We the People

“We the People” are the opening words of the United States Constitution's Preamble, which outlines the Constitution's goals and justification. The phrase affirms that the US government serves its citizens, and that the people are the ultimate source of the government's power.

The United States Constitution's Preamble's 52 words describe the ideal of what the government can be and do. The Preamble's goals include:

Forming a more perfect union

Establishing justice

Ensuring domestic tranquility

Providing for common defense

Promoting general welfare

Securing liberty for present and future generations.

Studio Montclair invites artists to submit work that illustrates our fellow citizens in the process of living their lives and participating in the 250 year old experiment in democracy that is the United States of America. Artists are encouraged to think out of the box when choosing what aspect of the above goals they depict. 

JUROR:  Jeremy Moss, curator and multi-discipline artist.  Trained as a photographer in the UK, he spent years photographing the New York Fashion Week and working with Jim Keyser Photography shooting various campaigns for McGraw-Hill Publishing and the New York Times. Moss has been the curator of the Iris Gallery at the South Orange Performing Arts Center for the past 10 years and is also currently the curator and manager of the Heidi Gallery in Livingston. He has curated for the Pierro Gallery, Firehouse Gallery, 1978 Gallery and Orbital Gallery among others; was the co-founder of the Maplewood Art Walk; co-produced the Art Hub at TedX Maplewood; is a member of the Orange Arts Council; and is an advisor to the Springfield Avenue Partnership, South Orange Downtown, SOPAC and the Livingston Environmental Commission mural projects. Moss also serves on the board of Creative in Common, an adaptive studio space in South Orange designed to facilitate creativity, foster collaboration and engage the creative community.

ENTRY PROCEDURE

Online entry via CaFE only.

Artists may submit a maximum of 3 JPEG images. All mediums accepted including videos and installations.

Work previously shown in any SMI exhibition will not be accepted.

Regarding JPEG file format images: files should be at least 300 dpi and minimum size of 1600 pixels on the longest side. We will accept lower resolution images, but please note that those images cannot be used for publicity. Digital images should be cropped to show only your artwork. If edges are irregular, it is best to photograph against a black background.

Submit work that will be available for the duration of the exhibition. No substitutions will be accepted after selections are finalized.

No giclee reproductions of original art accepted.

LIABILITY: Studio Montclair does not provide insurance for theft, loss or damage of artwork while the artwork is in transit or while it is on display at its venues. All artists should have their work insured if they feel it necessary. Studio Montclair will make every possible effort to handle all artwork with care and respect.

SALES: 30% donation will be retained by SMI on all sales.  Works available for sale will be sold at the price indicated on the entry form. No changes in price will be permitted upon acceptance. Works not for sale should be listed NFS.

USAGE OF IMAGES: Studio Montclair reserves the right to photograph and use accepted work for documentation, website, publicity, social media, or catalog purposes. 

NOTIFICATIONS: To ensure that you receive our mailings about this exhibition, please add exhibits@studiomontclair.org to your contact list. Always use this email address for correspondence pertaining to this show.

GALLERY SITTING: Exhibiting artists residing within 25 miles of Leach Gallery are required to gallery sit for a minimum of two (2) hours during the run of the show. Artists may sign up here to gallery sit: Sitting Link.

Alternatively, if artists are unable to gallery sit, they may pay a $40 fee to cover the cost of hiring a sitter.  Non-sitter fee payment is HERE.

“Artist in the House” marketing will be afforded to all exhibiting artist gallery sitters. 

AGREEMENT: Entering your work in this exhibition constitutes an acceptance of all the requirements set forth in this prospectus.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Exhibition Dates: September 18 to October 23, 2026

Entry Deadline: July 31, 2026

Notification Date: week starting August 14, 2026

Delivery of Artwork by Hand to Leach Gallery (641 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair): Friday, Sept. 4, 3-6pm and Saturday, Sep. 5, 10am-12pm

Delivery of Artwork by Shipping in strict coordination with Studio Montclair: by Thursday, Sept. 10, end of day. You will be advised of the correct shipping addressed later.

Opening Reception & Presentation of Cash Awards: Friday, September 18, 6-8pm

Pickup of Unsold Artwork: Friday, Oct. 23, 3-6pm and Saturday, Oct. 24, 10am-12pm

ELIGIBILITY
This exhibition is an OPEN CALL to all artists.

CASH AWARDS will be presented.

ENTRY FEE
Studio Montclair Members: no charge; Non-members: $42