Call for Art 2026-2027
Magical: A Passage to the Extraordinary
IMPORTANT DATES
Call Opens:
Monday, September 14, 2026
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Artist Notifications:
Monday, October 26, 2026
Drop-off Artwork:
Monday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 9am – 3pm
Pick-up Artwork:
Monday, March 15th and Tuesday, March 16th, 2026, 9am – 3pm
THE MAGIC IS YOURS TO INTERPRET
What does magic mean to you?
Perhaps it is found in:
· A place, plant, animal, or landscape that evokes wonder or transports us beyond the ordinary
· A person or group of people who embodies something extraordinary
· An object or symbol infused with mystery, transformation, or emotional resonance
· Visions that emerge from your inner world, dreams, or intuitive mind’s eye
· The mysteries, beauty, and complexity of our relationship to the universe
· Symbolism, mythology, storytelling, or meaning-making
· Magical thinking as playful imagination, self-deception, or a source of enrichment and possibility
This call welcomes a broad range of interpretations—from the literal to the abstract, the whimsical to the philosophical.
All media are welcome.
Theme & Artistic Direction
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking artwork that explores ideas of:
Wonder • Mystery • Transformation • Imagination
The unseen • The symbolic • Emotional resonance • Spiritual resonance
The extraordinary hidden within the ordinary
Let your work reflect what magic means to you—whether grounded in nature, culture, ritual, memory, storytelling, spirituality, dreams, or creative inquiry.
ARTWORK WELCOME
Artists may submit work in a variety of media, including:
· 2D artwork — painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, digital work, and more
· 3D and sculptural works
· Mixed media and multimedia
· Installation proposals, as space permits
Artist statements are encouraged, particularly for work that is conceptual, symbolic, or rooted in a personal story or creative process.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This regional call is open to artists 18 years and older who live in the Lake Region Arts Council's nine-county service area:
Becker • Clay • Douglas • Grant • Otter Tail • Pope • Stevens • Traverse • Wilkin Counties
Collaborating artist teams are also welcome and must consist of two to three artists.
Artist teams may submit 1–3 works for consideration. One artist must serve as the primary contact and list their collaborator(s) on the application. The artist statement should describe the team's collaborative vision for the gallery installation.
FREE TO APPLY
There is no application fee to submit artwork for consideration.
Apply online through the Lake Region Arts Council Gallery webpage:
https://www.grantinterface.com
New applicants: You will need to create an account.
Returning applicants: Please use your existing login credentials.
