Exhibition Dates: September 24, 2025 (Wed) – November 2, 2025 (Sun)
Submission Deadline: August 24, 2025 (Sun)
Accepted artists will be notified by email: Sep 6 (Sat)
Accepted artwork must be delivered by: September 20, 2025 (Sat)
Gallery: Overt Space Gallery & Gifts, 130 E Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

Link for submission: https://forms.gle/BrrjHEB3mESx3vSE9

Entry Fee: NO FEE

We invite artists to submit work for our upcoming exhibition, "Bridge Between Abstract and Reality," an exploration of the space where the intangible and the representational meet. This exhibition celebrates Abstract Realism in its many forms—whether through subtle gestures or bold juxtapositions.

This is a non-themed, loosely guided call—you do not need to create new work. We encourage you to select pieces from your existing body of work that speak to this interplay between abstraction and realism.

All accepted artwork will be featured in our gallery and website. This exhibition does not have cash awards.

How to Interpret the Theme

We are looking for artwork that embodies or hints at:

• The blending of abstraction with recognizableforms

• Imagery that floats between the dreamlike and the concrete

• Magical Realism or surrealism grounded in everyday objects or scenes

• Symbolic or expressive use of form, line, or color that suggests reality without fully depicting it

• Pieces that challenge viewers to question what is real, imagined, or felt

• Art that lies on the extreme ends of the spectrum will also be considered

Whether your work leans toward abstract landscapes, narrative figuration with abstract elements, or symbolic compositions that suggest hidden stories, we want to see how you build a bridge between abstraction and representation.

Submission Details

• Open to all mediums, original works only. Some sculptures will be accepted. 

• Up to 2 pieces per artist may be submitted

• Upload 1 high resolution image per artwork

• All artists residing in the USA are eligible to participate. Artists do not need to be present for the show.

Artwork Requirements

• Artwork must be for sale

• Artists receive 60% commission on sale

• The combined height and width of each artwork should not exceed 100 inches and must not stick out from the wall more than 6”

• Artwork should be ready to hang. Our gallery uses the STAS Hanging system and artwork cannot be nailed to the wall

• Overt Space is family-friendly and has people of all ages walk through the gallery. Please keep this in mind when submitting artwork

• All artists residing in the USA are eligible to participate. Artists do not need to be present for the show.

We aim to curate a show that invites both intellectual reflection and emotional resonance. Our gallery is known for its inclusive, colorful energy—we welcome both seasoned and emerging artists whose work speaks to the in-between.

U.S. National Deadline: July 29, 2024 – Overt Space Gallery + Gift invites artists to imagine and tackle that which can’t be tamed. In medium and subject, evoke the freedom found within the wild. Multiple venues, awards…

The theme, PRINTMAKING, requires artists to create an image and impose it onto another surface. This centuries-old technique highlights captivating imagery, fine attention to detail, and awe-inspiring effects. Both realism and abstract art will be considered. Our gallery features contemporary art and the concept is considered in judging.

All accepted entries will be featured in a printed publication by the gallery and blog. Awarded artists will receive more space for interviews. All entries will have their name listed in our printed publication.

Location: All artists residing in the USA are eligible to participate. This group show is located at Overt Space Gallery in Stoughton, WI. Artwork will need to be shipped to the gallery before the exhibition. Artwork will also be available on our website. Artists do not need to be present for the show.

The theme, WILD, invites artists to imagine and tackle that which can’t be tamed. In medium and subject, evoke the freedom found within the wild. Both realism and abstract art will be considered. Our gallery features contemporary art and the concept is considered in judging.

All accepted entries will be featured in a printed publication by the gallery and blog. Awarded artists will receive more space for interviews. All entries will have their name listed in our printed publication.

Location: All artists residing in the USA are eligible to participate. This group show is located at Overt Space Gallery in Stoughton, WI. Artwork will need to be shipped to the gallery before the exhibition. Artwork will also be available on our website. Artists do not need to be present for the show.

Overt Space invites the Wisconsin and international art community to participate in this creative event. It’s a unique opportunity for all, regardless of artistic background - from preschoolers to professionals. All artwork will be accepted and must be 5”x5”. Proceeds will benefit the local non-profit organization, START (Stoughton Area Resource Team).

The theme, OPEN, invites artists of all mediums and subjects to submit their best work to be featured in our gallery and publication. Both realism and abstract art will be considered. Our gallery features contemporary art and the concept is considered in judging.

Overt Space Gallery + Gift is a vibrant and creative space for artists and makers, split between gallery and gift shop. Perfect for emerging and mid-career artists seeking places to share their work in a gallery setting with lots of foot traffic as well as a high conversion rate with online sales.

Winners(1st-3rd) will split cash prizes ranging from $500-1,000 - depending how many submissions we receive. Honorable mentions for 4th and 5th place. All accepted entries will be featured in a printed publication by the gallery and blog. Awarded artists will receive more space for interviews. All entries will have their name listed in our printed publication.

All artists residing in the USA are eligible to participate. This group show is located at Overt Space Gallery in Stoughton, WI. Artwork will need to be shipped to the gallery before the exhibition. Artwork will also be available on our website. Artists do not need to be present for the show.