I Declare

The Worcester Center for Crafts' Krikorian Gallery presents I DECLARE - Juried Art Exhibition sponsored by the Black Artist Collective of New England. In 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence - a historic milestone in the narrative of freedom. It will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of what would become Black History Month, a century-long acknowledgement of the voices, struggles, achievements, and perseverance of Black America. As we approach this double edged moment in our natural history, we ask: What does freedom look like to Black America? Have we fully realized the American Dream, or does it remain a dream deferred? What are the contradictions or validations we see/experience as America celebrates its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?

We invite creatives, particularly those with lived experience as members of the African diaspora: visual artists, sculptors, photographers, mixed media creators, and interdisciplinary artists to submit work that reflects the paradox of the American Revolution - the fight for freedom alongside the continued oppressions of the "darker brother and sister." This exhibition seeks to confront the contradictions embedded in our nation's founding and reflect on the ongoing work to achieve the unfulfilled promises of liberty and equality. This is a juried selection process, and chosen works will be exhibited at the Worcester Center for Crafts for the month of February 2026.

The jury consists of Toby Sission (Associate professor and director of the Studio Art Program at Clark University), Deborah Hall (Founder and Director of the Worcester Black History Project), and Candace Casey (Krikorian Gallery Director at the Worcester Center for Crafts). Application fee is $25 for five pieces. Results will be announced by January 5, 2026, with work due in house by January 15, 2026. The show will be on view January 31 - February 28, 2026. All work for walls must be hang ready with wire, not alligators. Maximum size for textiles is 88"x90" and for other works is 65"x60".