Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth

Artists living in Lake County, IL and neighboring areas.

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June is a powerful month of recognition, reflection, and celebration—honoring Pride Month and Juneteenth. Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth is a community-centered exhibition dedicated to exploring identity, resilience, and self-expression through fabric, fashion, and material storytelling.

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Presented by Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc., this exhibition will feature a dynamic lineup of artists whose work reflects diverse lived experiences. Through painting, textile, wearable art, mixed media, sculpture, photography, performance, and more, the exhibition highlights themes of liberation, identity, resistance, healing, and visibility.

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This exhibition may include performance-based artists throughout its programming, with activations such as a fashion show, poetry night, and the Grand Reveal—creating an immersive and engaging experience for the community.

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This is an open call for artists who are ready to share their truth, reclaim narrative, and express themselves fully and unapologetically. We welcome work that challenges systems, uplifts communities, and celebrates the power of creative expression. Fashion designers, textile artists, and artists with a strong connection to fashion and material expression are especially encouraged to apply.

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Eligibility

This open call is available to artists residing in Lake County, Illinois and neighboring communities.

Submissions are encouraged from individuals representing diverse and underrepresented perspectives, including but not limited to:

• BIPOC communities

• LGBTQ+ individuals

• Immigrants

• Differently-abled individuals

• Artists exploring social, cultural, and systemic narratives

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Accepted Mediums

Categories include, but are not limited to:

• Painting

• Drawing

• Mixed Media

• Sculpture

• Photography

• Metalwork

• Textile Art

• Wearable / Fashion-Based Art

• Performance Art

Note: Fashion and textile-based submissions are highly encouraged.

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Performance Artist Opportunities

We welcome submissions from artists working in:

• Poetry / Spoken Word

• Music (solo or group)

• Dance

• Performance Art

• Live Creative Expression

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Performance-based artists are held to the same thematic standards and expectations as visual artists. All submissions must align with the core concept of Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth, exploring identity, resilience, and self-expression through fabric, fashion, and material storytelling.

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Artists are expected to develop work that meaningfully reflects the exhibition’s themes, using their medium to convey personal and collective narratives, cultural expression, and lived experiences.

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While we encourage freedom of expression across artistic disciplines, all content—including music, spoken word, and performance—must remain respectful, inclusive, and appropriate for a community-centered audience. Content that is discriminatory, harmful, or otherwise inappropriate will not be accepted.

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Selected performers may be featured during exhibition events throughout this exhibition June 20th - July 11th, 2026, including the Grand Reveal and ArtWauk.

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Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

• Artist name and contact information

• 2–3 images of artwork

• Artist statement (150–300 words)

• Artwork details (title, medium, dimensions, price or NFS)

• Optional: Video submission (up to 3 minutes for performers)

File Specifications:

• Maximum file size: 15MB

• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, MP4

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Exhibition Guidelines

• All artwork must be original (no AI-generated work permitted)

• Artists may submit up to three (3) pieces

• A maximum of one (1) piece per artist will be selected

• Artwork must be exhibition-ready (framed, wired, and stable)

• Artists are responsible for display materials (including mannequins for wearable art)

• Work must align with the exhibition theme and be appropriate for a community audience

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Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)

• Artist Notification: June 6, 2026

• Artwork Drop-Off (Tentatively Scheduled): June 14, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM
  Timing is subject to change based on final scheduling and coordination.

• Installation: June 14, 2026 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM

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Featured Events

• Grand Reveal & Cocktail Reception with Fashion Show (Tentatively Scheduled):
  June 18, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  Details are subject to change based on artist participation and final event programming.

• ArtWauk Community Event:
  June 20, 2026 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM

• Additional event dates and programming may be announced.

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Additional Requirements

• Artwork labels must be typed and printed (business card size, Georgia font, size 14)

• Fashion displays to been shown throughout the exhibition must be appropriate displayed within the gallery

• Artists selected for wearable/fashion pieces may be invited to participate in the runway show

• Fashion participants must provide their own models and ensure garments are runway-ready

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Community Support & Partnerships

This exhibition is supported in part by the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County, with opportunities for additional community partners and sponsors to participate.

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Contact & Submission Information

Email: DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com
Text: 224-440-8006

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Final Note

We invite artists to share their truth, challenge perspectives, and contribute to a collective narrative that reflects the strength and diversity of our community.