CALL FOR ART

[Re]frame the dark

A group show celebrating this season-sans-sun

January 15 - February 21, 2026

Concept + Call (as described by Nikki Erskine):

January is so dark and cold in New England. If you compare winter to other seasons it’s easy to feel miserable and S.A.D., but the Danish and Norwegian concept of “hygge” [HOO-ga] helps me get through winter by rethinking frigid temperatures as opportunity to embrace coziness (think of snuggling up with a fuzzy blanket, a warm drink, candlelight, and soft music - much better in 8º than 80º!). So hygge helps with the cold - how can we embrace so much night?


[Re]frame the Dark invites you to take inspiration from this season-sans-sun and make the most of this unique time of year. What can you do, see, or experience in winter that you can’t in July (when it’s light until 9pm)? Light painting photography is more effective, as are neon and UV lights. With people sheltering indoors, city streets and outdoor spaces can be strangely peaceful. There’s so much more time to see the stars, vampires can shop longer, and while utility bills are up, hair removal costs go down as razors and sunscreen are replaced by humidifiers and extra-hydrating lotions. Take it from this night owl - there’s plenty of beauty, mystery, peace, and freedom to be had between sunset and sunrise. 


Whether it’s through crepuscular creatures or creature comforts, the mundane or macabre, the celestial, electric, cozy, or romantic - we want to see what gets you through the night. All works should evoke the night in technique, materials, or theme, there are no other restrictions on size or medium. All works must be human-created (no AI).

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Submissions Accepted Until: January 5, 2026 (Monday)

  • Notifications + Delivery Instructions Sent by: Thursday, January 8, 2026 (Thursday)

  • Deliver Artwork(s): January 9 + 10 (Friday + Saturday)

  • Exhibit On-View: January 15 - February 21, 2026

  • Opening Reception: 6-9pm Thursday, January 15, 2026

  • Closing + Pickup: Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Gallery will be open 12-6pm, with an informal closing from 12-3pm. Buyers and artists can pick up between 3-6pm, or by appointment the following week.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

We put together this Google Form to make the submission process as clear and easy as possible. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 5, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed in the order they are received and notifications will be sent on a rolling basis, by Thursday January 8 at the latest.

Please limit your submission to 3 pieces. Works can be shared in any format (JPG, PNG, PDF, etc.), up to 10MB per file. For files over that limit, we welcome links - just make sure any privacy is set to “public” so we can check it out.

There’s no fee to apply or participate!

All works should evoke the night in technique, materials, or theme, there are no other restrictions on size or medium. Artists and makers of all ages, backgrounds, and levels are welcome, and all works must be human-created (no AI).

Additional Info

Submission Form

  • Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Artists with work selected for Re/frame the Night will be contacted by email by January 8, 2026. That email will include delivery instructions and 2 additional forms for you to complete before delivery: a sales agreement and details about your work for the display labels.

  • The delivery window is January 9 + 10, 2026. Hunchback Gallery will be open 12-6pm both days.

    If your work is selected but neither time works, please contact us to coordinate an alternative.

  • Hunchback Gallery will facilitate sales and retain 30% of sale price for our services. The remaining 70% will be paid to the artist within 30 days of sale. Set your sale prices accordingly!

  • 2D / wall-mounted work: Please deliver ready to hang - we find wire reliable and the easiest option to work with. By delivering ready-to-hang, we don’t have to alter your work in order to display.

    3D / sculptural work: Please provide any supports your work will require in order to display properly (and safely!) for the duration of the show.

  • It doesn’t have to be, but as sales make up the majority of how we fund the Gallery’s mission, we prefer that work be available for purchase.

  • Attendance at the January 15 opening isn’t required, but we hope you’ll share this show with your audience, and we’d love to see you during the show (special events TBA)!

  • If your piece sells, we’ll let you know promptly. If it doesn’t, works can be picked up as early as 3-6pm February 21. If you can’t make that, we’ll reach out to coordinate pickup, or may ask to hang on to select works a little longer.

Still have questions? Send us a note - email HunchbackGallery@gmail.com.