Fragments: a Juried Exhibition of Collage

Spark Gallery invites artists to submit works that use collage as a primary element for a juried group exhibition, entitled “Fragments”. Artwork submitted must be no wider than 12 inches and must be unframed. Work will be installed using magnets or clips.

The exhibition will be juried by Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Executive & Artistic Director of RiNo Art District.

Cash prizes will be awarded.

Spark Gallery is an artist-run, non-profit gallery located in the Golden Triangle museum district of downtown Denver.

Spark Gallery invites artists to submit works that use collage as a primary element for a juried group exhibition, entitled “Fragments”.

The art of assembling collected materials to recycle imagery, color and texture can create new associations that enliven overlooked or forgotten elements. We encourage submissions that consider how the transformative power of collage might create beauty, assert meaning, process feelings, tell a story, or explore visual relationships.

We welcome creative works that reflect the rich history of collage as well as contemporary approaches, including those that might challenge our perception of what a collage might be.

About the Juror

Daisy Fodness-McGowan is the Executive & Artistic Director of RiNo Art District (RAD), a Denver-based 501(c)(3) and Colorado Creative District. With nearly 30 years in Colorado’s arts sector, she has curated, produced, and traveled over 120 exhibitions, including at UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art (2010–2022), as well as curating the Hyperallergic-celebrated Art WithOut Limits public sculpture program, at Colorado College IDEA Space, and at Durden & Ray, Los Angeles. She currently serves as a Denver Cultural Commissioner, appointed by the Mayor, and is Policy Committee Chair and a Board Member for Colorado Business Committee for the Arts.

As a practicing visual artist, recent exhibitions include Flipping Scripts, Bitfactory, Denver, Colorado; Until We Meet Again, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Chicago, Illinois, 2025; and Parade, Charlotte Street Foundation, Kansas City, Missouri, 2025.

Awards

Juror will select first ($250), second ($150), and third ($100) prize winners.

About the Gallery

Spark is Denver’s original cooperative gallery, established in 1979. As an alternative, non-profit space, Spark enjoys the freedom to foster experimental art and explore new ideas. Spark is located in the heart of Denver's Cultural Complex, next to the Denver Art Museum and a short walk from the Kirkland Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum.

Artwork Specifications

Artwork must use collage as a primary element.

Maximum width of artwork is 12 inches. If the height is greater than 60 inches please email us at sparkgalleryprograms@gmail.com to see if we can accommodate the work.

Works must be unframed. The exhibition will be installed using small magnets (on the surface of the piece) with steel thumbtacks/tacks (behind the piece). If work is mounted on lightweight board or otherwise too heavy for magnets, clips for hanging are acceptable if the clips are supplied by the artist.

Entry Fee

$35 nonrefundable for up to 2 works; $20 for full-time students, or those experiencing economic hardship. 

Key Dates

• Deadline for Submissions: Monday, Nov 16, 2026
• Notifications: by Dec. 21, 2026
• Deadline for shipped work to be received: Tuesday, February 16, 2027
• Show Dates: Saturday, March 6 – Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Sales

Spark Gallery will retain 20% commission on all sales. Artists set their own prices. Work does not have to be for sale. 

Shipping

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

Entry Agreement

By submitting, artists confirm they are the sole creator and copyright holder of all submitted works. Spark Gallery is not responsible for loss or damage, though all reasonable care will be taken. Accepted artists grant Spark Gallery the right to photograph and reproduce accepted works for promotional purposes.

Each artist may submit a maximum of 2 original pieces. Photos of your work must be well lit and clear without a distracting background. Work that appears different from the photo that was used to apply for the exhibit may be refused. Please see the detailed instructions on the CAFE website under “Uploading work samples” for formatting guidelines.

• Works must use collage as the primary element.
• Open to artists 18 years and older, residing in the United States.
• Digital collage and AI-generated work will not be accepted.
• Current Spark Gallery members are not eligible.
• All work must be original and not previously exhibited at Spark Gallery.
• Accepted artwork which differs significantly from the image in the online submission will be disqualified.