Beyond The Surface: Exploring Above and Below

Space has long intrigued and fascinated humanity. It is a realm without boundaries, where inner and outer worlds collide, and where the unknown connects to the world we live in.

For artists, this sense of vastness invites wonder, imagination, and mystery. We are driven to make visible what lies beyond the obvious, whether through a lens of the personal, the public, the spiritual, or the cosmic. 

Seen from space, earth is a small blue dot where boundaries dissolve and climate, terrain, and humanity become part of a shared awe-inspiring whole. 

Where does your work exist within this spectrum? How do you make the invisible visible? How do you navigate the space between inner and outer worlds, between what is known and that which is shrouded in mystery?

This open call invites artists to explore expansive dimensions and to offer new ways of imagining our shared universe.

Call Description: Beyond The Surface: Exploring Above and Below

Space has long intrigued and fascinated humanity. It is a realm without boundaries, where inner and outer worlds collide, and where the unknown connects to the world we live in.

For artists, this sense of vastness invites wonder, imagination, and mystery. We are driven to make visible what lies beyond the obvious, whether through a lens of the personal, the public, the spiritual, or the cosmic. 

Seen from space, earth is a small blue dot where boundaries dissolve and climate, terrain, and humanity become part of a shared awe-inspiring whole. 

Where does your work exist within this spectrum? How do you make the invisible visible? How do you navigate the space between inner and outer worlds, between what is known and that which is shrouded in mystery?

This open call invites artists to explore expansive dimensions and to offer new ways of imagining our shared universe.

About The Juror Lydia Jasper: Assistant Curator at MASS MoCA

Lydia Jasper is an Assistant Curator at MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) in North Adams, Massachusetts. Operating alongside a broader curatorial team, her work centers on contemporary art programming, exhibition planning, and public engagement.

Jasper recently curated the museum’s Like Magic: Screening Series, which explores diverse, boundary-pushing contemporary moving-image works. She played a key role as an image rights and research specialist for the first career monograph of American artist Steve Locke, titled "I said what I said," which was published in partnership with MASS MoCA and DelMonico Books. She is also engaged in managing community-focused events, helping to make contemporary art accessible to wider audiences.

About Hera Gallery

Hera Educational Foundation and Gallery celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. As one of the first women art cooperatives in the United States, we continue to promote contemporary professional artists through a comprehensive exhibition schedule of member work, curated, and juried intersectional social justice shows. Together with thought-provoking programming our organization encourages dialogue that enriches the cultural life of our non-urban Southern RI community. We provide a venue for young talent to find a public voice, and creative support to local health services. Since its inception in 1974, Hera has been resolutely dedicated to gender equity and feminist discourse to challenge perceptions and inspire social change.

Because of its flexibility and commitment to presenting exhibitions with artistic merit and integrity Hera has been awarded numerous grants for its exhibitions and programs including grants from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Champlin Foundation, Rhode Island Council on the Humanities, Rhode Island Foundation, and the Puffin Foundation.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026 at Midnight
Exhibition Dates: October 17 - November 14, 2026

***Important note about application: System requires 3 images to be submitted even if you are only entering one piece. To prevent the error message, you may submit the same image three times, or add detail images of your piece. Once there are three images attached to the application, you should be able to submit. Thank you for your patience!

Notification of Acceptance: Hera Gallery will contact artists by regarding inclusion in Beyond The Surface: Exploring Above and Below September 13, 2026.

Delivery Due Date: Artwork must arrive at the Gallery between Saturday October 10th, and Tuesday October 13th, 2026. Any work delivered after this date risks being excluded from the exhibition. 

Artwork Delivery: Local delivery instructions will be sent to all accepted artists.

Return Shipping: The artist is responsible for all shipping costs and shipping containers. The artist must include a prepaid return shipping label. 

Sales Commission: As an artist-run nonprofit, Hera takes no commission in our national juried exhibitions, 100% of sales go directly to the artist.

Insurance: Although the utmost care will be taken in handling your work, Hera Gallery assumes no responsibility for damage, loss, or theft. Artists are responsible for their own insurance.

Photography/Publicity: Hera Gallery reserves the right to photograph work for publicity.  By entering this exhibition, you agree to the use of your name, likeness, certain personal information, and artwork in any publicity material or documentation developed for the exhibition.

 

Eligibility: Hera Gallery seeks work in all media, 2D, 3D, and video for this timely, critical exhibition. 3D is limited to 100 lbs and must fit through a 5’10” x 6’8” door. 2D must also fit through said door.