A Sense of Play - A Union Street Gallery Open Call for Art

What does it mean to be “young at heart”?

Union Street Gallery seeks artworks which invite play, recall play, describe play, foster creative curiosity or trigger a giggle. As we reflect on the playful attitude, we smile. We see that play fosters creativity which enriches the human experience. Exercising this inner gift may engage one to entertain, to explore, to imagine, to build friendship, to foster collaborative capacity, and to encourage others. The artist may practice “play” in the process of creating the work.
Submission Requirements:

Submissions may be traditional, (eg. dolls, puppets, board games or alternative explorations of the exhibit theme). Intercultural interpretations are welcome. (eg. The artist’s take on a game played in other countries or cultures.) All media of scale and materials viable for display in this setting may be submitted. Submitted works may be solo or collaborative. Artists submitting work need to clarify whether they wish the public to interact with their works: Do play with it or don’t touch. Union Street Gallery is not responsible for any damage occurring to interactive works.

• There are no size restrictions.
• You can submit between 1 and 5 works and we will accept a maximum of 3 works per artist to display during the show.
• Union Street Gallery takes a 30% commission of artwork sales. Please consider this before submitting your prices on this application.
• Expectations are that artwork is ready to hang or display upon arrival. This includes but is not limited to artwork being framed, frames being wired for hanging, special display materials provided by the artist, etc. Also, all work must be accompanied by the following information: Title, Medium, Size, Price, Year. Unframed canvas board, sheets of paper, or picture frames without hanging apparatus will not be included in the exhibition. Please ensure all artwork is finished and completely dry. Artwork that is still wet will not be included in the exhibition

SUBMISSION FEE: $30
PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDELINES:

Artists are encouraged to submit images that represent the artwork to its best advantage. Images shall give a sense of how the piece will sit or hang. Detailed photographs should show the technical excellence of the work or highlight special areas of interest.

The following must be included for each piece of artwork submitted:

• • One (1) full and one (1) detail image
• • File format: .JPG, .PNG, and .TIF
• • File dimensions: No larger than 2500 pixels on the longest side
• • File resolution: minimum 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution) and a maximum of 300 ppi/dpi
• • Video: not to exceed 400 MB per sample

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SUBMISSIONS

• Please include written instructions and photos for complicated installations upon mailing or drop-off of your Artwork if accepted
• Work that is unstable, unusually fragile, or does not meet the installation requirements will be disqualified.
• Any pieces deemed offensive, or not of the highest quality, will not be included in this exhibition.
• A label shall be securely attached to the bottom back right corner of the piece and contain the following information: Artist’s full name.
• Address that appears on the official entry form.
• The title of the entry.
• Phone number and email address.
• In an Instant is a show that will be displayed on the first and second floor exhibiting space of Union Street Gallery.

‘A Sense of Play’ TIMELINE :

• Submissions Open: June 6th, 2025
• Submission Deadline: September 26th, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)
• Selection Notification: Between September 26th and October 3rd
• Work is to arrive at Union Street Gallery between September 26th and October 9th during normal Gallery hours. Additional dates can be discussed if needed by the Artist. (Artwork that arrives or is dropped off later than October 9th will not be included in the exhibition).
• Exhibition Dates: October 16th to November 8th, 2025
• Reception Date: October 25th, 2025, 11 AM to 4 PM
• Artwork pickup and shipping from Union Street Gallery will be between November 13th, 14th, and 15th 2025 during normal Gallery Hours

AWARDS:

• 1 - First Place: $300
• 1 - Second Place: $150
• 1 - Third Place: $75
• 2 - Honorable Mentions

AWARDS JUROR:

This show will be juried in by Union Street Gallery Studio Artists. A Juror of Awards is to be announced at a later date.

SHIPPING:

Complete shipping instructions shall be sent with the acceptance notification of the artwork as well as a tracking number. Artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from Union Street Gallery. All artworks should arrive at Union Street Gallery by October 9th, 2025. Artists are to send a prepaid return shipping label for the return of their artwork. If someone, other than the Artist, is removing artwork from the “A Sense of Play” exhibition, the Artist shall give Union Street Gallery written correspondence of this five (5) days prior to the end of the “In an Instant” exhibition or the piece may not be released.

INSURANCE:

Union Street Gallery does not insure exhibited artworks. Artists are responsible for insurance during shipping to and from Union Street Gallery. 

SALES:

Price and/or value of an accepted entry shall not be changed after it is submitted Union Street Gallery retains 30% of the profits from each art piece sold during the exhibition. All sold works will be taxed Chicago Heights, Illinois 10% sales tax. Artwork in the Vessels exhibition may be listed as not for sale (NFS). Union Street Gallery will handle all sales transactions while artwork is in the Vessels exhibition. Union Street Gallery shall make shipping arrangements to a buyer, if shipping is necessary, at the buyer’s expense. Sold artwork must remain for the duration of the exhibition. Payments to the Artist for sold work will be made within 30 days after the exhibition closes.

PERMISSION AND COPYRIGHT:

By submitting an entry, the Artist grants permission for Union Street Gallery to use the accepted image on their websites, in brochures, in promotional materials, and publicity about the ‘In an Instant’ exhibition, both physical and virtual. Every effort shall be made to maintain quality true to the submitted image, recognizing that the print or electronic medium may affect how the viewer receives the image. Artists shall be recognized for their artwork. The Artist hereby certifies that they hold the copyright for this material and the copyright remains with the Artist. The Artist also certifies that the work submitted is original and does not infringe on any existing copyright. If artwork includes an image of a person, the Artist certifies that a model release for such people has been obtained. Furthermore, if the accepted work differs dramatically from the image submitted, Union Street Gallery reserves the right to return the work to the Artist without hanging the artwork in the exhibition.

ABOUT UNION STREET GALLERY:

Union Street Gallery is equipped to accommodate 2-D and 3-D artworks. Union Street Gallery offers a unique and inspiring space for Artists to display their creations professionally. 

Union Street Gallery (along with affiliated members and staff) assumes no financial obligation due to loss or damage. 

If needed, the Artist will be responsible for providing frames and unique hanging hardware (French cleats, rare earth magnets, etc.). Additionally, the Artist will be responsible for the pickup of remaining artwork as well as the collection of wrapping and packaging materials during drop off. Please schedule a pick-up time with the Union Street Gallery Director or Coordinator to collect your artwork at least one week after the end of the exhibit. All works that are shipped to Union Street Gallery must provide a return shipping label at the time of drop off or receiving for return shipment and all unsold works will be shipped by Saturday the week following the end of the exhibition. Union Street retains 30% of the profits from each art piece sold during the exhibition. All sold works will be taxed Chicago Heights, Illinois 10% sales tax. Note that Union Street Gallery does not insure exhibit artwork in most cases. 

In the event that artwork is not picked up by the Artist or the Artist’s designated representative within a reasonable timeframe after several notices, said artwork will be considered to be a donation to Union Street Gallery. Pickup after this point is not guaranteed. Union Street Gallery may prohibit any content with reasonable justification. 

All applicants will receive an email confirmation regarding your acceptance or nonacceptance by January 9th at the absolute latest. 

Selected Artists will be required to sign and date a form provided by Union Street Gallery to this effect. Thank you so much for submitting to this upcoming show! See you soon! 

Contact Email: Julian Graham, Gallery Director at Union Street Gallery, 

director@unionstreetgallery.org 

Note: Submission fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. 

Union Street Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all submission fees are considered as donations to the gallery and helps fund exhibits, classes and workshops, maintenance fees, and more. 

For more information, visit UnionStreetGallery.org