Hard Times - juried show at Kingston Gallery, Boston, MA
January 5-29, 2023

Artists respond to Hard Times

Kingston Gallery is calling for submissions of contemporary art for Hard Times, a juried exhibition to be held at Kingston Gallery in Boston’s SoWA arts district January 5-29, 2023. This exhibition will be juried by Martina Tanga, the Curatorial Research and Interpretation Associate, Art of the Americas, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The words Hard Times have resonated in our culture since Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, and they are ever more relevant today. Our world now faces a growing onslaught of issues including economic inequality, climate change, racism, threats to our democracy, rising authoritarianism, an ongoing pandemic, social isolation, and grief. During these moments, the sheer scale of suffering can feel insurmountable.

Over the centuries artists have depicted the suffering and brutality of their worlds, stood as witness to hard truths, and used their art to offer connection and healing, or provide a respite from the brutality and horror. This moment is no different.

We are interested in how artists are responding, whether with anger or action, with despair or hope, or a combination of these reactions. Kingston Gallery is seeking artists who are actively creating work around these subjects. All media will be considered, and alternative media is welcomed. There is no minimum size requirement, but once installed, work may not exceed 6 feet in height.

An artist-run gallery incorporated in 1982, Kingston Gallery exhibits work of Boston-area contemporary artists. Gallery Artists specialize in a diverse range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and installation. Kingston Gallery exhibitions are widely viewed and receive regular attention in both print and online publications including Art in America, Art New England, ArtScope, and The Boston Globe.

Submission is by online jpegs that should not exceed 1200 pixels in the longest dimension and should not exceed 5MB. Selected artwork must be dropped off and picked up at the gallery; no shipping. The gallery is not responsible for damage to artwork that is poorly displayed or damaged in transit. All 2D work should be ready to hang, and works on paper must be framed. Artists are responsible for the display of digital media (monitors, etc) and 3D work must include a list of needs such as pedestals, mounts, etc. The gallery will take a 50% commission. Delivered artwork must be the same works submitted in the application. Presentation must be professional: i.e., no clip frames. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
$35 for up to 5 images. Deadline for online submissions: September 10th, 2022 at midnight EST

Please prepare carefully; no revisions are possible after submission is complete. Incomplete applications (missing titles, statements or dimensions) will not be accepted.
Online Submission Deadline: September 10th, 2022 at midnight EST

Notification: September 22, 2022 by email
Delivery of Work:
Monday, January 2, 2023 5 - 7 pm
Tuesday, January 3, 10 am - 2 pm
Exhibition: January 5 - 29, 2023
Opening Reception: January 6, 2023 5:00-8:00 pm
Pick-up Work:
Sunday, January 29, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm
Monday, January 30, 2023 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Number of entries allowed per artist: up to 5 images
Submission Fee: $35.00