That's Absurd.

Bring us your strange, illogical, and offbeat with our upcoming exhibit of absurdist art. This call invites artists to tread the line between meaning and meaninglessness. To collapse expectations, twist logic, and transform the familiar into unrecognizable. Absurdism exists in contradiction: serious humor, methodical chaos, sporadic intent. Everything everywhere all at once.

Artists are encouraged to toy with the bizarre and profound. Surreal imagery, exaggerated forms, inconclusive narratives, and playful disruptions of reality are all ways in which absurdist art challenges viewers to question what they see and why they seek to understand it at all. In the absurd, the marriage of glee and discomfort beckons the viewer to speak now or forever hold their peace.

Through this call, we invite you to share unconventional thinking because sometimes the most honest reflections of our world are the ones that make the least sense. 

On Display: November 6 - 28

Bring us your strange, illogical, and offbeat with our upcoming exhibit of absurdist art. This call invites artists to tread the line between meaning and meaninglessness. To collapse expectations, twist logic, and transform the familiar into unrecognizable. Absurdism exists in contradiction: serious humor, methodical chaos, sporadic intent. Everything everywhere all at once.

Artists are encouraged to toy with the bizarre and profound. Surreal imagery, exaggerated forms, inconclusive narratives, and playful disruptions of reality are all ways in which absurdist art challenges viewers to question what they see and why they seek to understand it at all. In the absurd, the marriage of glee and discomfort beckons the viewer to speak now or forever hold their peace.

Through this call, we invite you to share unconventional thinking because sometimes the most honest reflections of our world are the ones that make the least sense.

ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY FEE

Open to all artists everywhere. An entry consists of one (1) to three (3) artworks. Categories include painting (oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, metalsmithing, glass, digital media, video, printmaking, fiber, or textiles. Only original artwork will be accepted. Entry fee is $20.00 for one entry and $5 for each additional entry up to 3. Entry fees are non-refundable. Alliance for the Arts members may use the coupon code Member10 to receive $5 off one entry fee.

Alliance for the Arts memberships start at $75 and are valid for one year. You may sign up for membership on artinlee.org/membership, onsite, or by calling 239-939-2787.

AWARDS

Absurdest in Show - Cash Award ($200)
Most Absurd Figurative Work -  Prize ($50-75 value)
Most Absurd Food-related Work - Prize ($50-75 value)
Most Absurd 2D Work -  Prize ($50-75 value)
Most Absurd 3D Work -  Prize ($50-75 value)

EXHIBITION DATES

On Display: November 6 - 28, 2026

Deadline for Entries: Sunday, October 4 by 11:59 PM

Email Notification of Acceptance or Rejection: Friday, October 9 by 11:59 PM

Drop off Accepted Work: Monday, November 2, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Opening Reception: Friday, November 6 from 5 – 7 p.m.

Pick up accepted work: Monday, November 30, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
 

Alliance for the Arts

10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY
All entries must be submitted online (cafe link) no later than Sunday, October 4th at 11:59 pm.
Please name files as follows: FIRSTNAME-LASTNAME-TITLE.JPG
Files may be in JPG, JPEG, PDF, or PNG format.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Only original artworks not previously exhibited at the Alliance will be displayed.
• All 2D artworks must be wired, ready to hang, and not exceed eight (8) feet in any direction.
• All works must have one single hanging point (e.g., if your work has two D-rings, they must be connected with wire)
• All 3D artwork intended for display on pedestals must not exceed three feet in any direction or weigh more than 150 lbs.
   

ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY FEE

Open to all artists everywhere. An entry consists of one (1) to three (3) artworks. Categories include painting (oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, metalsmithing, glass, digital media, video, printmaking, fiber, or textiles. Only original artwork will be accepted. Entry fee is $20.00 for one entry and $5 for each additional entry up to 3. Entry fees are non-refundable. Alliance for the Arts members may use the coupon code Member10 to receive $5 off one entry fee.

Alliance for the Arts memberships start at $75 and are valid for one year. You may sign up for membership on artinlee.org/membership, onsite, or by calling 239-939-2787.

SALES
All artworks in this exhibition must be offered for sale to the public at a labeled price set by the artist. A 30% commission will be retained on all works by Member artists sold during the exhibition. A 40% commission will be retained on all works by Non-Member artists.