The Enduring Spark: 100 Years of Black History

In honor of Black History Month 2026 and the centennial anniversary of the first official celebration of Black history in the United States, Gato Gordo Gallery invites visual artists to participate in a group exhibition reflecting on a hundred years of history, culture, and creative resilience. The exhibition draws inspiration from the original vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, whose work ignited a movement rooted in self-determination, cultural preservation, and historical truth.

Artists are invited to submit works exploring the spark (origins, beginnings, awakening, or the quiet power of ideas that ignite change), reflecting persistence (endurance, resistance, continuity, and the lived journey of Black communities across generations), or celebrating contributions (cultural, social, artistic, and historical contributions of the African diaspora, past or present). While the centennial provides the framework, literal historical representation is not required. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and personally, addressing history, identity, culture, ancestry, memory, joy, struggle, or future visions connected to Black experiences worldwide.

Submission deadline is January 3, 2026. Artists may submit up to 3 entries for $37. Any 2D or 3D art media is accepted, with a maximum size of 46 inches wide. All artwork must be available for sale. The exhibition runs from January 23, 2026 to February 28, 2026. Accepted entries must be hand-delivered on Monday, January 19 (11am-2pm) or Tuesday, January 20 (3pm-7pm) to 4600 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127, or shipped to arrive prior to January 20th. Artwork must be ready to hang with a hanging wire; if printed on paper, it must be framed. Gato Gordo Gallery retains a 40% commission on all sales. Unsold artwork may be picked up Sunday, March 1st or Monday, March 2nd (11am-4pm). Artists will receive a certificate of participation and be featured in the gallery's digital catalog.