It is human nature to respond to Rhythm: we dance, clap, and make visual art. Rhythm in visual art can be expressed in the language of lines, shapes and colors. When we listen to music, we channel our emotional responses through mark-making: gestural lines, strokes and colors vibrate like sound waves. We respond in our own unique way to rhythm and music--to the beat of our own drum. How do you respond to rhythm, sound and music in your artwork? We are seeking two-dimensional works of art that celebrate the theme of music and reverberate with the rhythm of life. Everything has rhythm: our heartbeat, breath and cadence of speech. Show us how you transform musical notes, vocalizations and song lyrics into visual art.
We are open to a diversity of media and approaches, which range from abstract to representational. It is natural to be moved by song lyrics, whether you paint "Rio dancing in the sand," or the "Man in the Mirror," visual metaphors may surface as characters in your work. Kandinsky, a German Expressionist, made abstract paintings inspired by the tempo, cadence and structural patterns in music. For centuries, figure painters have conveyed the momentum, flow and movement of music through dance.
Essentially, we are looking for authentic responses to rhythm, sound and music in a 2D visual format.
Accepted media: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and textiles. The work must hang on the wall and weigh less than 5 pounds. Size limit: 30 inches on the longest side, including frame.
Exhibition Dates: September 6th through October 25th 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 6th, 2 to 5 PM
It is highly recommended that you watch the helpful video below and read the submission guidelines before applying. This is a regional call for art limited to artists living in the Midwest in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky and Minnesota.
Jurors:
Melanie P. Brown, Ross Martens and Darren Oberto
Melanie P. Brown, (b.1972), is a prolific painter and teaching artist living and working in Chicago. She has performed live painting during collaborations with local musicians and ensembles, and at the Fulton Street Collective. She holds a BA from Knox College and an MFA from the American University in DC.
Ross Martens studied Film & Photography at Northwestern University. In Chicago, he works as an artist, photographer, and art framer. He has been co-owner of Alley Gallery since 2010.
You can leave this video on your call site's homepage (or embed it on any page) for a quick tutorial your users can watch to help them with the submission process.
