2026 International FL3TCH3R Exhibit: Social & Politically Engaged Art

Now in its 13th year, the International FL3TCH3R Exhibit is an open call for artists working in socially and politically engaged art. The 2026 edition will be held at its new home, Fischman Gallery, in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, running 7 August through 27 September 2026.

The exhibit honours the legacy of Fletcher Hancock Dyer, a young artist and graphic design student who believed deeply in art as a vehicle for social and political commentary. Fletcher was lost in a motorcycle accident in 2009 at age 22. His vision — that art can mirror, challenge, and transform how we understand the world — continues to inspire this annual exhibition.

The 2026 juror is Jessica "JB" Burke, Associate Professor of Art at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, whose work has been exhibited at the Mint Museum, Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, and Aqua Art Miami during Art Basel.

Who can enter:

All artists and designers aged 18 and over, residing anywhere in the world, are welcome to enter. All work must be original. Healthcare and medical professionals are also encouraged to enter and may be eligible for a dedicated award.

What's eligible:

All 2D, 3D, performance/installation (via video), sound/audio, and film/video art. Specific categories include painting, ceramics, digital, fibre, glass, graphic design, jewellery/metals, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture, sound/audio, and video/film. Work must not exceed 5 ft wide and should preferably weigh under 30 lbs. Video art should not exceed 15 minutes running time.

Awards:

Multiple awards will be presented, including Best of Show, Awards of Excellence (×2), the Sammie L. Nicely Award, the Fischman Gallery Award, the Avery Healthcare & the Arts Award, and several named awards. Additional awards to be announced.

Entry fees:

• Online (by 23 June 2026): USD $40 for up to 3 works, plus $10 per additional work
• Online extended deadline (24–30 June 2026): USD $45 for up to 3 works, plus $10 per additional work
• Email/USPS entry: USD $50 for up to 3 works, plus $10 per additional work (through 30 June 2026)

Payment is preferred via PayPal; cheques, cashier's checks, and money orders in USD are also accepted by post.

Key dates:

• Submission deadline: 23 June 2026
• Extended deadline: 24–30 June 2026
• Notification to accepted artists: week of 15 July 2026
• Hand delivery of work: 19–31 July 2026
• Deadline for shipped works: 31 July 2026
• Exhibition opens: 7 August 2026 (First Friday opening, 6:30–9pm)
• Juror's artist talk: 4 September 2026, 6:30–7:30pm
• Awards reception: 4 September 2026, 7:30pm
• Exhibition closes: 27 September 2026

Venue: Fischman Gallery, 133 N Commerce St, Downtown Johnson City, TN 37604

For full entry details and to submit online: www.fl3tch3rexhibit.com