Zero Celsius

Zero Celsius is a call to artists who explore nature, climate and environmental issues in their creative practice. The exhibition examines winter as both material, concept and metaphor - fleeting, crystalline, silent, yet deeply tied to global systems of water, ecology, and human life. In our warming world, winter itself is becoming unstable, and this exhibition brings together artists working across sculpture, installation, sound, photography, and digital media to explore snow's fragility in the face of climate change. The call seeks work that shares the experience of winter as a symbol of purity, wonder, silence, and survival, hoping to raise awareness of the fragility of winter landscapes and inspire dialogue between art, science, and community.

Artists are invited to enter 2 or 3 innovative artworks of original design that push understanding about experimental art and design about 'winter' from aesthetic, material, conceptual, environmental, scientific, philosophical and/or poetic perspectives. The exhibition will show diverse contemporary interpretations across all disciplines including sculpture, 2D art, textiles, installation, industrial arts, interdisciplinary practice, and mechanical technologies. Artwork will be judged on strong craft, innovative design, thoughtfulness and pertinence to current dialogue about 'winter' in our contemporary world.

Selected artwork will be eligible for the onsite exhibition at Mad River Valley Arts gallery in Waitsfield, Vermont and at Sugarbush Mountain Resort from January 8-April 23, 2026. The juried exhibition will appear in Vermont press and an east coast art magazine. Prizes will be awarded: 1st place $225, 2nd/3rd place $200. Entry fee is $35 for up to two images, with a $5 fee for a third image. Artists must be over 18 and submit 3-5 images, artist resume, statement and bio. Artworks created within the last three years are preferred.