Open Call:

General Information Exhibition
From the sacred tombs of ancient Egypt to the oil paintings of 19th-century salons, cats have captivated artists across cultures and centuries. Revered as gods, symbols of mystery, and everyday life companions, their presence in art has ranged from divine icon to domestic muse. Feline Splendor invites you to explore this rich visual legacy, where the allure of cats continues to stir the imagination and leave paw prints across the canvas of history. Crete Creative Gallery and School seeks various art forms for this exhibit: paintings, photographs, sculpture, and mixed media.  
 

Exhibition Dates
August 22 through October 3, 2025
 

Open Call 
We welcome submissions that celebrate cats' elegance, personality, and mystique in all their forms. Artists are encouraged to explore the feline spirit through various styles and mediums. Accepted works may include:
•    Paintings, drawings, and prints – from realistic portraits to abstract interpretations
•    Sculpture and ceramics – three-dimensional expressions of feline grace or whimsy
•    Photography – candid or staged images capturing cats’ moods, movement, and mystery
•    Mixed media and collage – innovative compositions using diverse materials
•    Digital and new media art – animations, projections, or digital illustrations inspired by cats
•    Textile and fiber art – embroidery, quilting, or fabric-based works featuring feline motifs
We welcome both traditional and contemporary approaches. Submissions may reflect personal relationships with cats, symbolic meanings, cultural interpretations, or purely aesthetic fascination. All cat lovers and creatives are invited to contribute!
 

About Crete Creative
Crete Creative is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the creative arts on the far south side of Chicago. It produces solo and group exhibits, teaches classes for all ages, and provides studio space to local artists. Crete Creative is located at the Crete Public Library, 1177 Main Street, Crete, IL 60417.  
 

Eligibility
Any artist may enter cat-related work created in any media listed above, understanding that the Crete Creative venue may not accommodate all work. 
 

How to Enter
Entries must be in JPEG format, no larger than 1400 x 1800 pixels, and under 2 MB. Please send entries to cretecreative.info@gmail.com
•    Two-dimensional work including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and digital art. All two-dimensional pieces must be framed and ready to hang. No saw-tooth hangers will be accepted. 
•    There are no entire fees.
•    Collaborative work is allowed if all artists are identified.
•    All work must be original. 
•    Only one work per artist will be accepted.
•    All work must be packed appropriately to ensure its safety during shipping and storage, and it is awaiting exhibition installation. Crete Creative is not responsible for damage due to improper packing or shipping. The artist is responsible for shipping costs and should include a prepaid return shipping label with any work shipped after the show.  
Important Dates
Entry Deadline: July 15, 2025
Delivery of Artwork: Saturday, August 15 - 12:00 pm
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Exhibition: August 22 through October 3, 2025
Pick-up of Artwork: October 4, 2025, 10 – 1 pm 

Equipment and Instructions
You should be prepared to provide all the equipment and instructions necessary to present your art.
Authorship and Ownership
By entering a work, you represent that you are its creator and that you either own the work or have the permission of the owner to enter it for presentation.
Loan Agreements
Artists must complete a loan agreement, including a specification of insurance value, before a work is finally accepted.
Reproductions and Publicity
By entering your work and providing images and other documentation, you agree that any photos and other materials you provide may be reproduced and published in the Crete Creative Upon the Horse and Rider promotional and press materials and distributed via the websites and social media channels. You also agree that images of your work may be reproduced in the context of the exhibition and its promotion by third parties such as journalists.
Sale of Work
All work included in the exhibition must be valued for insurance purposes. If you agree, your job may also be considered available for purchase. Crete Creative will receive a modest 20% commission on works sold during the exhibition.
Questions
Please direct exhibit-related questions to cretecreative.info@gmail.com.