Material Conversations: Paper, Fiber, Surface

Overview

Material Conversations invites work that explores the expressive possibilities and relationships of paper, fiber, print, surface, and assemblage. Through papermaking, printmaking, weaving, stitching, folding, layering, binding, assemblage, sculptural construction, and other paper- and fiber-based processes, artists transform individual materials into works shaped by connection, repetition, texture, and form. The exhibition celebrates work in which material is integral to meaning.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: October 20, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: October 24, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 29, 2026
• Artwork Delivery: Must arrive by Saturday, November 7, 2026, by 4:00 pm
• Artist Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Eligibility

Open to artists nationally.

Media & Size

• Submit 1-3 images of eligible work (minimum 1, maximum 3)
• 2-D work: no larger than 60 inches on its longest side, including frame
• 3-D work: within 36"×36"×36"
• Eligible media include handmade and artist-made paper, paper assemblage and collage, fiber and mixed-media assemblage, folded/cut/layered/constructed paper, woven or interlaced paper and fiber, stitching/embroidery/fiber work on paper, paper and fiber sculpture, dimensional and relief work, printmaking incorporating paper or fiber, mixed media with significant paper or fiber, and textiles incorporating paper, pulp, or other fibers

Submission Requirements

All artwork must be original. 2-D artwork must be received ready to hang on standard picture hooks (no sawtooth hangers). 3-D works should be free-standing or hangable from the ceiling with a 20 lb. weight limit and must be stable. Setup diagrams must accompany multiple pieces and installation art. All work must remain in place for the duration of the show.

Entry Fee

$35.00 per submission.

How to Enter

Submit up to 3 entries electronically. Work can be dropped off at the gallery during operating hours, or shipped to the provided address (final day for drop-off and delivery: Saturday, November 7, 2026, by 4 pm). Complete details will be emailed to accepted applicants.

Notification & Pickup

Acceptance emails will be sent October 24, 2026. Artists will receive separate emails for accepted and declined artworks. Check spam filters for emails from Café, or view acceptance status in your Café account. Hand-delivered artwork can be picked up at the Core gallery Sunday, November 29 from 4-5 pm, or December 5-6, 1-4 pm. Shipped artwork will be sent after the exhibition closes (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery).

Juror

Rhiannon Alpers is a papermaker, letterpress printer, and book artist based in Portland, Oregon. She holds both a BA and an MFA in Book and Paper Arts and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collections of the Library of Congress, Stanford University, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, Colorado College, Colorado State University, and other public and private collections.

Contact

Core Art Space, 6501 West Colfax, Lakewood, Colorado. Phone: 303-297-8428. Email: [email protected]