17th Annual International Drawing Discourse Exhibition

As part of an ongoing commitment to promote drawing practices in the visual arts, the University of North Carolina Asheville invites artists to submit entries to a juried international exhibition of contemporary drawing. UNC Asheville seeks to examine drawing as it is practiced and defined by today's artists, demonstrating the continued significance of drawing through conventional and innovative methods. Accepted work will be exhibited in UNC Asheville's S. Tucker Cooke Gallery from January 16, 2026, through February 13, 2026. The exhibition is open to all artists who are 18 years of age or older, with work that is original and has not been previously exhibited at UNC Asheville.

Esteemed juror Katharine Stout will open the exhibition with a virtual lecture on January 16, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., followed by an opening reception in the newly renovated S. Tucker Cooke Gallery. Media is open to any traditional or experimental drawing media, welcoming two or three-dimensional works, video, and/or installation as long as it can fit through a doorway opening that measures 67" width x 117" height. $2000 in cash prizes will be awarded by the juror, and a purchase prize award will also be available for the permanent collection.

Each artist may submit one entry for a non-refundable fee of $30, with additional entries at $5 each (limit of 6 entries total). A full-color catalogue will be printed, with each exhibited artist receiving one complimentary copy. Sales will be encouraged with a 30% commission retained by UNC Asheville. Notification will be emailed no later than December 15, 2025, and accepted works must arrive ready to install between January 5-9, 2026.