Art Calls Uncivil Canvas: Art in the Age of Discord
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: November 15, 2025 – The Uncivil Canvas: Art in the Age of Discord invites artists working across all mediums to contribute to a collective visual essay that reflects our turbulent times through a feminist lens, in particular to reflect the lived experiences of women, children, and marginalized communities. We seek art that responds to the pressing issues that shape our global landscape: racial injustice, immigration, systemic inequities, criminal (in)justice, and stark imbalances in wealth, power, education, housing, and access to essential resources like food, water, healthcare and ongoing wars. We welcome pieces that confront the climate crisis, affirm women’s rights, and celebrate gender diversity in all its forms.
Rather than overt protest pieces, we seek nuanced, multi-dimensional works—realism to conceptual—that confront the erosion of human rights under the current administration. The exhibition will operate as an instrument of resistance and empathy, challenging policies and ideologies rooted in division and authoritarianism, with art that speaks truth to power and refuses silence in the face of regression and the unraveling of humanity.
We believe the artist’s voice will help to foster these important dialogues worldwide and invite artists to add their voice.
The exhibition will be held from January 17 to February 14, 2026 at Woman Made Gallery, 1332 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607.
JUROR
Karen M. Gutfreund is an independent curator and artist with a focus on feminist and social justice art. She has worked in the Painting & Sculpture Department for MoMA, Andre Emmerick Gallery, The Knoll Group, the John Berggruen Gallery and the Pacific Art League, and is an art consultant to both corporations and individuals. She served on the board of the Women’s Caucus for Art, the Pacific Art League and the Petaluma Arts Council. She was the National Exhibitions Director for the Women’s Caucus for Art for six years, is a member of ArtTable, the Northern California Representative for The Feminist Art Project, and Curator for UniteWomen.org.
To date Gutfreund has created over fifty national exhibitions and in 2020 curated a collection of art in a book titled “Not Normal: Art in the Age of Trump” showcasing 147 artists with 350+ works of art. Lastly, Gutfreund is an artist and has exhibited extensively around the country. She has a BFA in Photographic Design and a BA in Art History, and studies towards an MA from New York University. Gutfreund has lived in all four corners of the United States and currently lives in the Sierra Foothills outside of Yosemite in CA.
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. WMG can provide a limited number of screens and projectors with basic speakers. All other new media needs are the responsibility of the artist.
ENTRY FEE
The entry fee is $35. 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 40% commission on sold works.
DATES
- Exhibition Dates: January 17 – February 14, 2026
- Opening Reception: Saturday, January 17 from 4 to 7 PM CST
- Artist Walkthrough: Saturday, February 14 from 2 to 4 PM CST
- Entry Due Date: November 15, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
- Notification: November 29, 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
1332 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60607.
t: (312)-738-0400
