THE REVEAL: The Sublime Uncertainty of Almost Knowing

The inaugural International Print Biennial, presented by ShadowBoxX Gallery and co-sponsored by the Waukegan Printmakers Association, invites printmakers worldwide to submit original analog prints. The theme celebrates the moment between imagining a print's outcome and seeing its final reveal. Selected works will be exhibited at ShadowBoxX Gallery in Waukegan, Illinois, from November 21, 2026, through February 13, 2027.

The sublime uncertainty of almost knowing: the moment between imagining a print's outcome and revealing the finished work.

Open to artists worldwide submitting their own original artwork substantially utilizing analog printmaking. Eligible processes include etching, engraving, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint, other intaglio processes, linocut, woodcut, wood engraving, stone and plate lithography, monotype, monoprint, collagraph, traditional screenprinting, cyanotype, and related historic, alternative and experimental analog printmaking processes. Editioned prints, variable editions and unique impressions are eligible. Mixed-media and hybrid works qualify when analog printmaking is a substantial, identifiable component. Incidental digital technology during development is allowed, but digital printing cannot be the primary means of producing the finished image. Giclée prints, inkjet reproductions, commercial digital reproductions, photographic reproductions of paintings or drawings, primarily digitally generated prints and AI-generated imagery reproduced as prints are ineligible. Submit 1–20 works with one clear, jury-quality image per artwork, accurately representing the work without unnecessary background or visual distraction; audio and video submissions are not accepted. Complete applicable CaFÉ portfolio information for each work: title, medium/process, dimensions, year completed, price/value and description, clearly identifying the printmaking technique. Application materials should be in English. There is no artwork size limit. Accepted artwork must arrive professionally presented and ready for safe gallery installation. Entry costs $20 USD for the first work plus $5 for each additional image, images 2–20; fees are non-refundable. The organizers prefer submission of the artist's single best thematically relevant piece.