Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
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Applications for this exhibition are no longer being accepted.

“Absurdity” Community Exhibition

The fourth annual Community Exhibition invites artists from the greater Atlanta area to submit up to 3 artworks for consideration in this juried showcase of emerging and mid-career artists. No fee to apply.

Exhibition Details

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Exhibition Dates: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Decatur Visitors Center
113 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030

Absurdity (n):
1. the quality of being absurd or inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment
2. a ludicrous folly
 

The theme for the 2026 community exhibition invites artists to explore the space between logic and lunacy. “Absurdity” exposes the tension between truth and disbelief, clarity and confusion. Like a funhouse mirror, the distortion of reality can be at times silly and unsettling. This exhibition encourages artists to consider how absurdity can derail genuine intentions, inspire laughter in lightheartedness, and compel strangers to come together to cope, connect, and endure. Beneath its contradictions lies a levity, a reminder that even in chaos, there is room for solidarity, play, and shared understanding.

 
Join us for an opening reception on Friday, March 27th from 6:30-9pm for light refreshments and first access to the exhibition.  All artwork is for sale unless otherwise indicated.

Submission Guidelines

  • Theme: “Absurdity”. Works should explore the lighthearted and ridiculous, the maliciously distorted, the situations that keep getting worse until you can’t help but laugh.
  • Medium: All visual art forms are welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.
  • Eligibility: Open to all emerging and mid-level artists in the greater Atlanta area. (*Please note, all artwork must be delivered in person. Shipments not accepted for this exhibition.)

Exhibition Timeline

  • Applications Open: Friday, January 16
  • Application Deadline: Sunday, March 1
  • Notification of Acceptance: Friday, March 6
  • Artwork Delivery: Between Mon, March 9 – Sun, March 22 (Gallery open daily 10am-4pm)
  • Exhibition Run: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, May 3
  • Gallery Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
  • Opening Reception: Friday, March 27 from 6:30-9pm
  • Artwork Retrieval: Between Tue., May 5 – Tue, May 19 (excluding Mother’s Day: May 10)

Artist Application​

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Artist Contact Information

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Artist Demographic Information

The Decatur Arts Alliance is committed to providing equitable opportunities to artists. Although our organization acknowledges that race is a social construct and individuals are not easily categorized by physical origins or features, accurate data regarding program participants permits our organization to ensure that we are serving a diverse population. The following information is collected for informational purposes only, completion is entirely optional, and responses will not impact the selection process in any way. Demographic data is also utilized by the Decatur Arts Alliance when applying for foundation grants and governmental funding.
Artist age range
Race and ethnicity (check all that apply)
Estimated annual individual income
Applicant identifies with any of these special categories (select all that apply):

Artwork Submission

Artists are invited to submit up to 3 works for consideration in this year's exhibition. Please only include information for ONE artwork per form.
Description of materials and/or process used for creation of work. For example, "Charcoal on canvas," "Multiple-exposed photograph," "Acrylic on paper," etc.
Width x Height (x Depth if applicable)
Please provide a brief overview of the submitted work.
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Please include ONLY ONE artwork per form. You may submit up to three applications.
Is this work for sale?
Please indicate if the work is available for purchase.
The Decatur Arts Alliance will take a 15% commission for all gallery sales. Artists are encouraged to price their work with an awareness of this fee. If not for sale, please indicate "NFS".
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Please attach images of up to three samples of the artist’s previous work.

Artist agreement

I understand that by submitting this application, I am committing to drop-off the work, if accepted, to the Decatur Visitors Center gallery at 113 Clairemont Avenue between 10am-4pm March 9th - March 22nd. No shipments will be accepted for this exhibition. The accepted work must remain on display for the entire run of the exhibition, March 27 – May 3, 2026. I understand that any sales will be subject to a 15% gallery commission that supports the Decatur Arts Alliance. I agree to permit the use of images of my work in promotional materials for the Decatur Arts Alliance. I agree to retrieve my artwork between May 5 and May 19 (excluding Mother's Day). I understand if I neglect to pick up my artwork by the deadline, the Decatur Arts Alliance is not liable for maintaining the artwork.
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