Call for Entries: Declaration & Dialogue

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Declaration & Dialogue: Reflections on 250 Years

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Show Dates: July 10 – August 7, 2026

Featured Image: John Magnan, Colonize: 1600. Learn more HERE.

The Marion Art Center announces a call for entries to its upcoming juried summer exhibition, Declaration & Dialogue: Reflections on 250 Years. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we invite artists to engage deeply with what this milestone means now—through lenses of commemoration, critique, hope, and transformation. This exhibition seeks contemporary works that spark conversation, paired with historic artifacts or artworks on loan from private collections or institutions. All visual media is eligible—painting, sculpture, mixed media, video, or new media. Works should reflect the artist’s personal interpretation of the Declaration’s legacy—its ideals, challenges, complexities, or contradictions. Submissions may or may not offer political or social commentary; entries may reflect personal, aesthetic, emotional, or conceptual interpretations.

Artists may enter up to two pieces for the exhibition. Artists are asked to provide a short artist statement and/or description of artwork(s) or artifact(s), and to upload no more than 5 relevant images. Works that are not fully completed by the entry deadline will still be considered; images of works in progress are welcome. Those submitting artifacts may also use the form.

Questions to Consider
What draws you to this theme, and how does your work speak to the Declaration’s resonance today?
If applicable, how may your concept dialogue with historic artifacts in the exhibit?

Submissions will be Reviewed Based on:
Relevance and Depth: How thoughtfully the work confronts or converses with the Declaration’s meanings in a contemporary context
Creative Vision: Originality, clarity, and emotional or conceptual engagement.

APPLY

Important Dates:
– Applications are due no later than June 1, 2026
– Notification of acceptance by June 17
– Drop-off dates for artwork: Friday, July 3, 1-5pm and Tuesday, July 7, 1-5pm
– Show Dates: July 10 – August 7, 2026
– Opening Reception: Friday, July 10, 5:00-7:00pm (subject to change)
– Pick up of work: Saturday, Aug 8, 10am-2pm, Tuesday, Aug 11, 10am-2pm

Artists are responsible for safe delivery and removal of artwork(s). The MAC will retain a 40% commission on all sales.

One student prize will be awarded: One-year MAC membership at the student level and modest honorarium.

Please send questions to info@marionartcenter.org.