Criteria
The Art of Language is an exhibition about the intersection between the worlds of "fine arts" and the world of "language arts". Inspired by art movements like Bauhaus and Medieval illuminated manuscripts, to pictograph languages like pre-colonial Nahuatl and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, ArtServe is hoping for an eclectic show depicting all levels and forms of art syncretized with language. Graphic design, typography, written prose and poetry, to more physical acts of creation, like bookbinding and hand printing, are all acceptable. If you have any questions relating to a piece you intend to submit, please email curatorial@artserve.org. All submissions are due by Monday, May 25th, 2026, by 11:59pm.
Themes: language arts, graphic design, typography, lettering, poetry, fine arts, etc.
RULES AND GUIDELINES
Please Read Carefully:
- SUBMISSION FEE IS A FLAT FEE. YOU CAN SUBMIT UP TO FIVE PIECES IN ONE SUBMISSION.
- Entries must include images and must be accompanied by an artist’s statement (250 words), bio (200 words), and a detailed inventory list of the works, including price, materials, title of work, and dimensions of works. This material must be submitted in an editable format such as Microsoft Word.
- Please include a Headshot or similar image that represents the artist. Social media handles are encouraged but not required.
- Artwork must be original and made by the submitting artist
- 2d Artwork must be ready to install, wired, and/or suitable for hanging. If you have any questions, send a photo of your hanging apparatus to curatorial@artserve.org.
- 2d Artwork must not exceed 25 pounds
- 2d works should not exceed 60” wide. If you wish to submit a larger format, please contact ArtServe Curator for approval at curatorial@artserve.org.
- 3d Artworks are admissible pieces, please inform ArtServe Curator the weight of the piece in addition to the dimensions if it is over 25 pounds.
- Submission’s inventory list must include title, dimensions, medium, description, and price @ fair market value (including 35% gallery fee/sales tax) for each piece that is being submitted.
- Please include title of pieces with submission, either in by using photos on your inventory list, or including the title in some way when you submit your photos
- Artists are responsible for drop-off and pickup of art works, ArtServe is not able to provide shipping or transportation
- ALL artists are eligible regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.
- All artwork is subject to review & selection discretion by our curatorial team. Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the show. Artwork selection is based on relevance to the theme and stated criteria.
- Subject to submission, please include your preferred social media handle(s)
- THIS IS A PAID CALL TO ARTISTS - WE DO NOT REIMBURSE
- Members: $20 Submission Fee (non-members who pay at this level will not be qualified unless they become a member, or pay the rest of the submission fee).
- Non-Members: $40 Submission Fee
- NOTE: SUCCESSFUL SUBMISSIONS WILL RECEIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EMAIL. If you did NOT receive an email after submitting, either try again, or email curatorial@artserve.org. If you did not receive an acknowledgement email, you have not been charged.
DATES AND DEADLINES
Exhibition dates: June 26th – August 29th, 2026
Opening reception: Friday, June 26th, 2026, 6:00-8:30 pm
Submission Deadline: Monday, May 25th*, 2026, 11:59pm (*extended for Memorial Day Weekend)
Intake dates: Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 12th, 2026 [MUST BE SCHEDULED WITH CURATOR VIA EMAIL]
Outtake Dates: Monday, August 31st, 2026 - Friday, September 4th, 2026 [MUST BE SCHEDULED WITH CURATOR VIA EMAIL]
