UMVA members are invited to submit to this call for art, open now through January 20, 2027. 

Soft Objects for Hard Times asks artists to submit work that is designed to offer comfort and calm. In these times of unrest, how do you offer comfort? What can we make as artists to soften the news and soothe the soul? We are living in an era of rapidly shifting threats and opportunities. The pace is exhausting. While we all want to ‘be the change’, we must acknowledge our need for quiet, for calm, and for comfort.

So what can we as artists make to offer that feeling in these unsettled times? This is a call for textile based works that can offer solace or a sense of security. These could include blankets, teddy bears, superhero capes, and weighted clothing. What would you make to ease the stress of a friend? Of a community? Of a country?

Soft Objects for Hard Times will be a companion exhibition to Rebel Yells: A Visual History of American Outrage, under nonprofit sponsorship of the UMVA.

Call Closes on January 20th, 2027. No fee to apply. Donations to support the Rebel Yell exhibitions may be made via the UMVA donation form here. (Select “Rebel Yells” in the project menu.)

Notifications Made on February 1st, 2027,

Exhibition Opening: Late March 2027 at the Portland Public Library and running through June. Specific dates TBA.

Guidelines & Application Here

(Please note, the UMVA is not collecting submissions for this exhibition, so the process is a bit different. Please follow guidelines as listed and direct questions to PopKilledCulture@gmail.com.)