We the People

Overview

Studio Montclair invites artists to submit work that illustrates fellow citizens living their lives and participating in the 250-year-old experiment in democracy that is the United States of America. Work should respond to the goals outlined in the U.S. Constitution's Preamble: forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for common defense, promoting general welfare, and securing liberty for present and future generations. Artists are encouraged to think creatively when choosing which aspect to depict. Juror: Jeremy Moss, curator and multi-discipline artist.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: July 31, 2026
• Notification: week starting August 14, 2026
• Hand delivery to Leach Gallery: Friday, September 4, 3–6pm or Saturday, September 5, 10am–12pm
• Shipping delivery (if applicable): by Thursday, September 10, end of day
• Exhibition: September 18 to October 23, 2026
• Opening reception & cash awards presentation: Friday, September 18, 6–8pm
• Artwork pickup: Friday, October 23, 3–6pm or Saturday, October 24, 10am–12pm

Eligibility

Open to all artists internationally. This is an open call with cash awards.

Media & Submission

• Maximum 3 submissions per artist (1 submission limit, but up to 3 works total)
• Up to 3 JPEG images, 3 audio files, and/or 3 video files (1–3 works total)
• JPEG images must be at least 300 dpi and minimum 1600 pixels on the longest side; lower resolution accepted but cannot be used for publicity
• Work previously shown in any Studio Montclair exhibition will not be accepted
• No giclee reproductions of original art accepted
• Submit work that will be available for the duration of the exhibition; no substitutions after selections are finalized

Fees

• Studio Montclair Members: no charge
• Non-members: $42

Sales & Commission

30% donation will be retained by Studio Montclair on all sales. Works will be sold at the price indicated on the entry form; no price changes permitted after acceptance. Mark works as NFS (not for sale) if applicable.

Gallery Sitting & Insurance

Exhibiting artists residing within 25 miles of Leach Gallery are required to gallery sit for a minimum of two hours during the exhibition. Artists unable to gallery sit may pay a $40 fee to cover hiring a sitter. "Artist in the House" marketing will be provided to all gallery-sitting artists. Studio Montclair does not provide insurance for theft, loss, or damage in transit or on display; artists should insure their work if necessary.

How to Enter

Submit online via CaFE only. Entering your work constitutes acceptance of all requirements in this prospectus. Add exhibits@studiomontclair.org to your contact list to ensure you receive notifications. Studio Montclair reserves the right to photograph and use accepted work for documentation, website, publicity, social media, or catalog purposes.