About the Open Call

Application Requirements: Artists living in the U.S. who are using paper as a primary medium, or as a substrate. All entries to PAPER : OF & ON exhibition must be the original work of the artist. AI works will NOT be excepted. Artist will be allowed to submit up to 4 works. Open to all traditional & non-traditional visual artists. All media & genres welcome as long as artist is using paper as their main surface or material. Rules and Terms: National Competition for Artists creating works on, with, or of paper. Artists using paper as their main surface or material. Juried selections will be featured in the Kennedy Gallery, NMHU. We ask that artists refrain from sending larger work, 36″ in width. If chosen, artist will be contacted via email. Exhibition Dates: MARCH 9 – APRIL 30. Reception: MARCH 12 2026. Maximum 4 Submissions. All work must be the original work of the artist. AI works will NOT be excepted. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to display works for sale. Artists are responsible for delivery/transportation to and from Kennedy Gallery. Some short-term storage is available for pick up arranged ahead of time. Artists are required to deliver work with Artist’s name, title, email and phone number secured to back/bottom of each piece. Paper works can be mounted to panels or framed. Works must be wired ready to hang on the wall; D-rings & wired (we discourage the use of saw tooth hangers). Without a wire or hanging device, staff can choose not to include works. Works can be hung with super magnets; artist must supply magnets. Kennedy Gallery takes 25% commission. Artwork exhibited in the Kennedy Gallery is insured for the duration of the exhibit. (Artist is responsible for insuring art during delivery/transportation/shipping.) The Gallery will retain the submitted images of artwork and reserves the right to use the images in publications and gallery publicity. Beyond such use, the artist retains full copyright of exhibited work. Work that is not picked up or does not have return postage will become property of the Foundation to be used at our discretion.

What is Offered

Exhibition opportunity in the Kennedy Gallery, artwork insurance during the exhibit, and potential art sales with a 25% commission.

Requirements

Artists must reside in the U.S. and use paper as a primary medium or substrate. Submissions must be original work (no AI) with a maximum of 4 works per artist. Artwork should not exceed 36″ in width, must be wired for hanging (D-rings), and include artist's name, title, email, and phone number secured to the back/bottom of each piece. Artists are responsible for delivery/transportation and insurance during transit.

How to Apply

Apply online via the 'ENTER NOW' link provided. If selected, artwork is due to Kennedy Gallery between FEB 16 – 20, 2026 during open hours, Mon- Fri 9am -4pm. Pieces may be shipped and returned at the artist’s expense via UPS ONLY. Ship UPS with Return UPS label inside package to: Kennedy Gallery/ NMHU Foundation, Attn: Curator, 1005 Diamond ST, Las Vegas NM 87701. Pick up of work: MAY 4 – 8, 2026 during open hours, Mon- Fri 9am -4pm (CLOSED Noon – 1).