Opportunity Summary
Artspiration Frederick is pleased to announce a call for artists for Shades of Black: A Celebration of History. A Vision for the Future, a juried exhibition presented in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibition will be on display at the Artspiration Frederick Gallery from February 5 through February 28, 2027.
Shades of Black is an exhibition dedicated to celebrating the creativity, perspectives, experiences, history, culture, and artistic excellence of Black artists. Eligibility for this exhibition is limited to artists who identify as Black or of African descent.
Artists are invited to submit original works that reflect the breadth and diversity of Black artistic expression. Work does not have to address Black history or identity specifically; the exhibition is intended to create space for Black artists to share their individual artistic voices, perspectives, and creative practices.
Shades of Black: A Celebration of History. A Vision for the Future recognizes that Black art cannot be defined by a single subject, style, history, or experience.
The exhibition is designed to celebrate the individuality of Black artists while collectively recognizing the profound influence of Black creativity on our communities and culture. By bringing together artists working across mediums, generations, experiences, and perspectives, Shades of Black will honor the histories that have shaped Black artistic expression while creating space for artists who are defining what comes next.
The exhibition is both a celebration of legacy and an investment in the future, providing Black artists with a platform to be seen, celebrated, and heard.
Juror: To be announced
Important Dates
- Exhibition: February 5–28, 2027
- Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027
- Opening Reception: February 13, 2027
- Juror Notification: January 21, 2027
- Artwork Drop-Off: January 31 (noon–5:00), February 1 (10:00–4:00), February 2 (10:00–4:00)
- Deadline for Shipped Artwork: Must arrive by February 1, 2027
- Artwork Pick-Up: February 28 (4:00–5:00 p.m. only), March 1 & 2 (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
The Artspiration Frederick Gallery is free and open to the public and handicap accessible.
Application Requirements
- All entries must be completed online by 11:59 EST on January 15, 2027, through CaFÉ. You will need to set up a free account at callforentry.org
- A nonrefundable $35 entry fee is required at the time of application.
- All artwork must be for sale; 60% to artist, 40% to Artspiration
- All 2-dimensional works must be properly framed, and a wire for hanging must be attached securely to the back. Absolutely no sawtooth hangers.
- All accepted work must have a label securely attached to the back (2D) or base (3D) with Artist Name / Title of Art / Price
- Prices in your CaFE portfolio must be correct; price changes will not be accepted once a piece is entered
- You must submit a high-resolution image (300 dpi) for the jury process
- Shipping materials will be kept for returning shipped work; only boxes, crates, and bins with proper labels will be kept for repackaging. No packing peanuts.
- Artists remain responsible for retrieving unsold artwork; work not retrieved within 14 days after the agreed pickup date incurs a $50/day storage fee
- Open to visual artists 18 years and older residing in the continental US
- Artists may submit up to 3 works
Eligibility Criteria
This call is specifically reserved for Black artists. Applicants must self-identify as Black and/or of African descent to be eligible for consideration.
Artists of varying backgrounds within the Black diaspora, career stages, artistic disciplines, and levels of professional experience are encouraged to apply.
Selection for the exhibition will be determined through a juried process, and submission does not guarantee acceptance.
All media welcome (2D, 3D, ceramics, sculpture, photography, mixed media, etc.). Work must be original and exhibition-ready. All artwork must be for sale.