Chaos – An Exploration of Disorder, Meaning, and Possibility

Chaos is a juried exhibition inviting Colorado artists to explore disorder, uncertainty, disruption, and possibility through original two-dimensional, wall-hanging artwork. What does chaos mean to you? Is it personal or collective, destructive or generative, imposed or necessary? It may appear as a fractured system, a difficult relationship, a crowded mind, a psychological trap, or the state of the world. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly through literal, emotional, psychological, social, symbolic, or abstract approaches. There is no single definition of chaos—this exhibition asks artists to show us theirs.

Chaos

An Exploration of Disorder, Meaning, and Possibility

Chaos exists in many forms—visible and invisible, personal and collective, destructive and generative. It may appear as a fractured system, an unsettled world, a difficult relationship, a crowded mind, or the moment when certainty gives way. It may be something imposed upon us, something we create, or something necessary before change can occur.

What does chaos mean to you? Is it a person, a place, a memory, a psychological trap, or the state of the world? Is it the enemy of order, or its necessary opposite? Does chaos threaten, liberate, overwhelm, reveal, or transform? Can beauty, rhythm, freedom, or possibility exist within apparent disorder?

Chaos is a juried exhibition seeking two-dimensional, wall-hanging artwork that responds to the theme through literal, emotional, psychological, social, symbolic, or abstract approaches. Artists are encouraged to interpret the concept broadly. Work may confront chaos directly, search for order within it, or consider the ways chaos and order depend upon one another.

From narrative imagery to non-objective work, the exhibition aims to bring together varied perspectives on what happens when structures fracture, boundaries dissolve, and control becomes uncertain. There is no single definition of chaos. This exhibition asks artists to show us theirs.

About the Juror:

W. Max Thomason is a working artist and the owner and curator of Bitfactory Gallery & Studios and Block Gallery in Denver. For more than a decade, he has curated exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists working across a broad range of contemporary practices. His experience on both sides of the exhibition process informs a jurying approach that considers originality, execution, and how effectively each work engages with the exhibition theme.

Schedule:

Deadline for entry – August 9, 2026
Artist Notification – August 10, 2026
Artwork Drop-off – August 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Exhibition Dates – August 21 – September 12, 2026
Opening Reception – August 21, 2026, Friday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
​Artwork Pick-up – September 12, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

About Bitfactory Gallery & Studios:

Bitfactory Gallery & Studios is one of the few established galleries offering exhibition opportunities to non-represented artists. Our goal is to provide a platform for working artists, with the aim of discovering and showcasing fresh talent and the latest visionaries in contemporary art. A key part of our mission is to focus on collaborating with outsider, emerging, and up-and-coming artists.

Entries will only be accepted through the CaFE online system.

Open to original 2D wall-hanging works only. All mediums within that format—including photography, painting, collage, fiber/textile, mixed media, and printed works for which the artist's hand manipulated the plates, stones, or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition will be accepted—are eligible. No open-ended or poster prints. Giclée prints are not permitted.

Artwork must be of original design, by personal execution, and not previously shown at Bitfactory Gallery.

Submissions must include the following:

• Full Name
• Contact information
• mailing address
• telephone number
• e-mail address
• Title
• Medium & Substrate
• Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth)
• Year Completed
• Price

The maximum size for two-dimensional work is 60 x 60 inches, not including frame.
The entry fee is $25.00 for 3 images. Additional images may be submitted. The cost is $5.00 per additional image up to 10 images in total.
Works submitted must be ready for installation upon arrival at Bitfactory Gallery. All artwork must be clean, wired to hang, and ready to hang. NO sawtooth, D-loop, hook type hangers, etc.
Any works submitted or delivered that are not deemed ready for installation will not be included in the exhibition.
Any wall hanging artwork must weigh less than 35 pounds.
Unframed artwork edges must be finished. No staples. Canvas or cradled substrates may be no less than 1 & 3/8 inches deep.
 

Commission & Payment:

All work must be available for sale.
Bitfactory Gallery will retain a 50% commission on sales.
Artists will be paid for any sales within 31 days of the exhibition closing.
 

Artwork Delivery:

All accepted artwork must be dropped off in-person on August 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Shipped artwork will not be accepted.

Artwork Pick-up:

All unsold artwork can be picked up on September 12, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 PM. Any artwork left at Bitfactory Gallery & Studios more than 2 days after the close of the exhibition will be subject to a $10.00 per day storage fee payable prior to artwork being released. Any artwork left at Bitfactory Gallery & Studios for more than two weeks after the close of the exhibition will be considered abandoned and will be subject to sale or disposal without notification.

This is a local Call for Entry open to Colorado residents age 18 and older.