Open Calls

Farewell to the Dragon

(welcome to the snake)
Say hello and goodbye to our scaly brethren! The lunar new year in 2025 transitions from Dragon to Snake in eastern astrology. These have both been powerful archetypes and totems in cultures throughout the world.  

Dragon
From the Aztec's Quetzalcoatl, the feathered wind serpents - The Nidhogg who gnaws at a root of the world tree in Norse legend -  Japanese large, wingless, serpentine water deities, Humans have a long history of naming elemental powers and visceral fears.

Snake
Snakes often have a mixed fear and reverence, representing death and renewal, transformation, secrets, and danger. From the Hindu naga, and Greek gorgons, and as a clan animal in America, snakes truly traverse continents and sometimes make their absence felt as with the legend of St. Patrick in Ireland.  

The gallery has a preference for large works and an interest in showing more 3D/sculptural work, as well as videos.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: January 3-31
Entry deadline: December 16
Notification date: December 20
Drop off date: December 28th
Artist Reception: January 3
Artist Talk: January 18

How to submit your work: This is a juried show. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Include your name, the media used and the size (horizontal” x vertical”). If submitting video, please include a link to the entire video. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration for a non-refundable $15 entry fee payable at this link.

As with all our exhibits, art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Love is Love

This February, we welcome work related to all the various forms of love. Love can be a fixture in someone's life, or it can be more mercurial or fleeting.

Some brief examples of love through the ages - 

• The ancient Greeks have defined many words for the kinds of love we may experience, including romantic and unrequited love, anthropomorphised in the Erotes. 

• Some indigenous communities often encompass a deep connection to the land, community, and family; going beyond romantic love and including concepts like respect, responsibility, caretaking, and a strong sense of belonging within the tribe.

• In queer culture there is Tu Er Shen, the 'rabbit deity', who in Chinese folklore is popularly said to manage love between men. The Aztec sibling gods Xōchipilli and Xōchiquetzal represent love and beauty, even protecting gay and lesbian relationships.

Please submit a few sentences along with your artwork explaining how it fits the theme ”Love is Love”.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: February 6-28
Entry deadline: January 15, 12am
Notification date: January 23
Drop off date: February 1
Artist Reception: February 7, 5-9pm
Artist Talk: February 15

How to submit your work: This is a juried show. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Include your name, the media used and the size (horizontal” x vertical”). If submitting video, please include a link to the entire video. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration for a non-refundable $15 entry fee payable at this link.

As with all our exhibits, art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Upcoming Calls, details to come

Wearable Art (summer 2025)

Small Wonders (Dec. 2025)

Prior Calls

Small wonders

Santa's gift bag has magically grown this year. This December we hope to offer a venue to share the love of art during the holiday season. The parameters for this open call is simply - $150 or less. We had such a wonderful community response to last years Small Wonders show that we wanted to do it this year but with less constraints. 12x12(x12) inches was the original concept, and still a very good jumping off point for creating or submitting artwork for this December. Although, this year we are allowing ANY SIZE of artwork as long as it has the same pricing limitation of $150. Because of this price cap, we are also lowering the gallery commission to 25% for December only. Our submission fee is lowered to $5 per every three artworks.  

To submit work: This is a blind jury process. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Label your photo with the title and dimensions of the work (horizontal” x vertical”). For example: Going Nowhere 12inx12in.jpg. Include your name, title of the work, price and media in the body of the email. Please pay a one time non-refundable fee of $5 at this link per each 3 works entered. Art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: December 6 - December 27
Entry deadline: November 8
Notification of inclusion: November 15
Drop off date: November 30
Artist Reception: December 6
Artist Talk: December 21

POLITIKS

Make art, not war! Let your art be a justification to care and engage as we approach this critically important election. Diego Rivera, Faith Ringgold, Dorthea Lange, Francisco de Goya, Otto Dix, to name a few socially expressive artists, communicated their views successfully. Your turn. Please frame your perspective in reflective, effective, creative artwork.

This call for art will be juried. Politiks, the exhibit will be on display throughout the month of October giving people time to think and consider.

To submit work: This is a blind jury process. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Label your photo with the title and dimensions of the work (horizontal” x vertical”). For example: Going Nowhere 12inx12in.jpg. Include your name, title of the work, price and media in the body of the email. Please pay a one time non-refundable fee of $15 at this link per each 3 works entered. Art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

BELONGING

A sense of belonging is shown to increase physical and mental well-being, yet many factors within society can influence our sense of belonging. What is it like to belong? What is it like to feel as if you don't belong? Why is it important? We are looking for art that demonstrates a sense of belonging, or struggles related to belonging. We accept art in many forms including sculpture.

This exhibit will serve as a fundraiser for YWCA Clark County. Their mission is to "Eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all." The gallery will contribute their commission to YWCA Clark County and the artist may privately opt-in to contribute all, part or none of their profit to the cause.

The Human Race

What are the footprints we leave behind? Humans rely on the natural world for their well-being and survival, but some actions cause harm and may be dangerous to our shared future.

Please consider

• How people affect their environment on earth

• Humans as stewards of nature

• Plastic changing the landscape and oceans

• How humans have altered agriculture

• What the consequences are and how do we mitigate them

• What people are working to mend the world

Send artwork that speaks to these thoughts and the relationship with Mother Nature here. The gallery has a preference for large works and an interest in showing more 3D/sculptural work, as well as videos.

Shape that speak

The Pacific Northwest Sculptors Group (PNWS) welcome entries to “Shapes that Speak.” This is a members-only show. Please visit the PNWS website to become a member. Details and important dates of the open call can be found here.

heart at the cave

Show us your heart: tell us what you love in the abstract or the concrete. Show us art as an expression of emotion, culture or civilization. 2D, 3D or in a short video.

To submit work: This is a blind jury process. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Label your photo with the title and dimensions of the work (horizontal” x vertical”). For example: Going Somewhere 12 x 12.jpg. Include your name, title of the work, price and media in the body of the email. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration. Entry fee for 1, 2 or 3 pieces (or one video, maximum 3 minutes) is $15 payable at this link.

If accepted: Please complete the artist agreement.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: February 1-29
Entry deadline: January 15
Notification date: January 19
Drop off date: January 27

Art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Small Wonders

This December we hope to offer a venue to share the love of art during the holiday season. We are asking for 2D art that is within 12 x 12” at it’s finished size (yes, that includes frame) or 3D art that is within 1728 square inches (12 x 12 x 12”) or less, priced at $150 or less. For this exhibit only, we are reducing gallery commission from 50% to 25%.

The art will be made available during our December exhibit “Small Wonders,” which will be paired with a separate showing by local favorite Yoshi Kitai.

To submit work: This is a blind jury process. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Label your photo with the title and dimensions of the work (horizontal” x vertical”). For example: Going Nowhere 12 x 12.jpg. Include your name, title of the work, price and media in the body of the email. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration. Please pay a one time non-refundable fee of $5 at this link per 3 works entered.

Where are we going and what will we do when we get there?

This exhibit garners its name from a piece by Paul Gauguin, but don’t let this work or artist be the driving force of your creativity. We’re looking for original, contemplative and prophetic art; art that navigates the seas of humanity into some semblance of perception. Channel your inner philosopher and grasp your epistemic perspective by the ears. Tell me, where are we going, and what will we do when we get there?

To submit work: This is a blind jury process. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Label your photo with the title and dimensions of the work (horizontal” x vertical”). For example: Going Nowhere 30x30.jpg. In the email, please include your name, title of the work, a brief statement describing how your work relates to the call, the media used and the size. All works except video must be available for purchase. If submitting video, please include a link to the entire video. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration. A non-refundable $15 entry fee covers 3 entries and is payable at this link.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: August 2-25
Submission deadline: July 14
Notification date: July 22
Drop off date: July 29

Art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Greenbelt and Crystal Clear Water

Nature is a beautiful cherished space where native plants and animals flourish. Preservation establishing a "greenbelt" to help protect the fragile ecosystems supports this perspective. With this in mind, we’re pairing Greenbelt with Crystal Clear Water and invite your imaginative input for this exhibit. Works for Greenbelt should be primarily green in nature and those for Crystal Clear Water have no specific guidelines.

This exhibit will serve as fundraiser to one local organization working towards that goal, the Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. Their mission is to "empower community members to protect and restore southwest Washington’s waterways and natural areas for the benefit of current and future generations." The gallery will contribute their commission to the Watershed Alliance and the artist may privately opt-in to contribute all, part or none of their profit to the cause.

To submit work: This is a juried show. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s) and a statement describing how your work relates to the call. Include your name, the media used and the size (horizontal” x vertical”). If submitting video, please include a link to the entire video. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration. A non-refundable $15 entry fee is payable at this link.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: April 1-29
Submission deadline: March 14
Notification date: March 17
Drop off date: April 1

Art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Clouds Illusions

Clouds Illusions is named for the lyrics of “Both Sides Now,” a popular song by iconic songwriter and singer Joni Mitchell:

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Take a look or a listen to “Both Sides Now,” and share your impressions of similar such dichotomies through your artistic expression. The gallery has a preference for large works and an interest in showing more 3D/sculptural work, as well as videos.

Important dates:
Exhibit dates: March 3rd-31st
Submission deadline: February 14th
Notification date: February 23rd

How to submit your work: This is a juried show. Please send us an email with photo(s) of your work(s). Include your name, the media used and the size (horizontal” x vertical”). If submitting video, please include a link to the entire video. Each person may submit up to 3 works for consideration. A $15 entry fee is payable at this link.

As with all our exhibits, art that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

All Forgeries are Intentional

Sometimes it is interesting to explore the technique of a particular artist and learn from how they used perspective or color or materials. Consider how you could immerse yourself in the persona of that artist - only Keep it FAKE. Bring us your homage to Chagall without his signature, without his chicken or goat. Add your own touch to make sure everybody knows it isn’t by the original artist. Steam punk Vincent van Gogh in the style of Picasso? A Lincoln stove-pipe hat on a figure in the style of Giacometti. Da Vinci in the 21st Centurey. Alice Neel in the 14th Century. Have fun with it. Take a step back and consider. Put your own twist on it. Share your imagination.

Simply submit 1-3 images for consideration using the entry form linked below. The $15 fee covers up to 3 images for consideration.

Dates: 

• Saturday, August 13th 2022 Deadline to submit your complete your entry form and $15 submission fee.

• Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 We will notify you if your work has been accepted. 

• Saturday, August 27th, 2022 Drop off your work and consignment agreement to the gallery between 10am and 4pm.

• Show runs September 2nd through 30th

KITES

Inspired by the immortal words of Kate Bush – KITES KITES KITES

An open call to artists and kitemakers of all stripes. 

Not paintings of kites, not photos of kites, but actual KITES!

They don’t have to be able to actually fly but look like they might. Any sort of kite – Dragons? Birds? Monsters? Bats? Octopus? Jellyfish? Abstracts? Painted kites? Fabric kites?  Any kite goes.

We will hang the work on the gallery walls and ceiling so visitors can take a walk through a sky of hanging kite magic. We are looking for unique and fantastical submissions!

There is no submission fee. You are welcome to submit up to 3 static works or 1 video per artist or cooperative artists. Although you can submit 3, we may not accepting all pieces.

Please fill out this submission form and upload your work here. You must submit your images or video through the submission form. We are no longer accepting email submission

Please Note: Although this is un un-juried call, we retain the right to refuse any work that does not fit the theme, or that is inappropriate for the show.

Thank you for understanding!

Dates: 

• Wednesday, May 18 2022 Deadline to submit your entry here

• Saturday, May 21 2022 We will notify you about what work has been accepted. 

• Tuesday, May 312022 Drop off your work to the gallery between 10am and 4pm

Thank you!

KITE MAGIC

 I look at eye level, it isn't good enough

And then I find it out when I take a good look up

There's a hole in the sky with a big eye

there's a hole in the sky

Calling me

Come up and be a kite

And fly a diamond night

A diamond kite on a diamond flight

Over the lights, under the moon

Over the lights, under the moon

Over the moon, over the moon

Abstract Realities

Do we live in multiple realities? Is there a sense of abstraction that bends the world to enable us to make sense out of absurdity? How does the mind construct an abstract world of general concepts to represent reality in new ways? Show us.

April: VERDANT

a juried art exhibit celebrating/honoring our living biosphere

“VERDANT - green, grown, leafy, lush, luxuriant, overgrown, gravid, animate, breathing, live, living, quick “. This is a show of living or once living art. Artwork in any medium or combination of media is welcome, but some aspect of the work must be plant material that is living, or must once have been alive. I.E.: A painting is an interpretation. A photo is a documentation.

We are not considering Paintings or Drawings for this exhibition unless they incorporate some plant material that is living, or once had been alive.

You can find examples of VERDANT artworks here

Submissions can be of plants or growing plants, flowers, arrangements, bonsai, slime mould, fungus, invertebrates, insects, soil, bacteria, any living, growing form that can be transformed or utilized into a work of art, or an aspect of that art. Work can also be videos, or films of living things, but must be about the living nature of the subject.

WILD NOTE: If utilizing wild natural living things please consider the place from which the species will be gathered - is there a healthy population from which to gather? We also encourage you request permission - from the land owner and species itself. And, in picking, be sure not to introduce invasive species into the area, only to take what is needed, minimize damage to surrounding species, and show gratitude. Be advised that any art involving cruelty or destruction / exploitation of any life form will not be accepted.

October: Pet Project

This is an open call for art pertaining to companion animals. Artists are encouraged to visit the Humane Society of Southwest Washington website, Facebook and Instagram at @peopledogscats and use images of the pets there for inspiration. A visit to the facility may also be possible, if enough people are interested. Please email us to let us know if this interests you. Please send an image of your work, along with a brief statement regarding it’s association with the theme to gallery@artatthecave.com no later than Sept 22nd. Drop off date is Sept. 28th. There is a $15 entry fee for all accepted works. Part of the proceeds from the sale of works will be donated to the Humane Society.

August: Show of Hands

Lend a hand, hand it over, all hands on deck… There are so many ways to interpret HANDS! Submit your rendition to “Show of Hands,” our August exhibit celebrating this fancy appendage. All types of art of any kind of media are encouraged. Submit works for consideration to gallery@artatthecave.com. There is a $15 submission fee. We are accepting 1 work per artist, however you are welcome to email multiples for consideration. Please submit your email by July 24th and drop off your work by July 31st.

JUNE: ancestral echoes

In June we will feature works that reflect upon personal ancestral themes. Genetic and non-genetic ancestors may be recognized in this call for art which studies our relationship with our personal heritage. Submit works for consideration to gallery@artatthecave.com. This is an open call to all artists of all media. There is a $15 submission fee. We are accepting 1 work per artist, however you are welcome to email multiples for consideration. Please submit your email by May 22nd and drop off your work by May 29th.

MAY: All sides

This May we are featuring 3D work and encourage artists of all media to explore shape and form beyond the canvas. Submit works for consideration to gallery@artatthecave.com. This is an open call to all artists of all media. There is a $15 submission fee. We are accepting 1 work per artist, however you are welcome to email multiples for consideration. Please submit your email by April 23rd and drop off your work by May 1st.

APRIL: ENVIRONMENTAL DESTINY

This April we are considering the idea of "Environmental Destiny." Do you have thoughts on this? Please, share them with the community! Submit works for consideration to gallery@artatthecave.com. This is an open call to all artists of all media. There is a $15 submission fee. We are accepting 1 work per artist, however you are welcome to email multiples for consideration. Please submit your email by March 27th and drop off your work on March 30th.

Call For Art - All About love

Art At The Cave is seeking submissions for "All About Love," an exhibition that will run February 3rd through 27th, 2021. This exhibit will feature community works on the topic of love. Please send your entry via email to gallery@artatthecave.com. Include your name, an image of your work, as well as dimensions and a brief statement. There is a $15 submission fee. Due to a large number of inquiries, we are limiting the submissions to 1 piece per artist. Wall art must be framed, or otherwise ready to hang. Entry deadline is Saturday, January 23rd.

Call For Art - drop off sept. 29

Art At The Cave is seeking submissions for "Politiks: the Art of Deception," an exhibition that will run October 1st thru 31st. This is your opportunity to be heard before election day. Please bring your politically charged works to the gallery at 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver between 10am-4pm, Sept 29th or by appointment. You do not need to send images of your work in advance. We're accepting one entry per person with a $15 submission fee. 2D work needs to be wired and ready to hang. Art that does not relate to politics, or that the gallery determines to be racist, misogynistic or of similar theme will not be considered.

Complete the Artist Consignment Agreement in advance and return by email or print and deliver it with your work. The form is also available in person at the gallery.

Society of Washington Artists Fall Show

Art At the Cave will be hosting the Society of Washington Artists Fall show from November 15 thru December 15th. Call for art closes September 20th or when 200 pieces have been received. Find details of how to enter the show at swavancouver.com.

Art of the Quarantine JULY 2020

Art at the Cave is looking for submissions to “Art of the Quarantine.” The call for art created during quarantine is non-juried and open to all artists and to all ages - kids too! Art does not need to have a covid-related theme. Submit art by emailing a photo of your piece, dimensions, title and a brief statement to gallery@artatthecave.com. Initial deadline is July 31st, with an expectation that this may be extended depending on the circumstances.

We are coordinating with other downtown galleries including Aurora Gallery, Art on the Boulevard, Phoenix Rising and the Loo-vre to put on this community-wide art exhibit. Artists with established relationships at these galleries are encouraged to submit art directly to their gallery for consideration in the exhibit. A rotating preview of the exhibit will be on display at Art At The Cave’s gallery windows beginning June 6th. A date for the full community exhibit is yet to be determined. Please sign up for email announcements and/or follow us on social media for updates.

Politiks: the Art of Deception Oct. 2018

Call for Artists – October 5-27 2018 – Politiks: the Art of Deception

The CAVE Art Gallery seeks your submissions for "Politiks: the Art of Deception," an exhibition that runs Oct. 5-27. There is a $15 submission fee (maximum two). All political art submitted will be displayed for this unusual exhibition. This is your opportunity to let your opinions be heard before election day. All art for submission should be brought to 108 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver between 10am-- 4pm October 2.  2D work needs to be wired and ready to be hung. Submitted art that does not relate to politics, or that the gallery determines to be racist, mysogynistic or of similar theme in nature will not be shown. 

Fake News or Alternative Facts?  Friendships injured or ended? We live in dissatisfying times. What is your point of view because all views are welcome and encouraged. Gun violence or gun rights? Political correctness or a decay in American values? What does race have to do with it, or country of origin or how long your ancestors have lived in this place. Do you believe clean water and air should be guaranteed? How about healthcare, employment, safety in your community and place of worship or safety from somebody else' place of worship. Do you lean Right or Left or do you just want a place to put your head in the sand until this whole thing blows over? Express yourself!