Class Act 2026 From Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics

The Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics, Chicago, is excited to announce the return of the annual showcase of exceptional talent from The Chicago Mosaic School's past and present students, "Class Act 2026". Now accepting submissions!

The Chicago Mosaic School encourages and supports a diverse array of local, national, and international artists exploring the vibrant world of contemporary mosaic art and stained glass.

The annual exhibition, “Class Act”, is a testament to the importance of art practice fostered by excellence in mosaic art education. This exhibition showcases students who exemplify the mission of CMS.

"Class Act 2026", will take place January 16 - March 7, 2026 at the Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics. Applications will be juried through a blind jury process by the curatorial board of The Chicago Mosaic School.

About Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics:

The Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics (GoCM) exhibits internationally renowned masters, emerging, and established contemporary artists. GoCM is the only US gallery dedicated to primarily promoting artists working in Mosaic Art. The gallery showcases works by a variety of renowned artists worldwide who exemplify technical excellence through a multitude of approaches, styles and materials. GoCM is located in Chicago’s historic Edgewater neighborhood and affiliated with The Chicago Mosaic School (CMS), the preeminent center for Mosaic Arts education in the Americas.

Oct 1, 2025: Submissions accepted online.

Dec 5, 2025: Submission deadline

Dec 8, 2025: Jurying Opens

Dec 12, 2025: Jurying Completed

Dec 15, 2025: Notification of acceptance by email

Jan 10, 2026: All works must be received at CMS

Jan 17, 2026: Exhibition Opens, OPENING RECEPTION

Mar 7, 2026: Exhibition Closes

Mar 8-15, 2026: Artwork pick up / shipped back to artists


Ready to apply?

Setup a free submission only account with artwork archive.
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How to enter Art call, Video: https://help.artworkarchive.com/en/articles/10246083-how-to-apply-to-a-call-on-artwork-archive-using-a-submit-only-account#h_b7c9bf9d77

All Questions related to show rules or guidelines can be directed to our email at: [email protected]

For Tech questions, please contact [email protected] or call 720-900-5506 for any issues relating to creating a free submission only account or logging into the system. Select this icon for online live tech support in your submission only account  You will get live support during business hours. Any after hour questions will be addressed the following business day via email.

Artist must have been enrolled in at least one class or workshop at The Chicago Mosaic School since the school was established 2005. 

All work MUST be of original design. Absolutely NO copies, reproductions or works by other artists or any other copyrighted material will be considered. An exception will be made for reproductions made in the Ravenna Technique Workshop/ ancient mosaics. 

Decorative art will not be considered. This includes but not limited to tables, mirrors, vases, boxes, etc.

All work must be ready to hang/exhibit and ready/wired for hanging upon arrival. Work with saw-tooth hanger or wired inappropriately for the weight of the work will NOT be shown.

Size/Weight Restrictions: 2D work must not exceed 36” (in either direction, without frame) and 25 lbs.

3D work must be stable and be able to be secured on a 12” square pedestal.

No artwork will be removed before the exhibition closing date.

ART DELIVERY

- Artists are responsible for shipping and insuring accepted work in a sturdy, reusable box or crate.

- Return shipping and insurance MUST be prepaid, with labels and included with the work upon arrival.

- Absolutely NO packing peanuts whether packed by artist or packing service.

- Hand deliveries no later than January 10th, 2026

- Shipping instructions will be included with acceptance notification.


SALES

- Exhibited works must be for sale. Artists who prefer not to sell can instead make a minimum donation of $100 to the gallery. 

- GoCM takes 40% commission for sales of artwork.

- Price listed as “Value” upon application submission will be the price listed in the gallery. Any changes to price when/if accepted to exhibit must be explicitly communicated to and approved by the GoCM team.


RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITY

- GoCM takes all reasonable care in handling and displaying entries. GoCM is not responsible for any loss, damage or deterioration of artwork while in its possession. Artists are responsible for appropriately insuring their artwork during the show and while in transit.

- Sending an entry to this show implies an agreement with all conditions set forth in the prospectus and grants the sponsors the right to reproduce any work for catalog and/or publicity.

- GoCM is not responsible for work not picked up 10 days after the show ends.

- GoCM reserves the right to reject any work that differs from the submitted image or that is deemed too dangerous or fragile to display.

Artist grants permission for exhibit organizers to reproduce his/her/their name, information describing his/her/their work, representations of his/her/their work and any other information the artist has provided for the purpose of display, promotion and publicity either now or in the future.

Artist agrees to display, pack, transport and provide for the return of his/her/their artwork at his/her/their own risk and expense.

If Artist is not available on-site to display, re-pack or re-transport his/her/their work, they give permission to the exhibit organizers to do so on his/her/their behalf at his/her/their own risk and expense.

Release of Liability: The gallery shall not be liable for any injury to Artist, their personnel, agents or employees or for any damage or loss of Artist’s work, equipment or other personal property arising out of the above Art Exhibitions, the mounting and/or any other activities involved in the preparation and/or presentation of the Art Exhibitions. Artist agrees to assume all risk of damage to or loss of his/her/their own art from whatever cause.

Indemnification: Artist shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics or The Chicago Mosaic School, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers and agents and the participating exhibition venues from any and all claims, demands, causes of action and judgments, losses, costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, arising due to the negligence of Artist, their employees, agents or other personnel hereunder, including but not limited to any representation, warranty, term and/or condition of this Agreement.

Insurance: Artist shall be solely and exclusively responsible to insure properly and adequately their work and property.