Malleable

Umpqua Valley Arts presents an open call for their upcoming exhibit "Malleable," a juried exhibition focusing on soft sculpture art. Soft sculpture refers to three-dimensional works made from flexible materials like cloth, foam, or rubber that can take a mixed-media approach and are often malleable with drooping, sagging, and draping characteristics. These works challenge traditional notions of sculpture by using materials that emphasize natural forces like gravity, air, and heat, creating persistent rather than permanent art forms with metaphorical and metaphysical implications.

The exhibition is open to media and modes of making that emphasize soft materials, with acceptable media including cloth, foam, rubber, plastic, fiber, paper, wax, sand, and other similar materials. Artists may submit up to 3 pieces for consideration, with each piece limited to 2 images if showing multiple angles. Entries must be created with at least 50% nonrigid materials, completed within the last three years, not previously exhibited at UVA, and must not exceed 60" on the longest side, fit through a standard 3-foot wide door, and weigh less than 50 lbs.

Eligible to established, mid-career and emerging artists in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Entry fee is $15.00. Artwork may be for sale with UVA commission rates of 30% for members and 40% for non-members. Artists will be notified by April 21st, 2026, with art delivery May 25th-26th, opening reception May 29th, and exhibit running through August 14th, 2026.