Bending the Arc: Juried Affordable Art Exhibition From Perry Lawson Fine Art

Applications Closed

  • Type: Exhibition
  • Geography: National
  • Submission Deadline: December 01, 2025 @ 11:59PM (America - New York)
  • Event Dates: Jan 24, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
  • Award: Yes
  • Entry fee: US$25.00 (Includes 5 pieces)
  • Additional piece fee: US$5.00

Submissions Closed

Perry Lawson Fine Art (PLFA) is a contemporary art gallery located in an historic building in downtown Nyack, NY.  For Bending the Arc, we invite artists to submit artwork (minimum of 3 pieces) that explores the complexities of human values—respect, empathy, integrity, and, above all, the courage to stand firm when the status quo falls short of those values. The title comes from an idea referenced by Martin Luther King, Jr., that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”  We welcome work that raises questions, reveals tensions, or imagines new possibilities for how these values shape our shared humanity.

Juror:  Claire Koelling, Exhibition Manager and Registrar, Gagosian Gallery

Full time students can receive 25% off entry fee with the code: F/T STUDENT

Award Info:

1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Open to artists 18-years and older residing in the United States. 
  • Artwork must be for sale and priced at $2500 or below.
  • We will accept original artwork in any 2D or 3D medium (max size 30x30 or 900 sq. in.) 
  • Accepted artwork(s) must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. 
  • Selections will be based on adherence to the theme, strength of technical execution, and originality of artistic vision.
Examples of approaches could include:
  • Abstract work that expresses tension, resilience, or transformation
  • Narrative work that illustrates personal values and how they are honored
  • Metaphorical/symbolic subjects that challenge viewers to rethink certain values
  • Political or social commentary that addresses values that are compromised 
  • Hopeful/future visions that imagine a more just and compassionate world

Application Requirements:

  • A minimum of three (3) separate artworks must be submitted.
  • 2D – Maximum size of 30 x 30 inches (or 900 sq. inches)
  • Sculpture – Maximum footprint 20 x 20 in.; Maximum weight 30 lbs.
  • No installations or ceiling hung work

Rules and Terms:

PRESENTATION
All work must be framed and/or exhibition ready
Hanging work must be wired (No sawtooth hangers)
No clip frames with exposed glass edges 
Back of work must be labeled with artist’s contact information, title, medium, and price
3D work must be stable and secure

DELIVERY/PICK UP IN PERSON
Delivery of accepted work: January 13-18, 2026, during normal business hours or contact PLFA for other arrangements.
Pick-up unsold artwork: During normal business hours March 24 through March 29, 12-5, or contact PLFA for other arrangements.

SHIPPED WORK
Shipped works must arrive by arrive by Saturday, January 17, 2026, packed in a sturdy, reusable container with all packing materials labeled and reusable. No foam packing peanuts and package in a clean box, labeled “handle with care”.
A return shipping label must be included for return shipping. Any special instructions for packing should be included. 

INSURANCE
PLFA will handle your work with utmost care. Artwork will be covered by our fine art insurance policy while on the premises at 90 North Broadway, Nyack, NY. We are not responsible for insuring artwork when it is traveling to and from the gallery.

SALES & COMMISSION
All work must be for sale at the price specified on the entry form. With a goal of making art more accessible, we are requiring prices to be $2500 or less. PLFA will receive a 40% commission on works sold.

MARKETING & PR
PLFA reserves the right to photographically reproduce accepted entries for publicity purposes.

Contact

For questions about the application itself (application requirements, terms, etc), please contact us directly at [email protected]

For questions or issues with the application process (setting up an account, submitting to the call, login issues, etc), please contact Artwork Archive or call 720-900-5506

Perry Lawson Fine Art