Calls for Artists

Enchantment Holiday Show

  • Status: Open
  • Deadline:

UNDERSTORY is seeking artists and makers for "Enchantment", a winter exhibition and pop-up shop rooted in magick, ritual, and folklore -- all for sale to a large audience of holiday shoppers looking for a truly unique gift. Open to artists everywhere.

Apply

To enchant, originally, meant to be sung over — bound by a spell. This winter, UNDERSTORY becomes a gallery and gift shop in one: art and objects rooted in magick, ritual, and folklore. This isn't literal winter iconography — no snowflakes, Santas, or cute woodland creatures. Everything in the show is for sale, on display for a large audience of holiday shoppers looking for something meaningful and one-of-a-kind to give.

What to Submit

  • Drawings, paintings, prints, or photography, assemblage, small sculpture, mixed media inspired by folklore, superstition, and old stories
  • Jewelry, charms, and talismans - wearable or displayed
  • Ritual objects, vessels, tools, altars, offerings
  • Spell jars, sigils, bottled intentions, or other spell work
  • Something else entirely - if it carries the spirit of magick, ritual, or folklore, we want to see it

How to Apply

  • To submit individual artworks (e.g. painting, drawing, print, mixed media, photography, textile, small sculpture, or assemblage), use the Call for Art form. Submit up to 10 pieces, one form per piece.
  • To submit a cohesive collection (e.g. jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, textiles, or functional objects), use the Call for Collections form. Submit more than five collection using sa separate form for each.
  • Not sure which fits? Submit to whichever feels closer — we care about your work, not the category.

Key Dates:

  • Deadline: October 11, 2026
  • Notifications of Acceptance: October 18, 2026
  • Drop off dates: November 1 and 2, 2026. (Shipped work: must be received by November 2, 2026)
  • Preview Reception: November 18, 2026
  • Third Friday: November 20, 2026
  • Third Friday: December 18, 2026
  • Several holiday shopping events at 78th Street Studios (including after Thanksgiving, Holiday Bazaar, and Last Minute shopping)
  • Pickup: January 3–4, 2027

You're welcome to submit multiple artworks and collections. Use a separate form for each.

Eligibility & Participation

Open to artists and makers everywhere — you don't need to be based in Ohio. Attendance isn't required; you don't need to work a shift during the show.

Pricing, Payment & Shipping

All work must be for sale. UNDERSTORY takes a 25% commission. Artists are paid via Venmo or check at pickup, or mailed along with any returned unsold work.

Not local? You're welcome to ship your work — artists cover all shipping costs both ways, and a prepaid return shipping label is required with every shipped piece.

Questions?

See the Enchantment FAQ below or reach out at submissions@understory.art.

Apply

FAQ

Who can submit?

Open to artists and artisans everywhere — you don't need to be based in Ohio. Not local? You can ship your work (see below).

What mediums and types of work are accepted?

We are accepting individual works of art and collections.

For individual artwork, we accept: paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media, photography, textiles, small sculpture, or assemblage.

For individual artwork, we accept: jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, textiles, or functional objects, using materials like wood, natural fibers, clay, stones, glass, metal, or other organic and found materials.

How many pieces can I submit?

Up to 10 for the Call for Art (one form per piece). No cap for Call for Collections — submit more than one collection using a separate form for each.

Can I submit prints?

Yes — prints are accepted as part of the Call for Art.

Is there a size limit?

We don't have a strict size limit. However, we prefer individual artwork that are on the smaller or medium size — think tabletop or wall-hung, not room-sized installations. That said, we're open to work that's a good fit for the show; when in doubt, submit it and let us make the call.

How does pricing/commission work?

All work must be for sale. UNDERSTORY takes a 25% commission.

When and how do artists get paid?

Via Venmo or check, provided at pickup — or mailed to you along with any returned unsold work.

Can I ship my work if I'm not local?

Yes. Artists cover all shipping costs, both to send work in and to have any unsold work returned. A prepaid return shipping label is REQUIRED with every shipped piece — without one, UNDERSTORY will not ship unsold work back to you.

Do I need to work a shift during the show?

No — attendance isn't required.