Oddities: The Realm of the Strange

Oddities: The Realm of the Strange invites artists to explore the strange and peculiar. This exhibition welcomes art in any medium that shines a light on the odd and quirky things that inhabit our lives or the farther reaches of our minds. Open mediums include taxidermy, creepy fiber arts, bone and skull art, photography, acrylic, oil, and more. A broad interpretation of the theme is welcome.

The exhibition runs March 3 - April 14, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, March 6, 6-8 p.m. Visual artists, sculptors, and photographers 18 and older from the Great Lakes Region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York) are invited to apply. Entry fee is $45. Each artist may submit 1-3 images of recent original artwork. All work must be gallery-ready and for sale (30% gallery commission applies). Shipped work must include a pre-paid return shipping label if the artist expects return at the end of the exhibit.

Cash awards total $1,400: Best of Show ($500), Second Place ($300), Third Place ($200), Viewer's Choice ($100), Two Honorable Mentions ($100 each), and Sponsor's Award ($100). The Sault Area Art Center is located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, inside the historic Alberta House, a block from the Soo Locks. By entering, artists grant SAAC the right to use images for digital and print promotional purposes, including social media. Artwork arrives February 18-22; pickup or artist-paid shipping occurs April 14-18.