Fall 2026 Principal Taylor Gallery Call for Entries

Taylor Gallery Exhibition at Principal // Call for Entries

Mainframe Studios is excited to announce a special opportunity and call for entries. Mainframe has been invited again to showcase up to 15 works by Mainframe artists in the Taylor Gallery at Principal Financial Group this fall.

The Taylor Gallery is viewed by over 8,000 employees each week, and Principal maintains a stunning art collection by artists from around the globe. Principal has interest in purchasing a work from this exhibition, and their employees are encouraged to support artists as well. While purchases are not guaranteed, in 2025, 5 of the 15 exhibited works were purchased!

The goal of the exhibition is to showcase 12-15 museum-quality, fine artworks that represent the diversity and artistry of Mainframe’s artists.

Beau Scott, M/A/S/S Gallery Owner, will serve as the curator. Please select 3 work samples for him to review. He will set up studio visits to make final selections so the exhibition is diverse of media and cohesive.

Selected works will be on display October 15, 2025 - January 15, 2027. All Mainframe artists are encouraged to submit up to 3 work samples for consideration.

All media of original works are eligible, and entry is free. Please note all online entries are due by Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM, and late submissions will not be accepted. Artists will be notified by Monday, September 14, 2026.

Eligibility & Exhibition Details:

Eligibility: Participating artists must be current tenants at Mainframe Studios.
Authenticity: All work must be original and created within the last 5 years.
All media will be considered except for works that require electricity or special installation. 3-D works will be considered and 4 pedestals available. Because this is a corporate setting, all works must be family and workplace friendly.
Works must be 36" or less in any direction and cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. *Some larger works may be considered, but space is very limited.
Exhibit-ready: All work must be museum quality and ready for display. *If you want to participate but have concerns about achieving this level, let's have a conversation so we can help get you there. Apply anyway!
All works must be for sale. Mainframe will not take a commission, and all inquiries will be directed to the artist.
Drop off: All accepted work must be delivered during the posted delivery time and must be ready to safely transport. Late delivery or unpackaged work will result in exclusion of the accepted piece from the exhibit.

Important Dates:

Tuesday, June 23 - Sunday, September 6, 2026 = Call for entries open from for Mainframe tenants only.
Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59pm = All online entries are due.
Monday, September 14, 2026 = Artists are notified.
September 14-28, 2026 = Studio visits occur and final selections are made.
Monday, October 12 or Tuesday, October 13, 2026 = All selected works must be delivered to M/A/S/S #245 at Mainframe and ready to transport and install.
October 15, 2026 - January 15, 2027 = Exhibition on view at the Taylor Gallery at Principal Financial Group in downtown Des Moines.
TBA = Special "Meet the Artists" programming will be announced at a later date.
Friday, January 22, 2027 = Works are available for pick up at M/A/S/S #245 at Mainframe in the afternoon.

Important Information & Agreement:

The exhibition is being supported by Mainframe Studios and M/A/S/S. Beau Scott of M/A/S/S will serve as the curator and Mainframe will coordinate all activities.
The works must stay up for the entirety of the exhibition. This is firm and no exceptions will be made.
Principal Financial Group insures all works while on display in the Taylor Gallery. Note that work is uninsured while being transported the 2 blocks from Mainframe to Principal.
Mainframe Studios will not take a portion of any sales and will have buyers contact the artist directly.
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.

I understand the above information.

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Cell Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Mainframe Studio #

Website or social media link

Please upload your 1st entry for consideration. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 1st entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price.

Please upload your 2nd entry for consideration by the curator. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 2nd entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price. Please include any special installation instructions.

Please upload your 3rd entry for consideration by the curator. File types accepted: png, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.

For the 3rd entry, please list the title, materials, size, year completed, and sale price. Please include any special installation instructions.

Selection Process

Selected works will align with the goal of the exhibition to showcase 12-15 museum-quality, fine artworks that represent the diversity and artistry of Mainframe’s artists. We are looking for art that is high caliber, engaging, and creates new relationships and conversations with other works on view.

Although decisions are based on these specific criteria, they do not reflect your value or talent as an artist. The selection of artists for this special exhibit will be made by curator Beau Scott of M/A/S/S, a gallery in Studio 245 at Mainframe, and in coordination with Julia Franklin, Executive Director of Mainframe Studios.

If you have questions, please reach out to Julia at julia@mainframestudios.org or to Beau at gbs@massdsm.org.

Thank you for participating in our "2026 Call for Entries!"