Word Play

Word Play invites artists to influence the viewer through the interplay between text and visual elements. Today, we no longer have the patience to read long blogs or books; we expect fast, attention-grabbing imagery and memes to stimulate our senses. In Word Play, we are looking for artworks that creatively engage with text, whether through words, letters, phrases, or entire narratives. The text can serve as a message, a visual texture, a conceptual element, or even as the main subject. We encourage submissions that explore the interaction between words and image, spanning themes such as language, identity, culture, politics, and beyond.

Ways in which artists may approach Word Play include but are not limited to: works that show the interplay of just one word with layered meanings or a multitude of words layered within imagery or creating their own imagery; works where imagery or word disrupt or disturb each other; artworks on surfaces that are normally associated with words such as books and magazines; artworks that marry word and imagery such as a gameboard, playing cards, puzzles, graphic novel, or comic strips; words woven into fiber art, embroidered or imprinted on self-designed fabrics; 3-D pieces that spell out words; or a blending of art and word through traditional or contemporary ink drawing and calligraphy. Word Play is an opportunity for artists to express the unique interplay between writing and art in the here and now where text contributes to or transforms the viewer's experience.

EXHIBITION DATES
November 15, 2025 - January 10, 2026

CATEGORIES ACCEPTED
Sculpture, painting, drawing, photo, printmaking, ceramics, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, multiple media

This exhibition cannot accept jewelry, video, film, performance art, works requiring an external electrical source and installation.

VENUE
Arc Gallery, 1246 Folsom St, San Francisco 94103

JUROR:
Jack Fischer, Jack Fischer Gallery, San Francisco
Jack Fischer opened his first gallery in the famed 49 Geary building in San Francisco in 2002. His journey into the art world was circuitous. His first connection was with Creativity Explored, the iconic San Francisco non-profit supporting and exhibiting developmentally disabled artists. Their art has been referred to as 'outsider art', but Jack always points out that this is a false distinction. They are artists producing art.

Since formally entering the gallery world in 2002, Jack has expanded several times. He moved from a small space at 49 Geary to a larger gallery there. In 2007, he opened a stand-alone gallery at 311 Potrero Avenue. When Minnesota Street Project (MSP) opened in 2016, Jack opened a small satellite space there. Then, in 2017, he consolidated his two galleries into a larger space at MSP. He has been there for eight years. Recently he moved into one of the large, signature gallery spaces there.

All along Jack has been known for providing exhibition opportunities for many overlooked artists. His eclectic sensibility has brightened the San Francisco art scene for over twenty years as he has evolved into one of the more important voices in our art community.

AWARD
A $250 check, juror's award ribbon, recognition certificate, and the show catalog will be awarded to three works selected by the juror, that express the most imaginative interpretation of the theme.

CATALOG
All artwork selected, both gallery and online, will be included in the exhibition catalog. Catalogs will be available for purchase online.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
Works must be submitted online by Monday, September 8, 11:59 PM, 2025 in your time zone to be considered by the juror.

ELIGIBILITY
Artists residing in the United States.

ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE
2-Dimensional Work: Height 60 inches, Width 40 inches - including frame
3-Dimensional Work: Must fit pedestal sized 16 inches x 16 inches or take up no more than 4 feet of gallery floor space.

ARTWORK PRESENTATION
Artworks must arrive ready to hang and be presented professionally. Framed artwork must use wood frames in black, white, or natural wood finishes, or metal frames in black, grey, white or natural metals finishes. No color mats. No glass, plexi only.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Provide a statement about how your work relates to the title of the show.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS
Submit JPG images sized approximately 4 inches wide x 6 inches high at 300 dpi resolution. In order to upload successfully, your image must be at least 1200 pixels wide. The maximum uploadable file size is 8 megabytes. High-resolution images are requested for catalog production and printed publicity of accepted works. Works displayed on-line will be reduced to web-standard low resolution by Arc. All images must be submitted in RGB color mode. You will NOT be able to upload images in CMYK. Your JPG file name must be Artist's Last Name, under-score, and Title. Example: Smith_ScratchMarks2.JPG. You may upload up to three additional views per piece if you have a difficult-to-photograph work such as sculpture or artist's book.

NON-REFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE
Payment of $35 per entry. An entry consists of one to three submissions of images. A maximum of two entries per person is allowed. Credit card payment through Paypal only. You do not need a Paypal account to pay through Paypal.

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS:
Monday, October 6, 2025. All artists who have submitted artwork will be notified by email. You will receive notification even if no artwork has been selected. If you do not receive notice by October 6, please check your email spam folder and contact us.

HAND-DELIVERY OF ARTWORK
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5-7PM and Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11AM-1PM. Delivery must be scheduled in advance through Signup.com. IF YOUR ARTWORK IS ACCEPTED FOR THE ONLINE GALLERY ONLY, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DELIVER YOUR ARTWORK.

SHIPPING OF ARTWORK
All shipped artwork must be received between Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 7, 2025. Shipped works will be shipped back by Friday, January 16, 2026. Artists are responsible for the cost of shipping. Work must be accompanied with a UPS or FedEx prepaid return label or it will not be exhibited. Put an envelope inside your box titled 'return envelope' with the return label. Include any special hanging instructions. The maximum shipment weight including packing materials and crate must not exceed 40 pounds. Work must be sent in reusable packaging with no styrofoam packing peanuts. Glass or ceramic sculptures and other fragile works must be double-boxed and sufficiently padded to prevent damage in transit. Arc Gallery is not responsible for damage caused in transit.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
Artwork is insured only while on the premises of Arc Studios & Gallery from November 12, 2025 to January 16, 2025 and according to the terms of our fine arts insurance policy. The coverage is limited to 50% of the selling price of the artwork, cost of repair or replacement cost (whichever is less) up to a maximum of $5,000.

PICK-UP OF ARTWORK
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 3-4 PM and Sunday, January 11, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM. Pick up must be scheduled in advance through Signup.com. Artwork left behind may be subject to a late fee of $50 per day.

SALES OF ART
60% of the sale will go to the artists, 40% of the sale will go to Arc. Items sold must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.
Arc will mail a check to the artist for any sold artwork within six weeks after the close of the show.

QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] with any questions. If you would like to talk to us by phone, please include your phone number in your email.