Call for Artists

“Winter Florals” Show

Submission Deadline: December 30, 2025

Show Opening: January 23rd, 2026

Show will be on display through February 28, 2026

Third City Studio is looking for Chicago artists, particularly West Side and BIPOC artists, to participate in our first show for 2026, “Winter Florals.” This show explores the theme of “blooming in winter” literally, metaphorically, and emotionally. Winter Florals invites artists to consider florals both as natural forms and as symbols shaped by culture, identity, and lived experience. On a literal level, the theme welcomes artwork that draws from flowers, botanical structures, or plant life in any season. On a figurative level, we welcome works that explore themes of impermanence, social struggle, gender and identity. Across both themes, we consider what it means to bloom in seasons that are not built for blooming.

Please submit five (5) pieces of work via the submission form below. Entry will be open until December 30th. After submissions are closed, Third City Studio will reach out to selected artists to schedule a brief interview to learn more about your work, practice, and methods as an artist. Submitting artists who are not selected will still be added to our records, and we may reach out to you for future exhibitions where we feel your work is more appropriate. Black and brown artists, and artists who live or work on Chicago’s West Side, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Terms of Entry

By entering, you attest that your submissions are your original work, and do not infringe on any other artist, living or deceased. Submissions created by or altered with AI are strictly prohibited.

Artists retain all rights to their work at all times. Submissions grant Third City Studio non-exclusive rights to reproduce your image on our website, social media accounts, and promotional material, with credit to the artist.

Selection and Exhibition

Third City Studio will select works from chosen artists for display, and work with artists to schedule and coordinate installation in the gallery before the show opening. Artists will be required to assist with the hanging or installation of their works. Third City Studio will provide its standard available display resources to all artists, and additional or special installation requirements must be provided by the artist.

Selling Your Work (Optional)

Artist works will be available for sale to the public. Third City Studio will act as sales agent for all works displayed in its gallery for the duration of their display. A portion of proceeds will go towards operating expenses of Third City Studio NFP, with the remaining funds going directly to the artist.

Participants may list their work as Not for Sale (NFS). However, participants are strongly encouraged to price their work. Works priced for sale will be listed on the purchase page of our website.