Color Coded

“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” – Paul Klee

Color is one of the most powerful tools in an artist’s toolkit. For our upcoming juried exhibition, Color Coded, we invite artists to explore the intimate dialogue between color, artist, and viewer. How does color function as a language or a code in your work? How does it shape meaning, emotion, and interpretation? We welcome all creative interpretations of this theme.

Color is central to artistic expression, yet its possibilities are endless. In Color Coded, we ask artists to consider how color operates as a code, one that viewers can unlock and respond to in their own way. Whether symbolic, emotional, structural, or conceptual, color can transform perception and meaning.

This juried exhibition will showcase works that thoughtfully engage with color as a primary element. A Juror’s Award will be presented to the artwork that demonstrates exceptional quality and a strong connection to the theme.

This exhibit will be opening on First Thursday, January 8, from 5-8 pm. It will be open to the public Thursday-Sunday, 12-5 pm beginning January 2 through the 31st.

A complete application will have the following:

•    Up to 3 (three) images or video clips of artwork to be considered

•    Media information for each artwork (title, media, dimensions, price)

•    Paid entry fee of $35 ($5 for each image beyond the first three)

•    A brief description of how your work connects to our theme

Criteria and Judging

•    Work will be judged on the following criteria:

•    Conceptual and aesthetic quality

•    Overall artistic merit

•    Connection to the theme

Entries must be of original design and personal execution

Media: All 2- and 3-dimensional artworks as well as video are welcome. Works must be original. Video must be set up by the artist with instructions of how to operate. All artworks out be clearly labels with their name and artwork information on the back of the piece.

Delivery: All artworks must be HAND DELIVERED - NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED IF RECEIVED BY ANY TYPE OF MAILING SERVICE. 

Artwork must be delivered on:

            December 27, 4-6 pm or

            December 28, 10 am-12 pm

Individual accommodations may be made prior to these dates if requested.

Installation-ready: each accepted entry must be installation-ready with professional hanging hardware. Works that have unique installation requirements must be accompanied by clear instructions or must be installed and deinstalled by the artist themselves.

Pick-up: All artworks must be picked up on:

            January 31, 4-6 pm or

            February 1, 10-12 pm

The gallery will not be responsible for artworks not picked up at this time and the artworks will no longer be covered by insurance.

Insurance: Gallery 114 will insure the artworks while they are on site for their full market value indicated on the entries up to $5000 per piece.

Photography: Gallery 114 reserves the right to photograph the work for reproduction for use on the gallery’s website, for press and media purposes and for social media.

Sales: All artworks must be for sale. All sales will be handled through Gallery 114. A 40% commission will be charged. All pieces must remain up for the duration of the exhibition. Gallery 114 will send checks to the artist within two weeks of the end of the exhibition.

How to apply: All materials, including entry fees and images must be submitted in digital format through Cafetm at Call for entry.org@cafetm. Cafetm is a non-profit, online, centralized portfolio manager that can be used for many different calls for entries and grant applications. Artists create an online portfolio and apply images to “Color Coded” call entry.

For technical assistance, email the CafeTM team at cafe@westaf.org or visit the Cafe help page. You may also contact the gallery for assistance at contact@gallery114pdx.com