
How FRESH Works
Phase One: FRESH Open Survey
All eligible submissions will be exhibited in Artspace's main gallery spaces, Gallery One and Gallery Two, from September 3–October 18, 2026.
Phase Two: FRESH Juried Exhibition
After reviewing the FRESH Open Survey, juror Lia Newman will select artworks for the FRESH Juried Exhibition.
Selected works will remain on view in the FRESH Juried Exhibition in Gallery Two through December 31, 2026. Works not selected for the juried exhibition must be picked up by the artist or returned via shipping.
Artists are responsible for all transportation and shipping costs to and from Artspace. Artspace does not provide transportation services.
All artwork will be insured by Artspace while on display.
Juror
Lia Newman
Director & Curator of Art Gallery
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Davidson College
Entry Information
Entry Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
Application Fee
Artspace Members: $25
Non-Members: $35
Cash Awards
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
People's Choice Award: $250
FRESH Timeline
Artwork Delivery
Group A Drop-Off
August 10–16, 2026
Group B Drop-Off
August 17–23, 2026
* All participating artists will be emailed their group assignment after the close of this call.
FRESH Open Survey
September 4, 2026
First Friday Public Opening Reception
October 9, 2026
Notification of Juror Selections
October 18, 2026
FRESH Open Survey Closes (4:00 PM)
October 22–25, 2026
Pickup of Non-Selected Artwork
During public hours:
Thursday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM
Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM
FRESH Juried Exhibition
October 29, 2026
Preview Private Reception, Awards Announcement & Juror Remarks
November 6, 2026
First Friday Public Opening Reception
December 31, 2026
FRESH Juried Exhibition Closes (7:00 PM)
January 7–10, 2027
Artwork Pickup
During public hours:
Thursday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM
Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a current resident of North Carolina.
- Submit one original artwork created without the supervision of an instructor.
- Submit artwork completed between 2024 and 2026.
- Offer the artwork for sale.
- Ensure the artwork is available for the full exhibition period if selected.
Accepted Media
Two- and three-dimensional visual art in all media are welcome.
Video artwork is accepted; however, display equipment is limited. Artists should be prepared to provide a monitor, media player, or other specialized equipment if required.
Artwork Requirements
- Maximum dimensions: 36 inches wide × 72 inches high.
- Maximum weight: 50 pounds.
- Artwork must be ready for installation.
- All wall-mounted artwork must include secure hanging hardware.
- Works on paper, including photography and prints, must be framed or professionally mounted.
- Artwork must be labeled with:
Artist Name, Title, Medium, Retail Price
Failure to meet eligibility, presentation, or installation requirements may result in disqualification.