18th Annual International Drawing Discourse Exhibition

Juried international exhibition of contemporary drawing at UNC Asheville’s S. Tucker Cooke Gallery, January 15–February 12, 2027. The exhibition explores conventional and innovative drawing practices, including traditional or experimental drawing media, two- and three-dimensional works, video, and installation. Juror Michael Grimaldi will give a lecture before the opening reception. Each exhibited artist receives a complimentary full-color catalogue. The juror will award $2,000 in cash prizes, and a purchase prize is also available.

Contemporary drawing through conventional and innovative methods

Open internationally to artists age 18 or older. Work must be original and must not have been exhibited previously at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Traditional or experimental drawing media are eligible, including two- and three-dimensional works, video, and installation. The juror may select single or multiple works from an artist’s submission. Apply only through CaFÉ; the overview permits one submission containing 1–6 media items, with images, audio, and video each allowed up to 6 and a combined maximum of 6. Do not upload images containing borders or text information that is not part of the original work. The non-refundable fee is $30 for the first entry plus $5 for each additional entry, including detail images, with a limit of 6 entries total; 3 entries cost $40 and 6 cost $55. Credit cards are accepted through CaFÉ. Results will be emailed no later than December 14, 2026. Accepted work must arrive ready to install January 4–6, 2027; work received outside that period may not be exhibited. Work should not exceed 120 lbs and must fit through a doorway/loading dock opening 67 inches wide by 117 inches high. Work must be professionally presented, although framing under glass is not required. All work must remain on display for the entire exhibition. Shipped work must use reusable containers and include a prepaid return shipping label. Hand delivery is available January 4–6 during operating hours, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Artwork returns February 15–19, 2027. Submission constitutes agreement to the prospectus, and UNC Asheville reserves the right to reproduce accepted entries for publicity and exhibition purposes, including catalogues, social media, and press releases. Sales are encouraged; UNC Asheville retains 30% of the listed retail price. All work is available for purchase unless marked NFS on the entry form. Purchase awards pay 70% of the retail price. The juror awards $2,000 in cash prizes, and a purchase prize is available for the department’s permanent collection. International awardees are subject to 30% federal withholding.