Call for Art: Body Sovereignty

ARC Gallery invites artists working across all media to submit work for *Body Sovereignty*, an exhibition exploring who owns our bodies — their expression, desire, and sexuality. Curated by Danni O'Brien, this show welcomes art that claims radical ownership over bodily identity, queer experience, conspicuous consumption, and survival. Work that takes a fantastical or absurdist approach — transforming everyday materials into something visceral and alive — is especially encouraged.

Eligible media: Sculpture, assemblage, ceramics, collage, painting, drawing, fibre arts, printmaking, papermaking, video, installation, and hybrid/interdisciplinary works. Submitted work should ideally have been completed within the last five years.

The jury process is anonymous. Your artist statement must not include your name, education history, or past exhibition credits — keep it strictly under 125 words.

Entry fees:

• Standard: $40 USD for 3 images ($10 per additional image)
• Student: $25 USD for 3 images ($10 per additional image) — requires student ID upload

Key dates:

• Deadline: 18 April 2026 (11:59 PM CST)
• Notification: 6 May 2026
• Artwork delivery: 28–29 May or 30 May 2026
• Exhibition: 5–26 June 2026
• Opening reception: Friday 5 June, 5:00–8:00 PM
• Artwork pick-up: 27 June 2026

Accepted artists shipping work must include a pre-paid FedEx or UPS return label (USPS is not accepted). ARC Gallery takes a 20% commission on any works sold.

ARC Gallery is a non-profit, woman-run cooperative gallery, partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.