Organizer Information
The Gallery at Graphite operates within Graphite Arts Center, a nonprofit contemporary arts organization located in downtown Edmonds, Washington, USA. Established in 2022, Graphite Arts Center has quickly developed a reputation for supporting emerging and established artists through exhibitions, educational programming, and community-focused arts initiatives.
The Gallery at Graphite serves as the organization’s primary exhibition venue and has presented more than twenty curated exhibitions since opening. In addition to its formal gallery program, Graphite also activates alternative presentation spaces within the building, including art library installations and temporary pop-up exhibitions that encourage experimentation and accessible public engagement.
Through thematic exhibitions and open calls, Graphite emphasizes regional arts participation while remaining welcoming to artists from broader creative communities. Its programming focuses on contemporary visual culture, community interaction, and interdisciplinary artistic dialogue.
Title & Description
The Beautiful Game – Open Call for Soccer-Themed Works on Paper
The Gallery at Graphite Arts Center invites artists to submit work for The Beautiful Game, a pop-up group exhibition celebrating the global cultural impact of soccer in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle.
Scheduled for June 18–20, 2026, the exhibition will transform Graphite’s art library space into a temporary showcase dedicated to the imagery, energy, and social culture surrounding football (soccer). Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly, exploring players, referees, fans, stadium culture, soccer symbolism, movement, identity, community rituals, and the emotional language of the sport.
The exhibition specifically seeks unframed works on paper, including drawings, paintings, prints, collage works, and photographs. Selected works will be displayed salon-style on carpeted art panels using clips and pins, emphasizing immediacy, accessibility, and the informal spirit of the pop-up format.
Submissions will be reviewed based on artistic quality, thematic relevance, and the overall curatorial balance of the exhibition. The show is open to all interested artists whose work aligns with the exhibition concept and technical guidelines.
Categories
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Collage
- Photography
- Works on Paper
- Mixed Media on Paper
- Contemporary Visual Arts
Eligibility
- Open to all artists and photographers
- International and regional artists may apply
- Emerging and established artists are welcome
- No age restriction specified
- Artists must be able to deliver accepted work in person (or through a representative) to the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds, Washington
- All submitted work must relate to the exhibition theme of soccer/football culture
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in a curated public pop-up exhibition
- Professional exhibition presentation within the Graphite Arts Center
- Opportunity to exhibit during the FIFA World Cup cultural moment in Seattle
- Public visibility through exhibition promotion and gallery marketing
- Opportunity to sell exhibited artwork
- Exposure to gallery visitors, collectors, and regional arts audiences
Additional benefits include:
- Promotional support through Graphite’s online and print channels
- Inclusion in a collaborative group exhibition environment
- Networking opportunities with participating artists and arts audiences
All exhibited works will be available for sale during the exhibition period.
Application Fee
$10 USD entry fee for submission of 1–2 artworks
Application Requirements
- JPEG images of artworks
- Properly labeled image files using format: LASTNAME_TITLE.jpg
- Works on paper only
- Artwork related to the soccer/football theme
- Professional-quality documentation images
- Submission form via the Graphite Arts Center website
Technical specifications:
- Maximum image width: 20 inches
- Maximum paper width: 24 inches
- No framed works permitted
- Works must remain unglazed and suitable for clip installation
Artists whose works are accepted must also:
- Deliver works in person on the designated drop-off date
- Include artwork information sheet with title, dimensions, medium, and price
- Agree to promotional image usage by the gallery
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 1 June 2026
- Artwork Drop-Off: 17 June 2026
- Exhibition Dates: June 18–20, 2026
- Sales Notification: June 22, 2026
- Pickup of Unsold Work: 23 June 2026, or June 26–27, 2026
Location
Edmonds, Washington, United States
Additional Details
- This exhibition is presented as a temporary pop-up format rather than a traditional formal gallery exhibition
- Artwork will be displayed directly using clips and pins on carpeted display panels
- Artists uncomfortable with unframed or unclazed presentation methods should not apply
- All artwork must be available for sale
- Graphite Arts Center retains a 30% commission on sales
- Artist payments for sold works will be issued by July 3, 2026
- Previously exhibited works may be eligible if they meet thematic requirements
- Accepted artists will sign a promotional and exhibition agreement prior to participation