Where Stories Gather

About This Call

"Where Stories Gather" invites artists working in both two and three-dimensional media to explore the places, memories, objects, traditions, and encounters where narratives take shape. This juried exhibition celebrates artwork that holds meaning, sparks connection, and invites viewers to pause, listen, and discover the layered stories carried through form, material, color, and imagination.

Exhibit Theme: "Where Stories Gather"

"Where Stories Gather" invites artists working in both two and three-dimensional media to explore the places, memories, objects, traditions, and encounters where narratives take shape. Stories may gather in landscapes, homes, communities, personal histories, cultural symbols, or quiet moments of reflection. This juried exhibition celebrates artwork that holds meaning, sparks connection, and invites viewers to pause, listen, and discover the layered stories carried through form, material, color, and imagination.

Juror: Jenn Hall Tooke

Jenn Hall Tooke is a museum artist and community advocate who specializes in the interpretation and preservation of Montana's heritage. For over 10 years, she has worked primarily at southeast Montana museums—including the Waterworks Art Museum in Miles City and the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka—to bring local art, science, and history to resident and visiting audiences in tangible and memorable ways that inspire visitors' own creativity. Jenn enjoys using clues in natural environments to contemplate the visuals of bygone and unseen worlds. She uses her art to share those thoughts in both indoor and outdoor community spaces. Her educational and professional background in paleontology, geology, and museum studies inspires her work, which can be seen across the country at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, Edelman Fossil Park in New Jersey, the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum in California, and most recently through murals on the Miles City Downtown Art Walk. Her work can also be found in various print and online publications. For Jenn, southeast Montana represents a place of growth, healing, and potential. The communities of Miles City and Ekalaka have profoundly shaped her view of how art can entertain, educate, and unify. Listening to the voices of these communities drives her process in which she prioritizes local perspectives and attempts to respond with impactful art.

Awards

• Best in show: $300
• Honorable mention: $200
• Honorable mention: $150
• Honorable mention: $100
• Director's Choice: $150
• People's Choice: $100

About Waterworks

Miles City, Montana's WaterWorks Art Museum is located along the banks of the Yellowstone River. It was constructed in 1910 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. WAM's art galleries are housed in the renovated former water basins that produced Miles City's drinking water for over 60 years. Open to the public since 1977, WaterWorks Art Museum is a Non-Profit organization and open to the public.

Eligibility

Entries must be original works of art, entirely the entrant's work, and executed within the last two years.

Conditions

Entries will be selected for the exhibition from digital images only. Digital images are not to include matting or frame. Artwork must be a minimum of 12" on one side, height or width. Artwork should not exceed 60" in any direction. For best results, make sure your image is 1920 (min 800) pixels @ 72dpi on the longest side. Images should be in JPEG format, sRGB colorspace, and under 4 mb.

Traveling Collection

A committee will select approximately 25 pieces for a representative smaller exhibition that will travel to galleries/art centers in eastern Montana for the remainder of 2027. Please indicate if you wish to be considered for the traveling show when completing your entry. You will be asked before checking out. There is a size limitation on this collection.

Sales

• If artwork is sold, the Art Center will retain a 35% commission.
• All items sold included in the traveling collection must remain as part of the exhibition until its conclusion.
• All works will be available for purchase onsite and online. Work must be for sale.

Liability

By submitting artwork, the artist understands and agrees that the WaterWorks Art Museum is not liable for loss or any damage to artwork. All art will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Artwork is insured while at the WaterWorks Museum. Shipping insurance is the responsibility of the artist. While at the WAM, the art is insured.

Framing & Presentation

All 2D and 3D work must be ready to hang by gallery standards, if applicable. Frames must be in good condition and undamaged. Matting is optional. 3D work that hangs must have the appropriate device for installation.

Entering Your Images

All entries are submitted through OnlineJuriedShows.com. Click Enter This Show above and log in. Digital images of work submitted are to be included in the entry process. Submitted images must not include matting or frame. Be sure your pictures are right side up.

Delivery of Accepted Work

Accepted Works may be shipped via USPS / FEDEX / UPS or hand delivered to 85 Waterplant Rd., Miles City, MT. The artist will be responsible for all shipping costs and arrangements to and from the WAM. Shipped entries must be sent in reusable containers, as WAM will send each piece back in the original packing when available. Artists are responsible for arranging return shipping to the origin's address through their local USPS/FedEx/UPS or another shipping office. Shipping insurance is the responsibility of the artist. The WAM is not responsible for works lost, stolen, or damaged once picked up by the shipper. Artists not interested in the Traveling Collection are encouraged to include the return label with the shipment or provide the WAM with a prepaid label before the exhibition's close.