Organizer Information
ACCI Gallery (Arts & Crafts Cooperative, Inc.) holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating artist cooperative on the West Coast. Situated in the heart of North Berkeley’s historic Gourmet District, the cooperative showcases a thriving community of approximately 120 regional and national artists exhibiting fine arts and master crafts.
Title & Description
Masquerade: Art to Wear.
Curated by ACCI artist Mirto Golino, this exhibition celebrates sartorial splendor, material play, and theatrical exuberance. The call seeks original wearable art and decorative accents designed to disguise, camouflage, enhance, enshroud, or augment the human persona. The curators are looking for an imaginative spectrum of entries ranging from the wildly futuristic and fearsomely atavistic to zany, colorful, and sublime creations that blur the boundary between clothing and sculpture.
Categories
Wearable Art, Visual Arts, Fiber Arts/Textiles.
Eligibility
- Scope: Open nationally to artists of all backgrounds, career stages, and ages living in the United States.
- Artwork Parameters: Original pieces must have been completed within the last two years. High craftsmanship and structural originality are central evaluation metrics.
- Exclusions: Due to logistical and spatial parameters, no video art or pieces requiring an electrical outlet will be considered.
Display and Size Guidelines:
- Ready to Display: Wall-hanging works must arrive completely pre-wired or fixed with professional hanging apparatus. 3D objects that are not naturally free-standing must be shipped with an appropriate custom display frame or stand.
- Spatial Preferences: ACCI Gallery will select only a very limited quota of large-scale structural works (such as full-body suits, massive capes, or ballgowns), actively favoring smaller, intricate accouterments more manageable for the brick-and-mortar gallery floor.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Exhibition Spot: Inclusion in a prominent, physical autumn group show in the Bay Area.
- Visibility: Public exposure during a dedicated opening reception, online portfolio mapping, and inclusion in localized West Coast press sweeps.
Fees & Commercial Commission
- Standard Entry Fee: $35.00 for up to three submissions.
- Hardship Accommodation: Artists facing acute economic hardship can contact the organizers directly at info@accigallery.com to discuss financial flexibility options.
- ACCI Cooperative Members: Exempt from payment. Members should close their browser window once automatically redirected to the transaction layout.
- Sales Structure: All exhibited pieces must be for sale. Sales operate on a clean 50% artist / 50% gallery commission split, backed by a formal ACCI consignment agreement.
Application Requirements
All materials must be logged digitally and include:
- High-Quality JPEGs: Minimum of 900 pixels on the long edge (.jpg format), optimized for potential print distribution.
- Artist Statement: A focused text (50–100 words) summarizing the underlying inspiration, concept, or specific material choice of the wearable piece.
- Artist Biography: A brief summary (100–150 words) charting your broader background, training, or milestones.
How to Apply?
Fill out the dynamic application portal and submit your files directly through the ACCI engine. Apply to Masquerade: Art to Wear.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026.
- Art Delivery Windows: Hand-delivery/shipping check-in on Sunday, September 27 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM) and Monday, September 28 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Exhibition Run: October 3 – November 8, 2026.
- Opening Gala Reception: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Artwork De-installation & Pick Up: Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Location
United States, Berkeley, CA (1652 Shattuck Ave).
Additional Details
The utilization of unusual textures, found objects, and recycled elements is highly encouraged by the curatorial board. For unresolved technical questions regarding custom stands or shipping logistics, contact the staff at info@accigallery.com.