2026 Winter/Summer Call for Art
THELMA Galleries is now accepting submissions for curated themed group exhibitions and solo exhibition proposals. The exhibitions are planned for January - September 2026. The submission deadline is June 20th with a submission fee of $25. All submissions will be reviewed and equally considered after June 20th. Notifications will be sent July 20st, 2025 via email. Works in all media will be considered (see eligibility policy below for details). Exhibitions will span a six-week period. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Themed Group Exhibitions Opportunities - Winter / Summer 2026
The themes for two group exhibitions in 2026 are as follows:
● Elemental: Elemental invites artwork that explores the fundamental elements of Earth - earth, water, fire, and air - through their unique creative lenses. The exhibition aims to delve into the primal forces that shape our world, both in their physical and symbolic forms. Whether abstract or representational, each piece should reflect the interconnectedness and transformative power of these elements.
● Fragmented: Fragmented invites artwork that is or was in pieces such as memories, relationships, artistic techniques that utilize pieces such as collage, or an idea or concept that is incomplete or broken.
Themed Group Exhibition Opportunities - Winter/Summer 2026
Themed Group Exhibitions - How to Apply
Please complete an exhibition for the themed group show of your choice by the deadline:
● Elemental - group exhibition submission form.
● Fragmented - group exhibition submission form.
The submission form will require one image per artwork submission. Only one artwork is required for submission, but the artists may submit up to three artworks per paid submission fee. Please be provide the following information for each artwork: title of artwork, year, medium, dimensions, price/NFS, an artist statement and an artist bio.
Submissions will only be reviewed if the fee has been paid in the artist’s name via this link.
Solo Exhibition Proposals - How to Apply
To apply for a solo exhibition, please email the following as one PDF file to Thelma Galleries Curator Shannon Kupfer at shannon@thelmaarts.org with the subject line “Winter/Summer 2026 Solo Exhibition Proposal”. If the file is too large for email, send a link to a cloud service such as Google Drive.
1. Artist name, contact information, and brief bio
2. Artist statement and/or exhibition statement
3. 15-20 high quality images of proposed work with title, media, size, and date near the picture or included as a separate image list with thumbnails
4. Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Submissions will only be reviewed if the fee has been paid in the artist’s name via this link.
Eligibility
THELMA welcomes art by all artists from our local community and based in the Midwest. We accept artworks for artists residing in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota.
Due to wall size restrictions, artworks must be no larger than 6’ horizontally and under 75 pounds in weight, unless delivered to and picked up from our gallery by the artist. Artists may be additionally responsible for the installation of oversized works.
New media artworks are eligible. To be considered, artists must submit a sample .mp4 or URL under 10 mins for purposes of consideration. For the exhibition, THELMA requires a digital transfer (Google Drive, Vimeo downloads, WeTransfer) as well as a USB formatted in .mp4 file format delivered to the gallery. THELMA can provide a limited number of screens and projectors with basic speakers. All other new media needs are the responsibility of the artist.
Art Sales
Accepted work may be listed for sale or not for sale (NFS). THELMA will retain a 30% commission on sold works. Work remains the property of the artist until sold. Sold artworks shall remain in the exhibition until the end of the exhibition. Artists will be paid no later than 30 days after the close of the exhibit. Artists may donate any portion of their commission to Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Exhibition Marketing
THELMA Galleries reserves the right to create all marketing materials for the exhibition including but not limited to: postcards, posters, social media graphics, wall mounted statements, and exhibition materials otherwise.
Terms of Exhibition
An artist contract with full terms of the exhibition will be administered at the time of acceptance notification.
Insurance
All artwork is fully insured by THELMA while on site.
Artwork Delivery and Retrieval
Artists are responsible for the delivery of artwork to and from the gallery. Artists need to retrieve their work by the date noted in the artist contract or make alternate arrangements. THELMA is unable to store work beyond the pick-up date. Artists may donate their art to THELMA's fundraising efforts if unable to pick it up. THELMA is happy to talk through preparations, offer advice, and recommend resources as requested.
We thank you for sharing your art with us!
About THELMA
Since 2000, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts has celebrated regional artists in two gorgeous gallery spaces (known as THELMA Galleries) located in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Hosting solo exhibitions and themed group exhibitions, THELMA Galleries provides established and emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork and spark inspiration for central-Wisconsin communities.