Textiles: The Language of Fiber

Surface Design Association's 2026 juried exhibition explores language in all its expressive forms: written, spoken, and illustrative. The exhibition, playfully titled T3%+!le$, seeks artists whose work engages broadly with ideas of communication—from poetry and prose to computer code, indexing, and archiving—as it relates to the grammar of textiles and the vocabulary of fiber. Artists working in text- and sound-based works, alternative signs and symbols, and processes that document making, individual moments, or longer histories are encouraged to apply. Submissions should evoke responses, provoke thought, and foster connections between textiles and language.

The exhibition will be on view from May 30 to August 15, 2026 at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, NY. Artists working in all fiber/textile media, methods, or processes are encouraged to apply. Selected works will demonstrate unique, well-developed artistic vision and innovation, and will include the best of contemporary fiber work. The exhibition is juried by Diana Weymar, an artist and activist who is the creator and curator of Interwoven Stories and The Tiny Pricks Project.

Entry fees are $40 for SDA members and $50 for non-members, with students receiving $15 off using code STUDENT. Up to 2 artworks may be submitted with 2-4 work samples total required. Awards include First Place ($400), Second Place ($200), Third Place ($100), and SDA Award of Excellence (one-year SDA membership). Entry deadline is March 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT, with notification of acceptance on April 13, 2026.