ARTIST CALL OUT: Embracing Black Culture Exhibit

Fishers Arts Council
7 days ago
3 min read

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: January 16, 2026 by 3:00 PM

Overall requirements and hanging guidelines listed below

This exhibit will feature the work of Fall Creek Junior High 8th grade visual arts students alongside community artists.

The student's prompt for 2026 is Double Consciousness:

The idea of double consciousness comes from African American scholar and activist, W.E.B. Du Bois, who introduced the idea in 1897. Du Bois talked about how Black people in the United States and around the world often felt like they were living with two different identities. One identity is how they see themselves. The other identity is how society sees them, often through stereotypes or unfair expectations.

Double consciousness can be understood as having to balance these two views when they often don’t match up. It's like standing between two mirrors. In one mirror, you see yourself with your thoughts, dreams and individuality. The other mirror reflects how others might see you, especially in a world where not everyone is treated equally. Double consciousness is like looking into both mirrors at the same time.

Students will be examining their own personal experiences with double consciousness in today’s society. They will reflect upon how they are perceived differently around different groups of people or even social platforms such as family, friends, strangers, social media, and much more. Students will be studying black artist Everlyn Nicodemus. They will develop a series of self-portraits based off the double consciousness they live through daily. These portraits will surround a mirror where students and viewers can see their true selves.

Community Artists may follow the students' prompt of Double Consciousness or share work they feel embraces black culture. 2-D works must be able to be hung with a wire, weigh no more than 50 lbs., and not exceed more than 42" in any direction. All mediums are welcome.

3-D work is permitted, but limited amounts can be accepted. Currently we can only showcase pieces that are self-supporting or pedestal-supported. We cannot suspend work from the ceiling. Size limitations vary - submit your work and we can discuss possibilities.

This exhibit will be open to the public from February 2-27, 2026

Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays

There will be a free Second Friday public reception on Friday, February 13, from 5-9 PM Live music, refreshments, community, and art that will make you reflect!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 3:00PM EST on Friday, January 16, 2026

Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the exhibit by/before January 23, 2026 Artwork Drop Off: Saturday, January 31 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Artwork Pick Up: Saturday, February 28 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

--FOR ALL EXHIBITS--

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible to submit for this opportunity, artists must:

· Be a resident of Indiana (priority given to Fishers residents, if necessary);

· Be at least 16 years of age (exceptions for Fall Creek Jr High Students);

· Provide family friendly art that matches the theme of the exhibit.

REQUIREMENTS:

· Provide three (3) to six (6) pieces of art (with a possibility of more)

· Be available to drop off art as mentioned for the specific exhibit

· Have the art on exhibit during the entire exhibit period listed above

· Be available to pick up art as mentioned for the specific exhibit

· Meet the FAC hanging/display requirements (see addendum 1 below)

· Preferred attendance at public reception, for the specific exhibit

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:

Fishers Arts Council via email at info@FishersArtsCouncil.org

Not sure how to wire your art? Click here for a video tutorial.

ADDENDUM 1