Griots: Our Stories, Ourselves

A themed, juried exhibition exploring how artists create, remember, share, and interpret stories. Artwork may explore personal narratives, family histories, cultural traditions, identity, place, migration, heritage, memory, community, social experience, or imagined futures through direct storytelling, symbolism, metaphor, abstraction, materials, or visual language. The exhibition is open to artists irrespective of ethnicity whose work pertains to the theme and runs February 3–March 6, 2027, in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Storytelling, personal and cultural narratives, memory, identity, heritage, community, and imagined futures.

Open to all artists irrespective of ethnicity whose work pertains to the theme. All artwork must be the submitting artist's original creation; AI work will not be considered. Eligible media include, but are not limited to, mixed media, ceramics, drawings, fiber art, printmaking, painting, collage, digital art, photography, and sculpture; the accepted-media section also lists metalwork, woodworking, and other media. Contact curator afoster@itstheartcenter.org with medium-eligibility questions. Only one entry per artist, containing 1–5 works. Each artwork must include a brief paragraph explaining its relationship to the theme and its narrative significance; this statement is part of jurying and audience interpretation. Images must be JPG or PNG, no larger than 50MB each. The entry fee is $30, non-refundable, and work is not considered submitted until all fees are paid. PayPal through EntryThingy is strongly urged; credit-card payment is available by calling 770-623-8448 Monday–Friday, 10–4. Jury decisions are January 16, 2027. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 48 x 48 inches in outside framed dimensions or weigh more than 20 lbs. Works on paper should be framed with acrylic or plexiglas. Works must arrive dry and ready to hang with wire appropriate to their size, weight, frame type, and structure. Sawtooth hangers are not recommended for works larger than 16 x 20 inches. Unframed canvases are acceptable if back-stapled, with painted edges and hanging wire. Three-dimensional entries must not exceed 50 lbs or 24 inches in width; call the curator at 770-623-8448 regarding freestanding 3D entries. The organizer may refuse work it cannot hang safely. Submitted work must have a label on the back with artist name, title, and price or NFS. Artists receive 75% of proceeds from sold work; TAC retains a 25% commission. All mailed submissions must include a prepaid return postage label; the Art Center does not assume responsibility for returning artwork without one. First Place receives a $500 cash award. Additional cash awards and recognitions will be presented; total award money depends on submissions and sponsorship support.