Lay of the Land: A Focus on Nature

For Lay of the Land, Artlink is accepting submissions of artworks which embody an exploration of the natural world through subject matter or materials. Whether your practice explores realistic depictions of flora and fauna, abstract interpretations of geological textures, or the complex, evolving dialogue between humanity and the environment, we encourage you to share your vision. Any artist 18+ residing in the United States is eligible. 

For Lay of the Land, Artlink is accepting submissions of artworks which embody an exploration of the natural world through subject matter or materials. Whether your practice explores realistic depictions of flora and fauna, abstract interpretations of geological textures, or the complex, evolving dialogue between humanity and the environment, we encourage you to share your vision. This call is truly open to all media, including but not limited to: painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, video, installation, fiber, assemblage, and drawing. Any artist 18+ residing in the United States is eligible. 

About the Juror
Justin Johnson is the new Executive Director of Artlink. Prior to this role, he was the gallery director for the University of Saint Francis for 25 years. At the university, he held several administrative roles within the Creative Arts and was integral in building a monumental art collection through donor gifts and artist estates. He has been active and has partnered with dozens of local and regional arts organizations during his career including Artlink, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and the Indiana State Museum. 

Submission Requirements
Entry fee: $12 per entry, up to 10 entries allowed.
Size limit: None.
Eligibility: United States

Important Dates
Entry deadline: Nov 9, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Jury notifications: After Nov 16, 2026
Artwork drop-off/delivery deadline: Dec 13, 2026
Exhibition timeframe: Jan 7 - Feb 7, 2027

THINGS TO KNOW IF ACCEPTED:

Presentation
All works must be ready for installation upon delivery and professionally presented (i.e not damaged or differing from what was accepted.) Any works not presented professionally may not be accepted for exhibition. Works do not need to be framed, but must come with the required hardware (magnets, clips, etc..) Traditional framed artwork must be ready to hang with wire. No saw-tooth hangers. If your work requires special installation instructions, please contact ellen@artlinkfw.org prior to the submission deadline. Identification labels with artist name and title should be attached to the back of the work.

Sales
All artwork sales are subject to a 35% sales fee. Artists will be mailed a check for sold work following the close of the exhibition. 

Liability
Artwork will be insured during exhibition at Artlink. Artlink is not liable for damage or loss in transit to the gallery. Any damage caused by improper preparations by the artist will not be covered by Artlink. 

Hand-Delivery
Hand-delivered artwork is accepted during gallery hours, Thursday 10am - 8pm, Friday/Saturday 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 12 - 5pm.

Shipping
Artwork that is shipped must be sent through UPS, FedEx or USPS and must include a return shipping label. Artwork must arrive at Artlink by Dec 13, 2026. Shipped work must be framed with plexiglass, no glass permitted. Any damages that occur during shipping must be covered by the artist. In such an occurrence, the Gallery Coordinator will contact the artist for a credit card number to facilitate repairs. Please, no crates or Styrofoam peanuts. Ship your work in reusable packaging to: Artlink Contemporary Gallery, 300 E Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

$12 per entry.

Artists must be 18+ and reside in the United States.