We’re excited to see how artists push boundaries, transform materials, and rethink what a “surface” can be.
ON VIEW
January 05 – 30, 2027
OPENING RECEPTION
January 07, 2027 | 5PM-9PM
LOCATION
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St. #105
Boise, ID 83702
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
October 30, 2026 | 11:59PM
ACCEPTED ARTIST NOTIFICATION
By November 30, 2026
ACCEPTED ARTWORK RECEIPT DATE
January 02, 2027 | 11:00AM – 6:00PM
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The Unexpected Surface highlights artists whose creative practices embrace inventive materials, fresh approaches to making, and unconventional foundations of artistic expression. From reclaimed wood, metal, and cardboard to books, fabric, packaging, and found objects, this exhibition explores the creative possibilities that emerge when artists challenge how art is made, and what it is created with.
Through experimentation, texture, transformation, and material innovation, the exhibition will feature artworks ranging from refined mixed-media pieces to bold assemblages and sculptural forms. Artists are encouraged to challenge expectations and turn everyday materials into something unexpected, expressive, and visually compelling.
Selected artists will be chosen based on creativity, craftsmanship, originality, and engagement with the theme. Depending on artwork size and gallery layout, approximately 10–15 artists will be included in the exhibition. Each selected artist may have 1–3 works accepted at the gallery’s discretion.
SALES & PROMOTION
All accepted works will be exhibited and available for sale through Idaho Art Gallery. Idaho Art Gallery retains a 50% commission on all artwork sales, with payments issued within 30 days of the exhibition closing.
Selected artwork may also be featured in gallery promotions including social media, email marketing, website content, press outreach, and a digital exhibition catalogue shared with artists and collectors.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Artist Eligibility
- Open to local and national artists
- Must be 18 years or older
- Open to both individual artists and artist teams/collaborations
- Artists must be able to comply with all exhibition deadlines and requirements
ELIGIBLE ARTWORK
This exhibition focuses on unconventional materials. While traditional supports such as stretched canvas, linen, paper, illustration board, and commercially prepared panels may be used, the work itself must be materially innovative, with nontraditional materials playing a significant role in the finished piece.
We encourage submissions that explore alternative, repurposed, or found materials such as books, maps, sheet music, magazines, cardboard, burlap, metal, stone, reclaimed objects, and more.
- Work must not exceed 48 inches on the longest side
- Both 2D & 3D works are welcome
- Submitted artwork must have been completed within the last six months
- Submitted artwork must not have been previously exhibited, published, or shared on social media
- No copies of copyrighted work or AI-generated work will be accepted
- Submitted work that does not follow the exhibition guidelines will not be considered
PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
All works must be structurally sound, and ready for installation. While archival materials and protective finishes are preferred for long-term preservation, they are not required. Artwork must be suitable for exhibition and capable of withstanding normal display conditions without significant deterioration. Artists should price non-archival works accordingly.
2D Work:
- All submitted artwork must meet professional exhibition standards and be equipped with secure, gallery-quality hanging hardware, such as D-rings with wire, sawtooth hangers, or other suitable mounting systems.
3D Work:
- Must be free-standing or professionally prepared for display
Framing:
- Framing is not required. However, any artwork submitted with a frame must be fully framed and ready for display at the time of submission.
- Unframed artworks must be professionally presented and ready for gallery display at the time of submission. Edges must be intentionally finished and suitable for exhibition.
EXHIBITION EXCLUSIVITY
Accepted works must remain unreleased and may not be publicly shown, promoted, or offered for sale prior to the gallery’s marketing campaign.
ACCEPTED ARTISTS
Accepted artists will receive a formal exhibition agreement outlining artwork delivery, return shipping, insurance, sales terms, and additional exhibition guidelines. Out of area artists are responsible for shipping artwork to Idaho Art Gallery, while the gallery will cover return shipping for unsold work.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete Google Form Submission and include:
- High-quality images of submitted work
- Title, dimensions, and medium/substrate, year, and retail price.
- Artist contact information
- CV
Gallery curators may contact artists regarding pricing. Based on exhibition balance, market conditions, and collector interest, we may recommend adjustments to pricing, which will always be discussed before finalizing inventory.