"Kind of Blue"
CALL TO ARTISTS
Exhibition Dates:
June 2 through June 29, 2026
Hours:
Tues-Sat 10 am – 4 pm
WHAM Art Center
16560 N Dysart Rd, Surprise, AZ 85378
Call Description:
WHAM Art Center invites artists to explore the boundless inspiration of blue in its many shades, moods, and meanings. From the deep indigos of twilight to the delicate sky blues of a spring morning, this exhibit celebrates the power of color as a source of emotion, reflection, and imagination.
Inspired by the cyanotype process, know for its signature blue prints and experimental approach, we welcome works in all mediums - painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, and more. Artists art encouraged to embrace the spirit of cyanotypes: unconventional, experimental, and evocative.
Whether exploring the psychology of blue - its calm, melancholy, or meditative qualities - or simply reveling in the aesthetic beauty of the color, this exhibit is an invitation to let blue guide your creativity.
Entry Guidelines:
The exhibition is open to artists of all levels, ages 18 +, residing in the United States. All media are eligible, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, collage, and recycled or upcycled art. Both 2D and 3D works are welcome.
Artwork should be inspired by the color blue, its moods, symbolism, or the experimental spirit of the cyanotype process, through interpretation is open and flexible. All artwork must be original, created by the submitting artist, and completed within the past three years. AI-generated artwork is not eligible. Artwork previously shown at WHAM Gallery will not be accepted.
IMPORTANT DATES
Entry Deadline:
May 18, 2026 at midnight.
Notification to Acceptance:
May 24, 2026, midnight via email
DROP OFF and Installation:
WHAM on June 1, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm.
Deadline for shipped art:
All accepted, shipped artwork must arrive at WHAM no later than May 30, 2026.
Pick-Up Artwork:
June 30, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm.
Shipped artwork returned:
July 6, 2026 through July 13, 2026.
Exhibition Reception:
June 13, 2026 from 4 pm – 6 pm
Size & Weight:
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Wall-hung work may not exceed 4 feet in any direction and must weigh no more than 30 lbs.
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Free-standing work must be stable, fit through a standard 36" doorway, and weigh no more than 50 lbs. Larger free-standing works may be accepted if safely accommodated.
Presentation:
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Wall-hung pieces must be delivered ready to hang, equipped with a secure hanging wire as sawtooth hangers are not accepted.
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All work must be gallery ready and demonstrate good craftsmanship.
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Accepted works may not be substituted and must closely match submitted images as poorly presented work may be disqualified.
Submission Requirements:
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All entries must be submitted through EntryThingy. You can access it by clicking the button below. If you are new to EntryThingy, you can create a free account.
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Entry fee: $40 for five (5) entries. A series or set of related pieces may be submitted as a single entry, counted as one of the five. Payment of the entry fee signifies the artist's acceptance of all terms and conditions and is non-refundable. Submission of an application and fee does not guarantee acceptance. Online payment is by debit/credit card or PayPal only by paying here:
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All images must be JPEG or PNG format, between 1 MB to 5 MB with a resolution of 72 dpi.
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Each entry requires at least one image and the following information:
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Title
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Materials
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Dimensions (H x W x D in inches)
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Year completed
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Price (all entries must be for sale)
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Files should be labeled as FirstNameLastName__ EntryNumber.jpg (e.g., JohnSmith__2.jpg). These digital images are viewed by jurors and Curators during the selection process.
Questions?
Any questions about the exhibition entry process should be directed to Nicolas Flowers
nicolas.flowers@wham-art.org with the subject line "Kind of Blue" or by calling the WHAM Art Center at 623-584-8311