Material Conversations: Paper, Fiber, Surface

Material Conversations: Paper, Fiber, Surface

Material Conversations invites work that explores the expressive possibilities and relationships of paper, fiber, print, surface, and assemblage. Through papermaking, printmaking, weaving, stitching, folding, layering, binding, assemblage, sculptural construction, and other paper- and fiber-based processes, artists transform individual materials into works shaped by connection, repetition, texture, and form.

Juror: Rhiannon Alpers is a papermaker, letterpress printer, and book artist based in Portland, Oregon. Her relationship with handmade paper began in her teens while growing up in Denver, Colorado. She holds both a BA and an MFA in Book and Paper Arts and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collections of the Library of Congress, Stanford University, the University of Denver, and other public and private collections.

Material Conversations: Paper, Fiber, Surface

Material Conversations invites work that explores the expressive possibilities and relationships of paper, fiber, print, surface, and assemblage. Through papermaking, printmaking, weaving, stitching, folding, layering, binding, assemblage, sculptural construction, and other paper- and fiber-based processes, artists transform individual materials into works shaped by connection, repetition, texture, and form.

The exhibition celebrates work in which material is integral to meaning. Paper and fiber may serve as surface, structure, fragment, or building block: folded, woven, stitched, layered, cut, joined, accumulated, or assembled into something new. From intimate two-dimensional works to dimensional and sculptural forms, Material Conversations considers what emerges when materials interact, transform, and speak through one another.

The checklist of work that might be included:

• Handmade and artist-made paper
• Handmade paper with printed, stitched, woven, or other surface treatments
• Paper assemblage and collage
• Fiber and mixed-media assemblage
• Folded, cut, layered, or constructed paper
• Woven or interlaced paper and fiber
• Stitching, embroidery, or fiber work on paper
• Paper and fiber sculpture
• Dimensional and relief-based work
• Printmaking incorporating paper or fiber processes
• Mixed-media work in which paper or fiber is a significant material
• Textiles incorporating paper, pulp, or other fibers

Up to 3 entries must be submitted electronically, accompanied by a $35.00 fee.

The deadline for submissions is October 20, 2026

Juror: Rhiannon Alpers is a papermaker, letterpress printer, and book artist based in Portland, Oregon. Her relationship with handmade paper began in her teens while growing up in Denver, Colorado, and has continued through formal study, experimentation, and an ongoing studio practice. She holds both a BA and an MFA in Book and Paper Arts and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collections of the Library of Congress, Stanford University, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, Colorado College, Colorado State University, and other public and private collections. Her limited-edition and one-of-a-kind artist books are published under the Gazelle & Goat Press imprint.

CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES 

Show dates: Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 29, 2026.

Application Deadline: October 20, 2026

Notification of acceptance: October 24, 2026 
Please note that Cafe will send out separate emails for accepted and for non-accepted works. Artists may receive both emails. Artists can also find jury results in their own Cafe account under "My Cafe Entries" on October 24, 2026.

Artwork to Core:  All accepted work MUST arrive at CORE by Saturday, November 7, 2026, by 4:00 pm for both hand and shipped delivery.  All accepted artists will receive detailed shipping instructions to an offsite location

Artist reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Core Art Space gallery, 6501 West Colfax, in Lakewood

Pickup of Unsold Artwork:  Hand delivered artwork can be picked up at the Core gallery Sunday, November 29, from 4-5pm, or the following weekend, December 5-6, 1-4pm. Shipped artwork will be sent after the exhibition closes. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Submitting Images:

Minimum: 1, Maximum: 3

MAXIMUM ARTWORK SIZE:

• 2-D work must be no larger than 60” inches on its longest side, including frame.
• 3-D work  should be within 36”x36”x36".
• Work not within these parameters will be disqualified. 

INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Notification emails will be sent  Ocober 24, 2026. Artists will receive separate emails for accepted and declined artworks. Please make sure your Spam email does not include emails from Café. You will also be able to check your acceptance status on your own Café page.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• All artwork must be original.
• 2D Artwork must be received ready to hang on standard picture hooks. 3D works should be free-standing or hangable from the ceiling (20 lb. weight limit).
• NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS. Standing art must be stable. Set-up diagram must accompany multiple pieces and installation art.
• All art must remain in place for the duration of the show. CORE reserves the right to reject any work that does not comply with the entry criteria.

DROP-OFF:  Work by accepted artists can be dropped off at the gallery during operating hours. Final day for drop-off is Saturday, November 7, 2026, by 4 pm. COMPLETE DETAILS WILL BE EMAILED TO ACCEPTED APPLICANTS.

SHIPPED WORK: Shipped artwork will be sent to a separate shipping address that is not the gallery address, since the gallery is closed Monday - Friday and cannot accept packages. THE SHIPPING ADDRESS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ACCEPTANCE EMAIL. Plan for your shipped work to arrive in Colorado by November 7, 2026.

SALES: CORE charges a 30% commission plus tax on art sold. CORE will collect the payment for the artist. Your payment less the 30% commission will be sent to your address within 45 days of the close of the show. Art need not be for sale.

LIABILITY: CORE will take all due precautions to protect premises and art. However, CORE is not responsible for loss due to damage, theft, vandalism, or accident. All work is submitted at the artist's own risk. Each artist is responsible for his/her/their own insurance.

Artists must be 18 or older.