Apis Opus

4th Annual Apis Opus at NKollectiv Gallery

Apis: The common genus of bees   

Opus: A work of art

NKollectiv is proud to invite artists working in wax to apply for the 4th annual Apis Opus, a celebration of wax media. This is a juried show of work derived from beeswax-based media, alone or combined with other materials. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work will be considered. 2026 marks the fourth annual Apis Opus exhibition at NKollectiv. All U.S. artists working in any beeswax-based media such as encaustic or cold-wax medium are invited to apply! Awards will be given for Juror's and People's choice, and will include a future opportunity to show work at NKollectiv.

4th Annual Apis Opus at NKollectiv Gallery

NKollectiv proudly presents the fourth annual Apis Opus, a juried exhibition honoring the artistry and versatility of beeswax-based media. Named for Apis—the genus of bees—and Opus—a work of art, this national showcase invites U.S. artists working in encaustic, cold-wax, or other beeswax-infused techniques to submit their creations.

Originally focused on Colorado-based encaustic works, Apis Opus has evolved into a vibrant platform for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional wax media. The 2026 edition promises a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating the luminous textures and expressive depth that beeswax brings to contemporary art. 

Working with beeswax reflects the spirit of transformation and the enduring bond between nature and creativity.

Exhibition Dates: April 4 - May 3, 2026

Opening Reception: April 4 **Juror's Choice award(s) announced

2nd Saturday Reception and Artist Talks: April 11

People's Choice Award Announced May 2

About NKollectiv Gallery:

NKollectiv has been operational since 2021 and is managed by artist Nicole Korbe, who works primarily with beeswax media. The gallery is known for its highly curated collection of quality artists who work in unique and dynamic media.  NKollectiv is located in the hip downtown district of Englewood, as the anchor of the new art hub (EASEL: Englewood Art Studios, Events, Lessons).  The gallery is open 6 days a week with regular business hours in addition to extended hours for public and private events.

NKollectiv gallery exhibits are advertised in art and lifestyle magazines, press releases, public radio sponsorships (with messages played on local stations), social media promotions, flyers and cross-promotion from our Englewood City partners. 

Deadline: February 23, 2026

Notification: March 16, 2026

Artwork Drop-off: Sunday, March 29, between 4-5pm or Monday, March 30, between 9-4pm

Commission: 60% Artist, 40% Gallery 

Awards: Juror's Choice, People's Choice, no monetary prize

Juror: Patricia Aaron

Patricia Aaron is an internationally recognized artist celebrated for her intuitive abstract style and expressive mark-making. Working across a range of disciplines—including encaustic, sculpture, textiles, bronze, collage, and printmaking—Aaron creates dynamic works that explore the intersections of nature, language, culture, and music. Her art transforms these influences into vibrant abstractions through the use of beeswax, inks, spray paints, fibers, graphite, and natural materials. The result is a distinctive body of work that reflects both a deep sense of place and a poetic engagement with the world around her.

With over 45 solo exhibitions and numerous invitational shows, Aaron’s work investigates the relationship between the natural world and urban culture, often infused with compelling narratives that evoke memory and experience. Her art is represented in the permanent collections of the Denver Art Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Hafnarborg Museum of Culture and Art in Iceland, Nicolaysen Art Museum, and the Museum of Outdoor Arts, among others. Corporate collections include Delta Air Lines, University of Denver Art Collections, Sun City Tower Kobe (Japan), Hogan Lovells, and Liberty Global.

Aaron earned her MFA from the University of Denver and studied internationally in London, Paris, and Germany. She has participated in prestigious residencies worldwide, including the Santa Fe Art Institute, Ucross Foundation, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Moulin a Nef, Auvillar, France; Linkshouse, Orkney, Scotland; Hafnarborg Museum of Culture and Art, SIM, and Hvitahus in Iceland.

Aaron is the Owner of Blue Sky IDEA Studio & Gallery located in Centennial CO and is represented commercially by Space Gallery in Denver, CO. Aaron's work has been featured in prominent venues, including Art Basel Miami, Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, Denver Art Museum Kirkland Institute of Fine and Decorative Arts, and the Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland. Recent commissions span locations such as Paris, France, Denver, CO, Paradise Valley, AZ, and Lake Tahoe, CA.

Timeline

• Submissions accepted until Monday, February 23, 2026
• Artist Notification: Monday, March 16, 2026
• Shipped work must arrive by Friday, March 27 and include a pre-paid return label.
• Hand-delivered Artwork Drop Off/Delivery: March 29-30
• Exhibition Dates: April 4- May 3, 2026
• Opening Reception: Saturday, April 4, 3 - 7 pm
• 2nd Saturday Artist Talks: Saturday, April 11, 5 pm
• Artwork Pickup: Monday, May 4, 9 - 4 pm
• Shipped artworks will be returned by June 1

Payments for sold artworks will be sent by June 15
 

Artists may submit up to 3 artworks for consideration.

Artists must submit an artist statement reflecting the work submitted. 1,000-character max.

Maximum final size of two-dimensional submitted artwork: 30" on the longest side (including framing).  

Maximum size of three-dimensional work 12” w x 12” l x 24” h

Artists residing in the US and working in beeswax-based media.