Elegant Threads

Elegant Threads is an exhibition for artists who create fine wearables, wall installations, or unique surface designs. All mediums are considered for the following categories: wearable art, jewelry, accessories, contemporary art quilts, unique surface designs, and 3D sculptural pieces made primarily using fibers and upcycled found materials.

The exhibition runs September 7 through December 2, 2023, with a ticketed runway show on November 16, 2023. The application deadline is August 7, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. The entry fee is $40 for up to 3 entries. Artists may submit up to three works per application, including wearable and wall art. Submissions must include three digital images per work (front, back, and detail) saved as high-quality .jpg files at 2400 pixels on the longest side with 300 dpi resolution. All work must be original art by the applicant; no work made from commercial kits or artificial intelligence will be considered.

The exhibition offers $4,000 in awards across four categories (Clothing, Jewelry, Accessories, Non-wearable), with $1,000 per category: 1st Place $500, 2nd Place $300, 3rd Place $200. Notification of acceptance is August 10, 2023. Artwork must arrive at Lighthouse ArtCenter between 9 a.m.–5 p.m. August 28–30. An awards reception and guest lecture will be held October 19. Unsold pieces may be shipped or picked up by December 8. Wall pieces must not exceed 72" x 72" x 6" and must hang from a standard four-inch rod pocket or wire. 3D pieces must not exceed 60" x 36" x 36" and weigh no more than 35 lbs. without prior curator approval. All accepted work must be in pristine condition and show ready with a label securely fastened containing artist name, contact information, title, dimensions, media, and price or NFS. Artists are responsible for shipping and insurance. Lighthouse ArtCenter retains a 40% commission on sales; artists receive 60% and are paid within two weeks of exhibition close.