CONTAINER

CONTAINER: A Call for Art

Crooked Tree Arts Center invites artists to explore the concept of the CONTAINER — both as a physical form and as a metaphor. From functional pottery and sculptural containers to symbolic interpretations in two-dimensional work, CONTAINER examines the many ways we hold, carry, and contain meaning.

Artists are encouraged to submit three-dimensional vessels and container-based works, and/or two dimensional pieces that exemplify the concept, while also exploring how the idea of a container can extend beyond form. A container may represent the body, memory, identity, culture, landscape, or spirit. It may hold objects, stories, emotions, or energy. It may suggest protection, preservation, fragility, or transformation.

This exhibition welcomes a broad interpretation of “container” inviting artists to consider themes of containment and release, interior and exterior, fullness and emptiness, function and symbolism. 

Call for Art: Between Us
Open to USA Great Lakes Region Artists

Ages 18+ 

All Mediums Welcome

CONTAINER: A Call for Art

Crooked Tree Arts Center invites artists to explore the concept of the CONTAINER — both as a physical form and as a metaphor. From functional pottery and sculptural containers to symbolic interpretations in two-dimensional work, CONTAINER examines the many ways we hold, carry, and contain meaning.

Artists are encouraged to submit three-dimensional vessels and container-based works, and/or two dimensional pieces that exemplify the concept, while also exploring how the idea of a container can extend beyond form. A container may represent the body, memory, identity, culture, landscape, or spirit. It may hold objects, stories, emotions, or energy. It may suggest protection, preservation, fragility, or transformation.

This exhibition welcomes a broad interpretation of “container” inviting artists to consider themes of containment and release, interior and exterior, fullness and emptiness, function and symbolism. Works may be literal or abstract, traditional or experimental, intimate or monumental.

All mediums are welcome, including but not limited to ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, wood, painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media. Artists of all career stages are encouraged to apply.

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly: abstract, conceptual, representational, installation, sound, video, textile, photography, ceramics — all media that examine relationship, boundary, memory, or presence are welcome.

Eligibility:

Open to artists 18 years and older

Must be a USA Great Lakes Region resident. If your state has a Great Lakes Shoreline: You are eligible!

All mediums welcome and encouraged
 

Size Limits: In general works 60” at their greatest dimension AND up to 50lb BUT please email or call for exceptions.

Eligibility: Open to Great Lakes Region artists working in all styles and media that align with the theme as described above.

Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026
Exhibition Dates: July 17 - August 22, 2026 

Location: Crooked Tree Arts Center, Traverse City

ELIGIBILITY:
This opportunity is open to Great Lakes Region artists 18 and over.

2D and 3D welcome, please email or call if interested in entering other varieties.

ALL work must arrive assembled and be stable for safety concerns. Work may be displayed on pedestals as available or on the floor as appropriate. Diptychs and triptychs are allowed but are to be submitted and priced as one piece (should not be mistaken with multiple pieces from a single series). Works are to have been created and completed within the last three (3) years.

APPLICANT CALENDAR:

The exhibition will be on display in Traverse City’s East & West Carnegie Galleries from July 17 - August 22, 2026.

Submit entries online March 9 - June 1, 2026

Notification will be sent Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The artist is responsible for transporting work to and from Crooked Tree Arts Center (Traverse City), through shipping or in-person drop-off and pick-up.

Work must be delivered to Crooked Tree Arts Center (Traverse City) between June 29 & July 3, 2026. Monday - Friday 9 am-5 pm. For early or evening hours or other days please inquire about scheduling an appointment:

brian@crookedtree.org

If shipping artwork, the artwork must arrive with a return shipping label. Please have it arrive June 29 - July 3, 2026.

Unsold artwork must be picked up during gallery hours between August 24 - 29, 2026.

Works delivered with return shipping arrangements will be returned within 2 weeks of the exhibit's end. 
 

Image File Size and Format Guidelines:
Image files must meet CaFE image requirements. 

Terms and Conditions:
The call is open to U.S. residents residing in the Great Lakes Region.

Submissions must be original works created by the artist submitting the work.

Artists may submit up to three entries.

Works must not have been previously exhibited at Crooked Tree Arts Center-Traverse City.

ACCEPTED ENTRIES MUST NOT ONLY BE THE SAME ARTWORK AS ENTERED BUT ALSO MUST BE THE SAME SIZE, PRICE, TITLE & MEDIUM AS ENTERED.

CHOSEN ARTWORK MUST REMAIN ON DISPLAY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE EXHIBIT AND ANY CHANGES TO ITS APPEARANCE OR PRICE & TITLE, ETC ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Accepted wall-hanging artwork must be ready for hanging. Accepted wall-hanging artwork must be ready for hanging (frames must be wired or have d-rings, please no sawtooth hangers or ready made hardware).

Crooked Tree Arts Center galleries are sales galleries, and works can be for sale. Sales price is set by the artist. Crooked Tree Arts Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales. Works do not have to be for sale.

CTAC reserves the right to sell artwork at a discounted price to CTAC members. Discount will be taken from CTAC’s portion of the sales price.
Photographs of artworks and the exhibition may be used for CTAC promotional purposes.

A non-refundable fee of $30.00 per artist is required for entry (CTAC members pay only $20.00 and Guild Members may enter for free. Coupon Codes are available by calling 231-941-9488). PLEASE NOTE We are unable to issue a refund if you forget or don't use the appropriate coupon code to receive a discount when paying.  Should you have questions about your membership status or are interested in becoming a member,  please call CTAC at 231-941-9488.

Accepted work may NOT be removed until after the close of the show. Artwork sales outside of Crooked Tree Arts Center during the drop off and exhibit dates are prohibited.

Work not picked up by specified pick-up dates becomes property of Crooked Tree Arts Center unless prior arrangement has been made with Crooked Tree Arts Center staff. The artist forfeits any claim to the work and Crooked Tree Arts Center cannot be held responsible for any method of disposal arising from forfeiture.

Accepted work may be hand-delivered during the delivery window, or may be shipped. Shipped work must include a return shipping label. Shipping and delivery expenses are the responsibility of the artist.

By submitting work to this exhibition opportunity, the artist agrees to all terms and conditions described in the call.

Submission Procedure:
Submit up to three works. 

Entries must be submitted online via CaFE. No exceptions BUT you are always welcome to call us at Crooked Tree for guidance on entering: 231-941-9488.
Complete the required entry forms, including, the title, medium, size, and retail price of the work. If works are not for sale, please type NFS where asked for the price and include insurance value for inventory purposes. 

Delivered works must be clearly labeled with the artist's name, artwork title, and medium; the label should be secured to the back of the work. ​

Please make sure that your email address in the application form is accurate, as all exhibit communication will be delivered via email.
 

• Submit up to three works. 
   
• Entries must be submitted online and must meet CaFE file requirements. Please refer to CaFE's help section if you are unsure of how to upload your images.
   
• Complete the required entry forms, including, the title, medium, size, and retail price of the work. If works are not for sale, please type NFS where asked for the price and include insurance value for inventory purposes.
• ACCEPTED ENTRIES MUST NOT ONLY BE THE SAME ARTWORK AS ENTERED BUT ALSO MUST BE THE SAME SIZE, PRICE, TITLE & MEDIUM AS ENTERED.
• CHOSEN ARTWORK MUST REMAIN ON DISPLAY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE EXHIBIT AND ANY CHANGES TO ITS APPEARANCE OR PRICE & TITLE, ETC ARE NOT ALLOWED.

This opportunity is open to Great Lakes Region artists 18 and over.

Works of all media are eligible. 3D wall-hanging works should not exceed 60 inches in any dimension or weigh more than 50 pounds. 3D freestanding works should not exceed 8 ft. in height and 4 ft. in width. These limitations are to ensure the safe handling and display of artwork. For exceptions, contact brian@crookedtree.org. ALL work must arrive assembled and be stable for safety concerns. Work may be displayed on pedestals as available or on the floor as appropriate. Diptychs and triptychs are allowed but are to be submitted and priced as one piece (should not be mistaken with multiple pieces from a single series). Works are to have been created and completed within the last three (3) years.