Annual FRESH Exhibition at Summit Artspace Seeks Emerging Curator for 2027
Betty & Howard Taylor Main Gallery | January 8 – March 13, 2027
No Fee To Apply!
Description
For over 20 years, the Annual FRESH Juried Exhibition has challenged local artists to push the boundaries of their artmaking through the concepts and materials they use in their artwork. We have revamped the exhibition format: not only will the exhibition feature local emerging artists exclusively, but it will also have a new theme each year that reflects current trends in the art world and our culture.
To achieve this vision, we are seeking an emerging curator who will bring a fresh perspective and bold, contemporary ideas. The selected curator will propose the 2027 exhibition curatorial theme, select artworks for exhibiting, and grant awards. Upon completion of the exhibition and required events, the selected curator will be paid a stipend of $350.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrates knowledge of art theory, art history, current art trends, and local art
- Demonstrates curatorial interest, practice, or experience
- Curatorial practice and experience is five years or less
- No formal training or degrees are required
- Must be currently based in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, or Wayne)
- Must be 18 years or older
Important Dates & Timeline:
- August 24: Deadline for application
- September 1: Notification of acceptance
- By September 7: Make final determinations with SA staff about the scope of the curatorial theme in preparation for call opening
- November 16–21: Select artworks for exhibition virtually
- *December 29 – 30: Select awards & shoot awards announcement video in person, dependent on Akron Recording Company’s availability
- Thursday, January 14, 5- 8 p.m.: Exhibition opening & in-person awards announcement
Expectations:
- Curator must be available for the times outlined above. If timing needs to be adjusted, it should be requested ASAP.
- Curator will be available to help discuss, plan, and promote the exhibition with SA staff and agrees to respond to inquiries and needs in a timely manner.
- Curator will work collaboratively with Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions, Anna E. Young, to determine the vision of the exhibition. Summit Artspace staff reserves the right to make final decisions.
Questions? Contact Anna E. Young at anna@summitartspace.org or (330) 376-8480 ext. 3.
24th Annual Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition
Betty and Howard Taylor Main Gallery at Summit Artspace
October 15–December 19, 2026
The Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition is an annual holiday show presented by the Alliance for the Visual Arts (AVA). This show is open to all members of AVA organizations: Akron Society of Artists (ASA), Artists of Rubber City (AoRC), Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC), Medina County Art League (MCAL), Ohio Collage Society (OSC), and Women’s Art League of Akron (WAL). Deadline to register for (AVA) memberships: August 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Juror: TBA
Entry Fee: $30 for up to 2 artwork submissions. Fees support the Alliance for the Visual Arts.
APPLY HERE: https://summitartspace.submittable.com/submit/358534/24th-kaleidoscope-juried-art-exhibition
Important Dates:
- Deadline to Apply: Monday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m.
- Notification of Acceptance: September 8, 2026
- Artwork Drop-Off: Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3, 2026, during public hours from noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Exhibition Opening Reception: Thursday, October 15, from 5 – 8 p.m. during Art After Hours; Awards ceremony: 6:00 p.m.
- Exhibition Dates: October 15 through December 19, 2026
- Artwork Pick-up: Monday, December 21, from 12 – 6 p.m.
Awards:
1st place: $200, 2nd place $150, and 3rd place $100 and honorable mentions. Juror’s awards announced via video debut on Summit Artspace social media platforms and in person at the exhibition opening at 6:00 p.m. Winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a hand-made kaleidoscope, and their artwork will be featured on next year’s exhibition promotions. People’s Choice recipient will be notified at the end of the exhibition.
Do you have limited computer access and need help submitting your application? Contact the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions, Anna E. Young, to make an appointment at anna@summitartspace.org or (330) 376-8480 ext. 3.
Juror’s Bio: TBA
Eligibility
The exhibition is open to all current members (dues must be paid by August 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.) of the society organizations of the Alliance for the Visual Arts: Akron Society of Artists (ASA), Artists of Rubber City (AoRC), Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC), Medina County Art League (MCAL), Ohio Collage Society (OSC), and Women’s Art League of Akron (WAL). Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Artwork must be completed upon submission. Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace gallery. Please see Display Requirements Below.
Important Guidelines and Information:
Jurying Information:
Jurying will be done via digital image. Artists may submit up to three high-quality digital images (.jpg, .pdf, .tiff, .png) of each submission (to show different angles, details, etc.). The images must accurately represent the finished work and accepted work must be professionally presented for exhibition (see notes below). All jurying is blind. Artist’s names cannot be in the file name of digital images. Submissions that include the artist’s name will be disqualified. If artists contact the juror regarding their piece(s) from the time of submission to the announcement of winners, artists shall be subject to disqualification from this and future exhibitions. Signatures on artwork will be covered for final jurying to ensure the blindness of the juror.
Size and Weight Limits:
- Final installation size of 2-D work cannot exceed 4′ (48″) wide or 7′ (84″) high.
- 3-D work must not exceed 39″ in diameter or 7′ (84″) high, nor may any single component of the work exceed 50 pounds.
Display Requirements:
- All wall-hung artwork must be wired with appropriate hardware for its weight; no saw tooth hangers. If wall-mounted work absolutely cannot be wired, please indicate in the “Special Installation Requirements” section of the submission form. If there are special installation requirements, the artist must provide necessary hanging devices (i.e. magnets).
- All work must be labeled with the artist’s name, name of the artwork, and contact information when delivered (in any format)
- Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation (if necessary).
- Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
- Submitting diptychs are permitted as a single entry so long as the pieces are clearly defined as a single artwork. Please clearly label the entry as a diptych in the “Special Installation Requirements” and include desired measurements/ layout between components. Combined artwork must meet the other specified restrictions.
- Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual basis.
- Professional installation will be provided by Summit Artspace. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.
Expectations:
30% gallery commission will be collected on all artwork sold during the show. Summit Artspace will process all artwork sales and artist compensation. All artists will be required to sign a gallery contract. Upon entering, you will be added to the Summit Artspace contact list. We cannot accept artwork that is shipped, nor can we ship artwork.
Questions or concerns? Please email anna@summitartspace.org.
