Art Calls 8th Midwest Open
Opportunity Description
U.S. Multi-State Deadline: June 27, 2025 – The Midwest Open is an annual exhibition at WMG that highlights the achievements of women and nonbinary artists living in the American Midwest. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 12 states in the Midwest include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The exhibition encourages artists to expand their materials, push the boundaries of medium and texture, and explore innovative approaches. It seeks the most provocative work each artist has to offer, fostering a Midwest exhibition that challenges perspectives, sparks dialogue, and leaves a lasting impact.
The exhibition will be held from August 30 to September 27, 2025 at Woman Made Gallery, 1332 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607.
ELIGIBILITY
Woman Made Gallery is a space for women and nonbinary artists, including trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. We welcome art from women and non-binary artists from our local community, regionally based, and around the world.
Due to wall size restrictions, artworks must be no larger than 6’ horizontally and under 75 pounds in weight, unless delivered to and picked up from our gallery by the artist. Artists may be additionally responsible for the installation of oversized works.
New media artworks are eligible.
JUROR
Kimberly Oliva (b. 1978, Chicago) is a Chicago-based Midwest curator. She received her Bachelor of Art degree from Loyola University in 2001. She is the owner of Oliva Gallery and has curated over 150 interdisciplinary exhibitions. In 2019, Oliva Gallery exhibited at SOFA, and in June 2025, it will be presenting at Door County Contemporary. Kimberly is the founder of the Mozart Park Mural Program and co-chair of Mozart Park, Chicago Park District.Kimberly focuses on established Midwest artists and has been immersed in the art scene for over two decades.
AWARDS
Awards: 1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
4th place: Honorable Mention
ENTRY FEE
The entry fee is $35 per entry. Each entry requires a minimum of one artwork, though up to three artworks may be considered per submission. Entry fees are non-refundable.
WMG offers up to 30 fee waivers per exhibition. To acknowledge the historic inequities of wealth distribution, they are mainly reserved for ALAANA/BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+. If you require a fee waiver simply email us explaining your need and we will assist you. Please email WMG at general@womanmade.org to request a fee-waiver.
SALES
Accepted work may be listed for sale or be not for sale (NFS). WMG will retain a 30% commission on sold works. Work remains the property of the artist until sold. Sold artworks shall remain in the exhibition until the end of the exhibition. Artists will be paid no later than 30 days after the close of the exhibit.
DATES
- Exhibition Dates: August 30 – September 27, 2025
- Opening Reception: Saturday, August 30 from 4 to 7 PM CST
- Artist Walkthrough: Saturday, September 27 from 2 to 4 PM CST
- First Entry Due Date: June 20 | 11:59 PM CST (entry fee: $35)
- Final Entry Due Date: June 27 | 11:59 PM CST
- Notification: July 18, 2025
About:
Woman Made Gallery is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization founded in 1992. Its goal is to cultivate, promote and support the work of female-identified artists by providing exhibition opportunities, professional development, and public programs that invite discussion about what feminism means today. More than 8,000 women artists have exhibited their work since WMG was established. WMG welcomes the participation of people of all gender expressions and orientations as artists and program participants, members and supporters.
Woman Made Gallery
2150 S Canalport #4A-3
Chicago, IL 60608
t: (312)-738-0400
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