Animals

We invite artists to explore the theme of ANIMALS. Artwork can depict personal experiences, symbolic representations, abstract interpretations issues related to extinction or how animals influenced your life. This is an opportunity to honor animals to reflect on the importance of the animal world or share how animals have personally inspired you. 2D artworks of various mediums are welcome. Read prospectus for details.

"Animals" will be an in-person juried exhibition running from November 6, 2025 to December 21, 2025 at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA) in Charlotte, North Carolina. All works juried into the show must be hand delivered and picked up (no mail-in works accepted). 

The submissions begin on Monday Sept. 29, 2025 and deadline for submissions will be October 20, 2025 at 11:59pm. 

This exhibition seeks to celebrate the impact of Animals on 2-D artists that have helped shape their personal and professional journeys in art making. Artwork can depict personal experiences, symbolic representations, abstract interpretations issues related to extinction or how animals influenced your life. This is an opportunity to honor animals to reflect on the importance of the animal world or share how animals have personally inspired you.

A reception for the show will be held on  Saturday, Nov. 8 - from 2pm to 5pm. The works will be prominently displayed in the Citrine Gallery on the lower level of VAPA Center from November 8, 2025 through December 21, 2025 where they will be available for public viewing and purchase.

The entry fee for up to three pieces of artwork is $25.00 for non-members and $20.00 for VAPA members and is non-refundable. The entry fee can be paid online through CaFÉ™. Your entry fee does not guarantee acceptance into the Exhibition

Any medium, style, genre of 2-D artwork, including mixed-media and photography Is eligible. Art reproductions will NOT be accepted (giclée art prints etc.) Artwork must fulfill the theme of the show, be family-friendly, and appropriate for the general public.

All artwork must be original and the sole work and exclusive property of the submitting artist. Therefore paintings created in an instructional setting, including but not limited to workshops and art classes, are not considered original artwork.

Maximum size, portrait or landscape, including frame should be no more than 38" x 48" including frame.  Artwork and frame must not exceed 50 Ibs. 

Unframed pieces should be appropriately presented - gallery wrapped and the sides of the canvas should be painted to complement or match the piece. No staples should be visible.

Artwork MUST arrive dry, wired, and ready to hang. No clip frames or sawtooth hangers will be accepted. D-rings and wire preferred.

 All submitted artwork must be uploaded to this site. One to three pieces of artwork can be submitted. Artists who encounter technical difficulties can request help from CaFÉ™ staff at cafe@westaf.org

Questions related to the exhibit can be emailed to:

·       Mikel Frank

·       Email: mikelfrnk@gmail.com

It is very important that artists upload only one photo for each piece of art being submitted. Thus, if the artist submits one piece, they will submit only one photo, or two photos for two pieces of art, etc. Please check that the artwork is properly oriented in the photo and that the frame or other peripheral objects are not included. The Jurors will select the participating pieces from these digital photographs. So, make sure they look good and are accurate.

CaFÉ™ has specific requirements regarding the file sizes of the photo submitted. Follow their directions or contact their staff. In short, photos cannot exceed 5 Mb and the resolution must be 72 dpi.

Host Location: Citrine Gallery VAPA, 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

ImportantDATES: Online Submission: Mon. Sept. 29 - Mon. Oct. 20, 2025

Artwork Delivery: Sunday, November 2 - 3pm to 6pm.   OR Monday, November 3 - 5pm to 8pm

Show Dates: Thursday, Nov. 6, thru Sunday, Dec. 21 - 2pm to 5pm

Receptions:  Opening - Saturday, Nov. 8 - 7pm to 9pm.                             Closing - Sunday, Dec. 21, 2pm - 5pm   (artists may remove art after the reception)

Artwork Pickup: If you cannot make the closing, you may pick up your work on:

 Monday, Dec. 22 - 4pm to7pm                                     

HAND DELIVERY: VAPA - 700 North Tryon Street, (GPS free parking lot address: 736 North College St.),  Charlotte, NC 28202

Artists aged 18 or over, living in the city of Charlotte, the county of Mecklenburg, or the surrounding counties of Union, Cabarrus, Lancaster, York, Iredell, Lincoln, Catawba, Rowan, Stanley, and Gaston are eligible. The Artist must be able to have their work hand delivered to the Visual And Performing Arts Center.