Call for Art: SOS 2025 “Alternate Worlds” Show

SOS 2025 Narrative Show
April 26 – May 17th, 2025
Narrative Bookshop, 387 Highland Avenue
Exhibit Theme: Alternate Worlds
Submission Deadline: Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Books can be portals to different realities. Stories can empower, heal, connect, transport, and persuade. They can portray brighter possibilities, bear warnings about the future, or tie us to our ancestors & root us in our heritage. This exhibit will showcase the transporting power of written & spoken narratives, translated into visual forms of alternate worlds created by Somerville artists.

This is a juried show that is restricted to artists that are participating in Somerville Open Studios 2025.  Sustaining (non-participating) SOS members are also welcome to submit work.

Location: Narrative Bookshop, 387 Highland Avenue, Somerville

This juried show is an opportunity to participate in the first exhibit at Narrative. Proudly immigrant-woman owned & operated, with an emphasis on amplifying marginalized voices and experiences, Narrative is an independent bookshop offering a welcoming space for finding connection through community-minded events and a curated selection of new and used books across various genres. This show will be open to a variety of works, including large and small 2D artwork, as well as sculpture and hanging works. There are shelves for display, hanging ceiling hooks, and hanging curtain rods, which could all be used for art display. We are seeking a wide range of media to display visions of alternate worlds and exemplify the transporting power of books in this unique space. Please feel free to submit multiple pieces for consideration.

Parameters for Submissions:

Work must be available from April 23, 2025 – May 21, 2025

Dimension considerations- submissions are not restricted to specific dimensions, however, although the installation/display options available in Narrative are versatile, the overall space is limited & artists are encouraged to visit the shop in-person during retail hours and prior to submitting to get a visual understanding of the possibilities and constraints of the space.

Weight restrictions: up to 30 pounds

Submissions by Artists:

Each artist shall submit a single application. The application, which can be for up to five pieces of work, shall provide the following information:

  • Full name (and public name, if different)
  • Contact info: phone number and email
  • 1-3 JPEGs of each piece being submitted 
  • Title of each piece 
  • Description of medium for each piece 
  • Complete accurate dimensions (length, width, depth)

Please submit your completed application with this google form: https://tinyurl.com/alternate-worlds-sos2025.
If you run into any issues completing the form or have any questions, please email emmatung.art@gmail.com .

Timeline

Submission deadline is Saturday, April 5, 2025

Other key dates:

  • Artists Notified: April 8, 2025
  • Work drop-off: April 23, 2025 (additional drop-off details
    will be provided to artists selected for the show)
  • Exhibit Setup: April 25, 2025
  • Closing Reception for Artists and Guests: May 17, 2025
  • All art must be picked up no later than: May 21-23, 2025