Call for Art: Beyond - Tapestry Expanded
Entries open: 01.09. - 15.10.2023
Richard E. Peeler Art Center, US

The Exhibition

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded seeks work from artists that explore the expansive properties of tapestry. Using the definition of tapestry as a nonfunctional, handwoven pictorial structure, artists are invited to submit work that explores and pushes this definition. Artists who are combining both hand and digital processes, using non-traditional materials, creating three-dimensional forms, or are incorporating multi-media components, including sound, video, performance are highly encouraged to submit work.

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded will be exhibited at the Peeler Art Center at DePauw University from August through December of 2024. Jurors for the exhibition are Jade Yumang, Associate Professor of Fiber & Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Alexa Griffith Winton, co-curator of the upcoming Dorothy Liebes exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt. Artists selected by the jurors will be exhibiting alongside a curated selection of artists by Erica Warren, a former curator with the Art Institute of Chicago. Awards will be given at the discretion of the jurors for artists demonstrating expansive conceptual and technical approaches in tapestry.

Entries close October 15, 2023. A catalog will accompany the exhibition. The exhibition is organized by the American Tapestry Alliance. Artists do not have to be a member of the American Tapestry Alliance to submit work.

To Apply

Visit: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=12031. Please follow instructions on CaFE regarding image specifications. Applicants may submit up to three works for consideration. Applicants will need to provide the following materials:

• Images for up to three works
• Artist statement related to the work submitted
• Brief artist biography (2-3 sentences)
• Title, media, size, and year completed for each work submitted
• Contact information including website and social media handles
• Application fee of $45 for ATA members $65 for non-members

 About the American Tapestry Alliance

The American Tapestry Alliance is an international organization dedicated to promoting tapestry as an art form. In addition to organizing exhibitions featuring contemporary tapestry weavers, ATA provides educational support through a variety of educational programming that include workshops and lectures. ATA also supports emerging artists through various awards and educational scholarships.

Eligibility

Artists from any location may apply. Please note that artists are responsible for shipping their work to and from the exhibition venue. Members of the American Tapestry Alliance receive a discount for entry, but membership is not required to enter.

Media

Using the definition of tapestry as a nonfunctional, handwoven pictorial structure, artists are invited to submit work that explores and pushes this definition as well as demonstrating a strong understanding of woven structures and tapestry techniques. Work incorporating multi-media, including sound, video, performance is highly welcome. Examples include work constructed on a TC2 loom; work woven in the round, or dimensionally and/or off the grid; work utilizing non-traditional materials such as sisal, recycled materials, fiber optic or responsive materials, and interactive or experiential approaches that may include installation, sound, and/or video, etc. While there is no size restriction, artists whose practice includes installation-oriented work and are flexible in exhibiting at a reduced scale are more likely to be selected.

Please note that commissioned work designed but not executed by the artist (such as woven work produced on industrial looms that have not been altered, manipulated, etc. by the artist’s hand), is not eligible for inclusion. Work must be completed within the last three years.

Exhibition Location
The Richard E. Peeler Art Center
DePauw University
10 W. Hanna St.
Greencastle, IN 46135

The Peeler Art Center offers over 7,000 square feet of gallery space and is a part of DePauw University. Featuring curated and solo exhibitions, the Peeler Art Center provides extensive programming to support the college community of students, faculty, and staff as well as the town of Greencastle, and the surrounding region. Located within an hour of Lafayette, Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Terre Haute, Greencastle offers small town charm and hospitality. Visitors can take advantage of amenities that include local dining that feature locally sourced and produced menu items, a nearby nature park consisting of 520 acres, and multiple festivals throughout the year including the renown Covered Bridges Festival.

Important dates:

Oct 15, 2023-Entries close
Nov 15, 2023-Juror Notifications sent to selected artists
Dec 1, 2023-Acceptance of Participation by artists
April 1, 2024-Deadline to submit any edited materials requested by catalog designer
Aug 1, 2024-Deadline for artwork to be delivered to Peeler Art Center
August 26, 2024-Exhibition opens
Dec 10, 2024-Exhibition closes
Dec 20, 2024-Artwork returned to artists

Events

Several events are being organized in conjunction with the exhibition including an opening reception, curatorial talk, juror award presentation, and multiple workshops that will be open to the public. Finalized dates will be communicated to the artists by April 1, 2024. 

Press & Promotions

The American Tapestry Alliance is committed to promoting and elevating contemporary work in tapestry. In addition to a catalog featuring all artists included in the exhibition, ATA will be promoting the exhibition in regional and national art publications.

Awards

Several monetary awards will be given to artists demonstrating expansive conceptual and technical approaches in tapestry. Additional details will be announced in the spring of 2024. Awards will be announced in September of 2024.

Conditions

The American Tapestry Alliance reserves the right to refuse any work which differs from the submitted images. Additionally, if an artist rescinds their work and is not able to deliver their work for the exhibition after confirming their participation, the artist will not be eligible to enter future exhibitions organized by the American Tapestry Alliance. All accepted entries will be considered temporary loans to the Peeler Art Center who will assume insurance responsibility for the artwork upon receipt and inspection, and during the exhibition. The American Tapestry Alliance and the Peeler Art Center is not liable for any claim for loss, theft, or damage of any kind during transportation. The Peeler Art Center will exercise professional care in handling and is not responsible for minor wear resulting from normal handling.

Presentation

There is no restriction to size. All selected work must be delivered in its final state ready for installation or hanging. Please do not send any glass framed work. Plexiglass is acceptable. Work must be clearly identified with the artist’s name and title of the work. Artists will need to provide a list of items (monitors, projectors, speakers, etc.) that are needed to fully execute the installation. Artists will also need to provide detailed installation instructions, including any images, along with any specialty hardware or other items.

Shipping

Artists are responsible for shipping their work to and from the Peeler Art Center. Return shipping label must be included with shipped work. Work may be shipped USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Artists interested in using professional art handlers will need to call the museum registrar to arrange arrival and pick-up dates and times. A loading dock is available for larger work.

Sales

No work will be listed for sale as neither the Peeler Art Center nor the American Tapestry Alliance handles sales of art. However, artists who provide a preferred method of contact will be contacted directly by anyone seeking to purchase work.