An Open Call to All DVAA Members:

A Note From the Gallery Director

Your feedback matters to us. In response to member concerns about the format of our members’ exhibitions, we proposed your suggested changes to the Exhibitions Committee, which have been approved. Moving forward, instead of having to update your member catalog in order to be considered for member exhibitions, you simply have to apply for the open calls the Exhibitions Committee puts out (for free of course). DVAA will still offer the same amount of member exhibitions per year, only now, members will be notified of the theme through a prospectus ahead of time and can apply with work they think is most relevant. The Exhibitions Committee will then review submissions and jury the exhibitions from there.

As we embark on the maiden voyage of the new open call format, please review the call for art for the next member’s exhibition to take place July 3 - 20 in Gallery 1.

DVAA OPEN CALL FOR ART FOR THE QUARTER 3 MEMBER EXHIBITION

Imaginary Portals: The Poetics of Space

In his book, The Poetics of Space, philosopher Gaston Bachelard considers how “Poetic reverie… provok[es] crises and ruptures that break the conjunctive tissue of time and carve open new spaces of becoming.” In other words, our imagination can augment space with new dimension. It can offer us portals of hope and comfort, and show us avenues toward a new world

In this call for art, we are asking DVAA members to explore these other dimensions of space that exist between our material world and our subconscious. These works—like portals—compel bodies, bend space, and create secret openings and alternate realities. This show travels across dimensions, with works that insist on taking up space be it metaphysical or material. We seek works that activate the gallery space in unexpected and disruptive ways.

Guidelines and Submission Requirements

All artwork must respond to the theme in some way. The theme can be interpreted in many ways and we look forward to seeing what it brings to mind for you.

Size restrictions There is a 36” limitation for wall-mounted artwork, with variable dimensions for non-wall-mounted submissions accepted on a case-by-case basis. We are also accepting video works which can be displayed on a monitor or projector. A list of our available pedestals is located here.
All work must be ready to install (framed, wired, ready for pedestal, etc)
No more than 4 artworks per submission, with up to 2 works accepted.
Members are not guaranteed acceptance into this exhibition. Work will be reviewed and selected by the curatorial subcommittee of the Exhibitions Committee.
All images should be labeled with the artist’s last name (eg. Smith_1, Smith_2)
Submissions are for DVAA members only and there is no submission cost

Important Dates

Application Deadline Wednesday, April 30

Artists Notification Sunday, May 18

Exhibition Dates July 3 - July 20, 2025

Opening Reception Saturday, July 5 from 4 - 7pm

Closing Reception Sunday, July 20 from 12 - 2pm

Artwork drop off at DVAA June 12th-22nd (Thursday through Sunday, 11-6)

Artwork pick up at DVAA July 23rd to the 27th (Wednesday through Sunday, 11-6)

SUBMIT HERE