The Back Alley Gallery
Show Dates
Friday, October 2, 2026 Doors open at 7PM until 10PM
Show runs until Sunday, November 15, 2026
Accepting submissions from June 8 - August 16 (11:59 pm), 2026
"Reflections"
The Back Alley Gallery invites artists of all disciplines to respond to the theme of Reflections — a word that holds multitudes. A reflection is physical: light caught in glass, shadow thrown acroos a wall, a still pool of water, a mirror catching an unexpected angle. It is also deeply personal: the quiet act of looking inward, of examing memory, identity and the self.
This exhibition welcomes work that operates in any register of that word. We are drawn to art that plays with the behaviour of light and shadows, to glasswork that refracts and transforms, to scultpure that commands space -- but we are equally moved by work that turns the gaze inward, that contemplates the self and examines ones thoughts. Open to artists working in all mediums; including but not limited to: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, glass, collage, textiles, mixed media, and installation. We seek art that makes a viewer pause, lean in, and see differently.
If your work asks what it means to reflect -- in any sense -- we want to see it!
Eligibility
Open to artists working in all mediums; including but not limited to: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, glass, collage, textiles, mixed media, and installation. AI Artwork is not eligible. Artwork must be originally created by the artist. Very Minimal AI can be used to enhance small parts of the existing work, but the majority of the work must be original.
All mediums are welcome, but must be wall hangable. All works, if selected must include the proper hanging hardware (ie. wire, D-Hooks, alligator hooks).
Submissions can include 1-3 pieces of completed work, although The Back Alley Gallery holds discretion as to how many pieces can be selected due to space constraints. Selected artists will be notified by Sunday, August 30 via email which will include all associated dates.
Artists will be responsible for getting their work to The Back Alley Gallery (341 Herkimer in the alley) by Wednesday, September 23.
All art sales are subject to 30% commission fees to the gallery.
Online submissions only.
Pay $35 submission fee here
Image Requirements
Submit up to 3 works. This call is open to all 2D and 3D mediums. Images should be cropped to feature art only or art in the frame as it will be displayed. Please do not include rendered backgrounds, mock-ups, art hanging on the wall.
For sculpture, 3D relief, collage and textiles work must be shown against as neutral a background as possible in order to effectively communicate the nature of the piece. You may include up to 3 angles of each piece. Ensure any background distraction is not included or eliminated as much as possible. Artists are welcome to submit outdoor sculptures in an outdoor context as long as the work is clearly visible. Additional video may be requested for further consideration.
Images must be provided in JPG format, 1000 pixels along the longest side to a maximum of 1MB in size. File to be named First name, Last name and Title, for example, PaulElia_FactoryTown.jpg.
* Accepted applicants agree images may be used on the The Back Alley Gallery and Art Circuit websites, social media and promotional materials.