Shadow Play

About the Open Call

The Shadow Play juried art exhibition invites all artists 18 and older to submit their work in any medium, style, and genre. Acceptable mediums include all traditional art media (e.g., oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, gouache, egg tempera, pen and ink; drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, scratch board, markers, metal point), digital painting, and arts and crafts (beadwork, pottery, embroidery, floristry, batik, stained glass, two-dimensional collage and fabric art, etc.). Submissions must not feature AI, profanity, or political artwork. Each participant receives a personal page on the UPWARD gallery website, showcasing their submitted works, short biography, artist statement, and links to their website and social media accounts, along with an interview with the artist.

What is Offered

Participants receive a personal page on the UPWARD gallery with their works, biography, artist statement, and social media links. Winners receive interviews for publication in UPWARD’s Quarterly, digital certificates (1st, 2nd, 3rd place, Merit, Honorable Mention, Finalist), social media promotion, and presentation in curated online galleries and the quarterly printed edition. All entrants receive digital certificates for participation.

Requirements

The exhibition is open to all artists 18 and older. Submissions should not include AI-generated art, profanity, or political themes. Submissions are categorized by age groups: 18-21 and 22+.

How to Apply

Artists are encouraged to submit their work for the juried exhibition. Refer to the Official Rules & Guidelines linked on the page for full details on how to apply.