CALL FOR ART- Room of Wonders: A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities

Juried Group Exhibition at the R Gallery at Arlene’s

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IMPORTANT DATES:

Show Dates: Friday, October 2, 2026, through November 18, 2026,

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm

Submission Deadline: Saturday, July 18, 2026, by 5 pm (EST)

Artists Notified: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Juror: The R Gallery at Arlene’s Staff
 

The R Gallery at Arlene’s invites artists to submit work for Room of Wonders, a juried group exhibition inspired by the historical Cabinet of Curiosities. This exhibition will transform the gallery into a contemporary Wunderkammer—a space of marvels, mysteries, and unexpected connections.

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What we are looking for-

Artists are encouraged to submit works that evoke curiosity, wonder, strangeness, or discovery. Submissions may respond to one or more of the traditional Wunderkammer categories:

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• Naturalia — nature, organic forms, ecology

• Artificialia — crafted or altered objects

• Exotica — cultural hybridity, unfamiliarity

• Scientifica — observation, measurement, experimentation

• Mirabilia — the marvelous, uncanny, or extraordinary

 

Works may be literal, conceptual, or interpretive. All media are welcome.

 

Eligibility

Open to artists 18+ working in any medium, including but not limited to- painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, assemblage, mixed media, digital art, and small installations.

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Submission Guidelines:

• All artists wishing to participate in the Room of Wonders: A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities must submit a complete application prior to the deadline of Saturday, July 18, 2026, by 5 pm (EST), and be selected by our juror, the R Gallery at Arlene's Staff. Any incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Selected artist will be notified by Saturday, August 1, 2026. 

• Artists can submit up to three works.

• Submissions are open to all 2D and 3D media including, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, fiber art, sculpture, assemble, etc.

• All artwork must be original and created by the artist

• Artwork submitted must be the artwork displayed in the exhibition, no expectations.

• Artist's will be asked to submit an Artist Statement and Artist Biography

• Artworks should be no larger than what can be reasonably accommodated in a dense, salon‑style installation.

• Image file size must be at least 300 dpi and labeled in the following format: FristNameLastName_Title.jpg or FristNameLastName_Title.png. 

• Exhibition List: A PDF document that includes all the information for each piece you’re submitting. It should list the artist’s name, titles, mediums, sizes, year made, and prices for each work (including the 40% commission).

• All 2-dimensional work must be properly framed and ready to hang with appropriately installed hanging hardware at the time of drop-off. NO clip frames or sawtooth hangers. 

• Artists whose artwork has complicated installation instructions must contact the Andrew, at arlenesartist@gmail.com, prior to submission to ensure we can accommodate your request.

• All artwork must be clearly labeled on the back or underneath with the artist’s name, title, medium, price, email address, and phone number.

• The artist will receive 60% of sold artwork with a 40% commission going to the R Gallery at Arlene’s.

• All artwork must remain on display for the duration of Room of Wonders: A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities- Friday, October 2, 2026, through Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

• Artwork pick up is between Thursday, November 18, 2026, and no later than Saturday, November 28, 2026, during store hours, no exceptions.

 

Artists must adhere to the aforementioned guidelines to ensure eligibility. For questions about Room of Wonders: A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities or the application process, please contact us at arlenesartist@gmail.com.