OPEN CALL FOR
anything goes
✨ OPEN CALL: ANYTHING GOES ✨
Got a piece that doesn’t fit the rules? Perfect. We’re throwing the rulebook out the window.
Our first community open call of the year, Anything Goes is an open call celebrating creative freedom in all its forms. No theme. No medium restrictions. No box to squeeze yourself into. This is your sign to submit the weird one, the tender one, the loud one, the quiet one, the “I don’t know where this belongs” one.
We want to see what happens when artists are given full permission to just make what they make.
All mediums welcome
Emerging + established artists encouraged
Bold experiments, soft moments, big feelings, odd ideas — it’s all fair game
Submission Deadline: February 25, 2026
Art Drop Off: Sunday, March 1 | 12 - 5 PM ET @ ClearStory Arts
Exhibition Dates: March 6, 2026 – March 28, 2026
OPENING RECEPTION | March 6, 2026 | 6 - 9 PM ET
OPEN GALLERY HOURS | Friday & Saturday | 2 - 6 PM ET
CLOSING RECEPTION | March 28, 2026 | 2 - 5 PM ET
Let this be the show where you don’t overthink it. Surprise us. Surprise yourself.
IMAGE REQUIREMENTS
You can apply with up to three images of your work. Please be sure you include at least one image with the entire piece displayed - the additional two can be used as detail shots, or as alternate viewpoints.
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Lighting is good. Outdoors when it's overcast, and indoors in the gallery are great options.
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Quality is good. At least 1080px on its longest side.
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Background is either entirely neutral, or completely cropped out. For 3D work, make sure it's against a neutral color background like the gallery walls. If your piece was photographed outside, make sure the background is heavily blurred at the very least.
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The entire piece is included, and head-on. Don't take images skewed from the side, rotated, etc. Make sure all lines match up. Make sure it includes the entire piece.
Here are some great tips for documenting your work appropriately. AVA also has an amazing documentation studio available for use by artists. Let us know if you have any questions!
PLEASE LABEL UPLOADED IMAGES AS THE TITLE OF THE PIECE.
Q: How many pieces can I submit?
A: You may submit up to 3 pieces to be displayed in the show.
PLEASE LABEL THE IMAGES WITH THE TITLE OF THE PIECE.
Q: How do I prepare my drawings/hanging art?
A: All 2D work needs to come prepared with a wire installed on the back for hanging. Yes, this does mean that framed works are significantly easier to display. You can also mount paper onto a firm surface and install the wire there.
Q: How do sales work?
A: All payments from buyers go through our point of sale. We collect and remit sales tax for you, and we’ll write you a check for your portion of sales following the show.
Q: What is the gallery commission?
A: ClearStory takes 30% commission on each piece sold.
Q: How will buyers get the work they purchased?
A: All work will stay on display here in the Gallery until the show is over. Buyers are encouraged to pick up their purchased work after the Closing Open House, and if they can’t make it that day, we will arrange a better time with them!
Q: When do I bring my work to the Gallery?
A: Bring in your work in on Saturday, February 28, 2026 between 12 PM - 6 PM. If this time does not work for you, reach out as soon as possible after acceptance to coordinate a time with our staff.
Q: How do I get my work following the show?
A: You can pick up your pieces after the Closing Reception on Saturday, March 28, 2026 between 5 - 6 PM or after.
Q: How do I price my work?
A: Pricing work is always the most difficult part. If this is your first time setting retail prices for your pieces, it is recommended that you visit either our gallery or other nearby galleries first (Wanderlinger Art Gallery, River Gallery, AVA, etc.) to compare prices and see what is selling best. If the goal is to sell as much work as possible, most pieces that sell here are in the $100 - $300 range.
Q: How do I contact you if I have questions?
A: You can always reach out to us! Call or text 423-228-0215, email hello@clearstoryarts.com. We’re here to help!
REACH OUT
What did we miss? Let us know, or ask any questions you may have, by emailing hello@clearstoryarts.com.