Application is due August 12 by 11:59pm.
The Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center (ACWL-Nuveen), Whitehall, Michigan, invites artists that live in the Lake Michigan region - MI, IN, IL, and WI - aged 18+ to submit artwork for our juried exhibition, Visual Language, on display September 8 – October 24, 2026. The Visual Language exhibition is a unique call to artists in the Lake Michigan region to submit artwork that somehow incorporates text, words, language and/or poetry. How the text is integrated into the artwork can be subtle, bold or anywhere in between. We are looking for a broad range of approaches using any media to create 2D or 3D artwork or digital media. How are you turning words into art or art into words? Note: A $200 ACWL-Nuveen prize will be awarded for outstanding artwork.
Juror Bio: Annamarie Buller brings 24 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, along with a long-standing commitment to organizing and curating in the arts. In the early 2000s, she began organizing Free Radical Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a series of art shows that transformed non-traditional spaces and vacant storefronts into galleries for contemporary artists at all stages of development. Her work on Free Radical Gallery helped lead to the creation of Avenue for the Arts, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. As an independent curator, Buller continues to work closely with 106 Gallery, part of Avenue for the Arts in Grand Rapids. Through innovative exhibitions featuring contemporary work, she cultivates artistic expression and strengthens connections across the community. Buller is especially passionate about artwork that involves political themes and intentionally seeks out the storytelling of artists from marginalized communities. Her work reflects the vital role of independent curators and community organizers in nurturing a vibrant arts culture and creating space for meaningful public dialogue.
Important Deadlines:
Online application due: August 12 at 11:59pm
Artist notification: on or before August 19
Artwork delivered or shipped to the ACWL-Nuveen: August 25 - 29
Exhibition open to the public: September 8
Public reception: October 24, 1:00 - 3:00pm. Gallery talk by Juror Annamarie Buller starting at 1:30pm.
In-person pick-up of artwork: October 27 - 31. Shipped artwork will also go out at this time.
Eligibility: Open to artists 18 years and older living in the Lake Michigan region - MI, IN, IL, and WI. Original works completed within the past five years and not previously exhibited at the ACWL-Nuveen are eligible. Original implies work not copied from another artist nor created with the assistance of an instructor or using AI. All 2-D, 3-D, and digital media accepted. Photographs must be framed – photo-canvas prints not accepted. Due to wall space restrictions, a limited number of large pieces (50” x 50”) can be accepted.
Entry Procedures and Fees: There is a non-refundable entry fee per individual of $10 for ACWL-Nuveen members and $15 for non-members. Each artist may submit up to two works and may submit up to two photos of each piece. All forms must be completed online in their entirety to ensure correct identification and pricing. Notification will be emailed on or before August 19. All artwork selected for the exhibition must be dropped off or shipped to arrive during the designated times unless other specific arrangements have been made. Artists are responsible for shipping to and from the gallery.
Framing and Labeling: All accepted artwork must be ready to display. 2D artwork must be properly framed, include hanging wire, and have no exposed glass edges. No saw-tooth hangers accepted. Affix an identification label firmly to the back of 2D entries in the upper right corner. For 3D works tape an identification label securely to the piece. Digital media should be submitted in MP4 format, via email or flash drive – no YouTube links allowed. Sound may be included, but no explicit content is allowed. We have one monitor to display video. If more than one video is accepted, videos may be looped on our monitor or artists will be asked to provide their own, small monitor. Unsuitably prepared work may be declined.
Conditions and Liability: Accepted artwork must remain on display at the ACWL-Nuveen for the duration of the exhibit. Artworks do not have to be for sale but if they are a 20% commission will be charged for artwork sold during the exhibit. NO “Price on Request” (POR) accepted. ACWL-Nuveen will take every precaution to ensure the protection of the artwork however we are not responsible for any loss or damage. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist. Registration in this exhibit grants ACWL-Nuveen permission to use images of submitted artwork for exhibition publicity.
About the ACWL-Nuveen: http://www.artswhitelake.org
The ACWL-Nuveen is a community-based arts non-profit that has served the White Lake area and West Michigan for 38 years. The mission of the ACWL-Nuveen is to inspire people of all ages through accessible and engaging opportunities in the arts. The ACWL-Nuveen offers classes, exhibitions, a retail gallery featuring area artisans, the annual Free Summer Concert Series, and other community experiences promoting creativity.