Home Grown: Call for Entry

Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 5pm

The Textile Arts Center of Madison invites artists to submit work for Home Grown, an upcoming exhibition celebrating fiber art that incorporates materials grown, raised, or foraged in the Midwest.

Home Grown focuses on the use of materials sourced from the Midwest and considers their significance within fiber and textile practices. Fibers and dyes produced locally reflect specific places, agricultural cycles, and the labor involved in growing, raising, and processing them. Working with regional materials highlights issues of sustainability, land stewardship, and making practices that are grounded in local knowledge rather than globalized production systems.

We are seeking textile and fiber-based works that engage with locally sourced materials in ways both intentional and intuitive. Artists may be drawn to these materials for many reasons—out of care, curiosity, necessity, tradition, experimentation, or simple availability. Whether foregrounded conceptually or quietly present in the making, regional fibers and dyes offer texture, weight, and history that can shape a work in subtle or overt ways. We welcome submissions that allow these materials to exist as they are, carrying whatever meanings the artist—or the viewer—may find within them.

Note: Locally sourced materials need only be a part of the work; other materials are welcome too.

Home Grown Exhibition Details

  • There is no application fee, and you do not need to be a TAC member to apply—everyone is welcome!

  • Artists will be notified by email whether their work has been selected the week of April 6, 2026. Notifications will list the status of each submitted artwork, so please be sure to check your inbox—and your spam folder, just in case.

  • Artists may submit up to three individual works. Please upload a full image only for each work; detail shots, close-ups, or alternate views will not be accepted or reviewed. Clear, high-quality photographs are important, as poor photography may affect the selection process. Images should show the artwork straight-on against a flat, neutral background. Natural daylight (is just fine) or professional studio lighting (definitely not required, but nice if you have it) works best. If a model is used, they should not distract from the artwork.

  • Images must be 5MB or less. There are no dimension restrictions. 

  • Artist statements should be no more than 120 words per entry.

  • All information entered in the application form—including your artist statement—may be used for print materials, digital promotions, and social media if your work is selected, so please keep descriptions clear and concise.

  • Selected artwork must be hand delivered. Unfortunately, TAC cannot accept shipped work and is unable to return ship artwork.

  • If you have any questions, please contact Heather Kohlmeier atheather@textileartsmadison.org. We’re happy to help!

Timeline:

  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 5pm

  • Notification of Acceptance or Regrets: Week of April 6, 2026 * Note: Notifications will be delayed due to submission deadline extension

  • Artwork Drop Off: Week of June 7, specific dates TBD

  • Exhibition Opening:  Wednesday, June 17, 2026

  • Exhibition Reception: TBD

  • Exhibition Closing: Saturday, August 8, 2026

  • Artwork Deinstall: Week of August 10, 2026

Home Grown Submission:

This call is now closed.