Call for Art!
Submission Dates: June 13 through June 21, 2026
On View: June 24 through July 25, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27 (5-8:00pm)
AHA! Night: Thursday, July 9 (5-8:00pm)
A focus on the symbolic figures of the jester and the fool, who historically represented both folly and truth. Whether your work is a playful portrait, a cynical commentary, or an abstract representation of chaos and wisdom, we encourage you to challenge preconceived notions and explore the profound duality of these captivating figures.
Jesters & Fools: The Court of No Kings
As the United States marks its semiquincentennial, this exhibition leans into the historical and satirical role of the “Fool”—traditionally the only individual in the royal court permitted to speak truth to power. Given the current state of affairs, Jesters & Fools examines the thin line between civic duty and circus performance, exploring the profound duality of these captivating figures.
Thematic Focus:
The Divine Comedy of Democracy Encourages the artist to explore the aesthetic of the medieval carnival transposed onto the modern political landscape. Artwork may focus on the visual language of the Jester—motley patterns, bells, and exaggerated silhouettes—as a metaphor for the masks worn in public discourse. The work suggests that in a society where everyone has a megaphone, the loudest voices are often those wearing the crown of the clown.
The Mirror and the Scepter Historically, the Jester’s role was to hold a mirror up to the King. This section focuses on “The Mirror,” featuring works that reflect the viewer back to themselves through a distorted, satirical lens. Whether through playful portraiture or abstract representations of chaos, we ask: When the world feels like a farce, who is the audience and who is the performer?
“A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”
For this exhibition we are seeking a diverse range of interpretations, including:
- Playful Portraits: Capturing humanity and resilience behind the mask.
- Cynical Commentary: Biting social critique and the deconstruction of power.
- Abstract Wisdom: Non-representational explorations of chaos and truth.
This exhibition is open to submissions from all artists working in any medium. Work may be submitted during Gallery hours or by appointment beginning June 13. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 21. When submissions are brought to Gallery X the artist will fill out a submission slip with basic contact and labeling information.
Submission Guidelines and Info
This is a non-juried show, all artists and media are welcome.
• Submission Fees (for non-members): $15 per piece, maximum 5 pieces per artist. GX members submit work for free!
• All forms of media are accepted; painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, jewelry, fiber arts, etc.
• All work must be ready to hang and include proper hanging attachments (wire, sawtooth hanger, etc.). Pedestals are available for sculptures, three dimensional work, and jewelry.
• Individual works from one artist may not all hang together, if your submissions are part of a series or diptych/triptych please make note of this when submitting.
• Sale of submitted work is optional. Gallery X handles all sales and retains a 35% commission on any sale made by non-members. Members are subject to 25% commission on works sold. No POR.
Please send any questions to GalleryXNB@gmail.com.
Looking to save time? Print your submission slips ahead of time and have everything ready to go when you bring in your artwork! Please note if you are printing your own submission slip you must use the file below and bring 2 copies to the gallery (1 that will be attached to the piece and a 2nd that is given to the gallery attendant).
No printer? No worries… We have printed submission slips ready and waiting in the gallery!
