UNDERSTORY art
Calls for Artists

Enchantment Holiday Show

  • Status: Closed
  • Deadline:

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

To enchant, originally, meant to be sung over or bound by a spell. This winter, UNDERSTORY becomes a gallery and gift shop in one: art and objects inspired by magick, ritual, and folklore. Everything in the show is for sale, on display for our many holiday shoppers looking for something meaningful and one-of-a-kind to gift.

What to Submit

  • Folklore, superstition, and old stories - in drawings, paintings, prints, or photography
  • Jewelry, charms, and talismans - wearable or displayed
  • Ritual objects - vessels, tools, altars, offerings
  • Spellwork made physical - spell jars, sigils, bottled intentions
  • Herbalism & plant magic - apothecary objects, herbal charms, dried botanicals, plant-dyed textiles, folk remedies made physical
  • 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.
  • To submit a cohesive collection (e.g. jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, textiles, or functional objects), use the Call for Collections form. Submit up to five collections.
  • Not sure which category to use? Submit to whichever feels like a better fit.

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)
  • Third Friday: November 20, 2026
  • Third Friday: December 18, 2026
  • Several holiday shopping events at 78th Street Studios (including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in November, Holiday Bazaar in December, and Last Minute shopping in December)
  • 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 anywhere in North America. You don't need to be based in Ohio. Attendance isn't required and 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.

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.

Are there any fees to submit or exhibit?

There is no fee to submit. There are no participation fees if your work is accepted. We are committed to supporting and promoting artists and firmly against profiting from artist fees.

How many pieces can I submit?

Up to 10 for the Call for Art (one form per piece). Up to 5 Collections (one form for each collection).

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. However, we're open to work that's a good fit for the show. When in doubt, submit it and we can let you know if it fits.

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.