Call for Entry: Unspoken
Unspoken
A 40 West Gallery Exhibition
KEY INFORMATION/DATES
· Submission Deadline: Sunday October 4th, 2026 at midnight
· Artist Notification Date: Week of October 11th, 2026
· Art Drop-off Date: Wednesday November 4th, 2026 between 1pm-3pm
· Art Hanging: Thursday November 5th, 2026 at 1pm
Art Pickup: Sunday November 29th, 2026 between 1pm-3pm
· Show Dates: November 6th - 28th, 2026
CREATIVE BRIEF
There are many ways to communicate without spoken words; gestures, visual imagery, written language, symbolism, texture (braille for example), sign language, facial expression. Unspoken can refer to the secrets we keep, the things we leave unsaid, or just plain silence. Unspoken can also imply the rules or social norms that most of us just know to follow. What does unspoken mean to you?
40 West Arts is looking for artwork that explores any and all aspects related to the theme “unspoken”. Artists of all levels of experience are encouraged to apply. All mediums considered.
SCREENING PROCESS
Submissions will be screened by a panel, including 40 West Arts curators and invited guest jurors, to ensure quality and applicability of work. Please note that depending on the number of submissions, our curation process, and other factors, not all submitted works are guaranteed entrance into our show. We will notify you within the timeframe indicated herein regarding the acceptance of your work(s).
Also note that while we strive to include works from as many artists as possible, please know that we do not tolerate submissions that promote hate, racism or violence against others. We reserve the right to refuse any submission that does not adhere to or promote our mission.
ELIGIBILITY
This exhibition is open to all professional and amateur artists. All mediums are welcome. Both 40 West Arts members and non-members are invited to submit work. We are unable to accept mailed artwork, you must be able to drop off your artwork at 40 West Gallery.
ARTWORK SUBMISSION PROCESS
Please ensure that you complete all three steps.
STEP ONE: Fill out the Unspoken Submission Form
STEP TWO: Pay your submission fees.
STEP THREE: Send JPEG images of each work submitted to submissions@40westarts.org with each JPEG titled as follows: first name_last name_name of piece_dimensions. (Example: Juan_Lopez_Stars and Lines_8x10.jpg) Please note that if your image is not properly retitled your submission is incomplete and you may be ineligible for this exhibition.
To rename JPEG files, right-click on the JPEG image on your computer, scroll down to ‘Rename’ and click, and then re-title your file with the correct naming convention).
Please include the exhibition name in your email subject line so it goes into the correct folder.
GUIDELINES: Artists are invited to submit up to four hanging OR three 3-D works via email for consideration. (See details below on how to submit digital images for jurying). Application fees for this show are $5 per item for 40 West members and $10 per item for non-members. FREE for youth (under age 21) artists and students. Become a member of 40 West Arts District at 40westarts.org (dues are only $40 per year). 40 West Arts will retain a 15% commission on all works sold. It is the artist’s responsibility to collect and remit local and state sales taxes for any work sold. All artwork must be framed and ready to hang (preferably with a wire), please include framing and matting in your artwork dimensions. Command strips are not accepted in the 40 West Gallery. Accepted art must reflect the image of the work that was submitted digitally for jurying. 40 West Arts reserves the right to reject any artwork not meeting these guidelines at any time. We will notify you within the timeframe indicated herein regarding the acceptance of your work(s).
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
· Hanging: 40 West Gallery relies on volunteers to assist our tiny staff with transitioning exhibitions. We strive to have a small team of artists assist us in hanging the exhibit. No experience is needed, the process usually takes under two hours, and staff will be on hand to help. Hanging will occur on Thursday November 5th at 1pm.
You will receive emails prior to all dates confirming final information and details.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS!
Questions? Email: info@40westarts.org | Learn more at 40WestArts.org