Portrait Call for Art is now OPEN

Throughout history, artists have created portraits for both utility and expression. Portraiture has been known to capture identity and likeness, documents history and culture, serve as a symbol of power, status or virtue, and even expresses the emotional and psychological insight of its subject. What purpose do portraits serve today? Is a portrait a reflection in a mirror, or does it capture what the mirror cannot? Do portraits need to be realistic and recognizable, or can a portrait be abstract and non-objective?

Important Dates

Exhibit runs: October 9th-December 5th
Submissions open: July 24th
Submissions close: September 20th
Artwork Drop-off: October 5th, 12-4pm
Opening Reception: October 9th, 6-9pm
Artwork Pick-up: December 7th, 12-4pm

We’re looking forward to seeing what you create. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the submission guidelines prior to completing the submission form.

Submission Requirements:

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to artists age 18 and older.

  • All artwork must be hand-delivered, we do not accept shipped work. Please confirm you can deliver and pick up in person before applying.

  • Work must be original and created by you.

  • Work previously exhibited at Water Street Studios is not eligible.

ENTRY FEE

  • $35 for non-members, $25 Water Street Studios Annual Members, Resident Artists, Clay Makers, and Artist Collective.

    • This is a flat fee per artist, whether you submit one work or two.

    • Fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee acceptance.

    • Make your payment HERE.

SIZE LIMITS

2D work - Choose one of the options below:

  • Two works whose width add up to 40” or less, OR

  • One work up to 36” wide

3D work:

  • Up to two works, which together must fit within the footprint of a 12”x12” pedestal

  • We will provide a pedestal unless we notify you otherwise.

HANGING REQUIREMENTS

  • Artwork must arrive ready to hang. Canvas does not need to be framed, but must have picture-hanging wire securely attached across the back. Wire should be strung between two D-ring hooks or screw eyes, not saw-tooth hangers.

SUBMISSION PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

  • Please upload a .jpg or .png file

  • Please name each file ArtistName_ArtworkTitle_ExhibitName

    • Ex: PabloPicaso_GuitarPlayer_Portrait

  • Shoot against a plain, neutral back ground in even lighting, with the artwork filling most of the frame. Accepted artwork may be featured in our advertising our social media.

JURYING

  • This show will be juried by the Community Gallery Committee. For questions about the jurying process please visit out main landing page here.

IMPORTANT DATES

Exhibit runs: October 9th-December 5th
Submissions open: July 24th
Submissions close: September 20th
Notification of Acceptance: September 25th*
Artwork Drop-off: October 5th**
Opening Reception: October 9th, 6-9pm
Artwork Pick-up: December 7th**

*Notifications may arrive after business hours, please check your spam folder.

**Artwork must be dropped off and picked up according to this schedule. Our storage space is limited. Any artwork not collected by January 7th, 2027 will be considered abandoned.

Ready to submit your work? Please fill out the form below. You will not receive an automatic email confirmation upon completion.

For any questions please contact Caitlin at gallery@waterstreetstudios.org