VisionMakers2026

VisionMakers2026 Call for Entries | Deadline August 1, 11:59 pm

Overview

VisionsMakers2026 is 108|Contemporary's signature juried biennial exhibition for contemporary fine craft-based artists in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. 108|Contemporary seeks artists who bridge cutting-edge concepts and traditional skills as they approach the boundaries of art, craft, and design. With internationally recognized jurors and cash awards, VisionMakers2026 will be displayed in the architecturally stunning 108|Contemporary gallery in the Tulsa Arts District. VisionMakers2026 opens Friday, December 4, 2026, and runs through January 23, 2027.

Eligibility

The exhibition is open to individuals 18 years and older who reside in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas, and who are not degree-seeking art students. Media will be accepted in two- and three-dimensional fine craft arts, such as, but not limited to: ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry and metals, furniture, and wood. Installation work is encouraged. Work must be original, completed in the last 2 years, and not produced while an art student. Must be the same work as the submitted image and cannot have been shown in the greater Tulsa area. Paintings, drawings, and photography are not eligible unless otherwise manipulated with other craft-based materials or practices. 

Guest Juror

Stefanie Kirkland is a curator and arts management professional with over 20 years of experience who joined the Arkansas Museum of Fine Art as Windgate Foundation Curator of Contemporary Craft in 2025. She takes a collaborative approach to growing and interpreting AMFA’s international collection of contemporary craft, fostering connections between the curatorial department, Windgate Art School, and public programs. Kirkland’s first curatorial project at AMFA, Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection, will be presented in the Robyn and John Horn Gallery in the Windgate Art School from August 15, 2026, until April 25, 2027. Previously, she served as Director of Programming at The Sheldon in St. Louis (2021–2025) and Deputy Director and Director of Exhibitions and Artists-In-Residence at Craft Alliance (2005–2021). Kirkland has served on grant panels, lectured at arts organizations across the St. Louis metro area, and juried exhibitions regionally and nationally. She holds an M.F.A. in Painting from the Academy of Art College, where she studied in Corciano, Italy, under art historian Barbara Rose, and a B.F.A. from Syracuse University. Her work continues to be exhibited nationally and held in private collections.

Documentation

A limited-run print and digital catalog will be produced in conjunction with the exhibit. 108|Contemporary requires that accepted artists provide the highest quality image (300 dpi, approximately 1800 X 1200) for graphic reproduction of the work. 

Sales 

All artwork must be for sale. 108|Contemporary will retain a 40% commission on all sales. 

Shipping & Liability

Artists are responsible for shipping or in-person delivery to the gallery no earlier than November 24, but no later than November 27. 108|Contemporary will not accept artwork on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. 108|Contemporary will pay for return shipping to out-of-state artists at the conclusion of the exhibition. If an artist chooses to pick up artwork at the conclusion of the exhibit, the artist is responsible for damage and/or loss after the pickup. Artwork can be picked up as early as January 25, 2027, but no later than January 27, 2027. 108|Contemporary has insurance coverage for work in its possession for the period of November 24, 2026 – January 27, 2027

Entry Procedure

Artists are invited to submit up to three works. Entries will be accepted beginning May 1, 2026, and ending August 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Entries must include a bio or resume with contact information, a short artist statement (limited to 250 words), and complete label information for each entry, including name, date, size, medium, technique, photo credit, and retail price. Artists may submit up to three images for each of their three submissions; only include images at 300 dpi and at least 1800 x 1200 pixels. Entry fee is $35 for 108|Contemporary members and $45 for nonmembers. Entry fees can be paid through the online submission system. Images of accepted entries will be retained by 108|Contemporary; images of non-accepted work will be discarded. 

Submission of work to this exhibition shall constitute an agreement on the part of the artist to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and shall further include permission to reproduce work for publication, documentation, and the press, and to photograph and video record artists for publication, documentation, and the press. No substitution of accepted artwork as shown in the digital submission entries will be accepted.

Awards

Five $1,000 awards will be chosen by our esteemed juror. Awards will be announced at the opening reception of the exhibition. Winners will be selected for the following five categories. 

• Contemporary Design Award: This award is granted to those who not only embrace but also drive forward the dialogue surrounding modern craft techniques, materials, and concepts. This accolade celebrates works that are not just visually striking but also intellectually engaging, capturing the essence and spirit of innovation that defines the field of contemporary craft.
• Juror’s Choice Award: This award is presented at the sole discretion of the exhibition juror, honoring an artwork that made a particularly strong impression. Whether through concept, execution, or emotional impact, this piece stands out as a favorite of the juror and represents the unique vision that distinguishes exceptional contemporary craft.
• Craftsmanship Award: The essence of fine craft lies in the mastery of construction and the attention to detail. The Craftsmanship Award recognizes an artist who exemplifies exceptional skill and precision in their craft. This award celebrates artworks that are not only technically demanding but are also exemplary in their execution.
• Art + Craft Dialog Award: At 108|Contemporary, we aim to dissolve the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft. This award is designed to honor a work that either distinctly bridges or creatively blurs these lines, fostering a dialogue between the two disciplines. The Art + Craft Dialog Award is given to an artist whose work challenges these categorizations, reflecting our commitment to merging and redefining what art and craft mean today.
• Innovation Award: In a field as dynamic as contemporary craft, innovation is key. This award is designated for an artist who pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved with traditional and non-traditional materials. The Innovation Award highlights works that are at the cutting edge, demonstrating novel approaches and pioneering techniques in the world of contemporary craft.  

Please pass on this opportunity to artists and colleagues.