Material Conversations: Paper, Fiber, Surface

A juried exhibition at Core Art Space in Lakewood, Colorado, exploring the expressive relationships of paper, fiber, print, surface, and assemblage. Eligible work includes handmade paper, collage, weaving, stitching, textiles, mixed-media assemblage, printmaking incorporating paper or fiber processes, and dimensional or sculptural forms. Juror Rhiannon Alpers will select work for the November 13–29, 2026 exhibition.

Expressive possibilities and relationships of paper, fiber, print, surface, and assemblage; material as integral to meaning.

Open nationally to artists age 18 or older. All artwork must be original. Submit electronically through CaFÉ with 1–3 images and a $35 fee; audio and video submissions are not accepted. Paper or fiber must be a significant material in mixed-media work. Eligible processes and forms include handmade and artist-made paper, surface treatments, paper assemblage and collage, fiber and mixed-media assemblage, folded or constructed paper, weaving, stitching and embroidery on paper, paper and fiber sculpture, dimensional and relief work, printmaking incorporating paper or fiber processes, and textiles incorporating paper, pulp, or other fibers. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 60 inches on its longest side, including the frame; three-dimensional work must be within 36 × 36 × 36 inches. Work outside these dimensions will be disqualified. Two-dimensional work must arrive ready to hang on standard picture hooks; no sawtooth hangers. Three-dimensional work must be freestanding or hangable from the ceiling, with a 20-pound weight limit for ceiling-hung work. Standing art must be stable. Multiple-piece works and installation art require a setup diagram. All work must remain in place throughout the exhibition; CORE may reject work that does not comply with entry criteria. Acceptance notifications and CaFÉ results are scheduled for October 24, 2026; accepted and declined works receive separate emails. All accepted work, whether hand-delivered or shipped, must arrive by November 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. Shipping must use a separate offsite address supplied in the acceptance email, not the gallery address. Hand-delivered unsold work may be collected November 29, 4–5 p.m., or December 5–6, 1–4 p.m. Shipped work will be returned after the exhibition; allow 2–3 weeks for delivery. Art need not be for sale. CORE charges a 30% commission plus tax on art sold, collects payment, and sends the artist payment less the commission within 45 days after the show closes. Work is submitted at the artist's own risk; CORE is not responsible for loss from damage, theft, vandalism, or accident, and artists must arrange their own insurance.