Community

We invite artists to submit work for an online, virtual exhibit exploring the theme of Community in all its forms—the bonds that connect us, the spaces we share, the tensions we navigate, and the ways we find belonging. Community can be a source of strength, identity, comfort, or conflict. Artists may explore connection and belonging through neighborhood life, chosen family, and moments of recognition between strangers. They may examine spaces we inhabit including public spaces, third spaces like cafes and barbershops, or virtual spaces where new forms of community emerge. The theme also encompasses boundaries and bridges—who is included and excluded, how community boundaries are drawn, and moments of bridge-building across difference.

Abstract and non-representational approaches are enthusiastically welcomed. Community need not be depicted literally—abstract work can engage through the interplay of multiple elements, layers suggesting accumulation or many voices, rhythm and repetition evoking collective ritual, or the relationship between negative space and form. Abstract work can capture the felt experience of community's energy, complexity, and emotional resonance in ways representational work cannot. All interpretations are welcome—celebratory, critical, nostalgic, hopeful, or ambivalent.

All media styles are accepted including photography, painting with oils or acrylics, encaustic, cold wax, pastels, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, mixed media, and digital art. Artists may submit up to 4 works with high-resolution JPEGs (300 dpi minimum, longest side at least 1920px) and a brief artist statement (150 words max). Selected work will be displayed on the Sync Gallery website from February 15 through March 20, 2026. Artists will be invited to a virtual reception with the jury to discuss selection criteria. Entry fee is $35.00 and the deadline is January 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST.