Interwoven: Connections in Fiber Exhibit Entry Form

Interwoven: Connections in Fiber explores the ways artists use fiber to create meaningful connections between materials, traditions, and personal experiences. Through mediums like weaving, stitching, quilting, embroidery, sculpture, and mixed-media approaches, this exhibition celebrates the artistry of fiber while highlighting the relationships between texture, pattern, memory, and storytelling. Each work invites viewers to discover the intricate connections—both visible and unseen—that bring fiber art to life.

On View October 18 – November 15, 2026 | Saltbox Gallery

ELIGIBILITY: This exhibition is open to original fiber-based artwork created by artists working in traditional, contemporary, and experimental fiber practices. You do not need to be a member of West Hartford Art League to participate.

Accepted mediums may include, but are not limited to:

Quilting
Weaving
Embroidery and hand stitching
Textile collage
Felting
Fiber sculpture
Basketry
Knitting and crochet
Mixed-media works incorporating 50% or more fiber materials
Wearable fiber art (when presented as an artistic object)

Juror: Susan Jerome, Collections Manager at the University of Rhode Island Historic Textile and Costume Collection

Susan J. Jerome is Collections Manager at the University of Rhode Island Historic Textile and Costume Collection. She also works as the Curator/Registrar of the Historic Costume Collection at the University of Connecticut. Ms. Jerome received her Master of Science degree from the TMD department at URI. She writes and lectures on topics of clothing and needlecraft, works as a textile conservator, and is a consultant to museums and historical societies. An avid textilian, she is happiest when writing, talking and doing all things textile.

 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Work must have been created during the last 2 calendar years and not previously exhibited in a West Hartford Art League juried show.  Sawtooth hangers are not acceptable. Work not suitably wired will be disqualified.

Size & Weight Restrictions

Maximum artwork dimensions: 48 inches in any direction (height, width), including frame, mounting, or display components. Oversized works exceeding these limits will not be considered.

Maximum artwork weight: 50 pounds, including any hanging hardware or display supports.
Artists are responsible for ensuring that artwork is structurally sound and safe for gallery display.

Display & Installation Requirements
Artists must provide artwork that is ready for professional installation. Due to the variety of fiber mediums, display requirements may vary:

Wall-Hung Fiber Works

Quilts, tapestries, woven pieces, textile panels, and other wall-mounted works must be prepared for hanging. Artwork should include appropriate hanging hardware such as: D-rings and wire,
hanging sleeves with rods (for quilts, weavings, and textiles). NO Sawtooth hangers.

Three-Dimensional Fiber Sculpture

Sculptural works must be stable and able to stand independently. Artists must include a secure base or pedestal as we do not guarantee to have pedestals for large pieces. Artists must provide any specialized display supports, stands, or hardware required for installation. Freestanding works should not require access to electricity.

Soft Sculpture / Suspended Works

Hanging sculptures must be light in weight and require that you contact our Director prior to submission to see if we can accomodate your piece. 

Suspended fiber pieces must include clear installation instructions and appropriate hanging mechanisms. Artists should provide details regarding weight distribution, attachment points, and any special handling needs.

Wearable or Functional Fiber Art

Wearable pieces must be submitted as artwork for display rather than active use.
Artists should provide any required mannequins, forms, or display supports if necessary.

Mixed Media work must by 50% fiber based to be considered. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES, How to Enter and Awards 

Registration Deadline: Complete this form, sign and upload your images below by 12 noon on Monday, September 21st.   Earlier entries encouraged. In an effort to alleviate mistakes and last minute changes that result in typo's, we strongly encourage pre-registration PRIOR to September 21st, and that you double check what you have entered is correct. Please save or print the form you submit to keep track of what you have entered.

Please note: NO late entries will be accepted after the registration deadline, or drop off deadline. Please check the website for the date posted for acceptance and drop off dates. No early drop-off please. PLEASE NOTE:WORK WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED BY DIGITAL ENTRIES.

Entry Deadline:  September 21st at NOON

Opening: Sunday, October 18, 2-4 pm. Awards: 3 pm at the Saltbox building.

Notification of Acceptance:  October 7th by end of day

Accepted work drop-off:  Monday October 12th, 10 am - 2 pm or 6-7 pm. Tuesday October 13th, 10 am - 12 pm.

Drop off at the Saltbox Gallery, 37 Buena Vista Road.

Pick Up of Work: November 15th, 4 -5 pm.

We do not contact artists individually to let you know of acceptance.

We post a list of accepted work on our website. It is your responsibility to check the list in a timely manner. We will not accept late work.

Please CHECK OUR WEBSITE for notification at

http://www.westhartfordart.org/call-for-artists

 

TO ENTER :  

1. Please upload your images below. Your work will be judged from your images and if accepted, you will then deliver your accepted work to us.

Digital image title must match the title on entry form. Please label images:

LastName_Title of Work

*You may submit 1-2 detail shots of your submitted work free of charge. Please email them to: director@whal.org*

**All work must include title, medium, size and price.

When you drop off accepted work, please be sure each piece is labeled on the back. You can download labels on our call to artists page.  

ENTRY FEES: $10 each entry. You may enter up to four works of art. Limit two acceptances per person. Payment must be made with online entry. Entry fees are used towards producing the exhibit and are not refunded if work is not accepted.

AWARDS:

1. Best in Show
Recognizes the most exceptional work in the exhibition, considering creativity, craftsmanship, originality, composition, and overall artistic impact. $250 prize.

2. Excellence in Craftsmanship Award
Honors a work that demonstrates exceptional technical skill, attention to detail, and mastery of fiber techniques and materials. $100 prize.

3. Innovation in Fiber Award
Recognizes an artist who pushes the boundaries of traditional fiber practices through experimentation, unique materials, or contemporary approaches. $100 prize.

4. Outstanding Use of Texture & Material Award
Celebrates a work that demonstrates a compelling use of fiber’s tactile qualities, including texture, layering, color, and material exploration. $100 prize.

5. Artistic Expression Award
Honors a work that communicates a powerful concept, narrative, or emotional connection through the language of fiber. $100 prize.

 

CLOSE OF SHOW:

Work may not be removed before the close of the gallery the last day of the show, which is November 15th from 4 -5 pm. Work not picked up by November 20th at 12 noon is left at owners' risk. We are unable to store pieces past November 20th, and work not picked up by that date is considered abandoned and will be disposed of.

Pick up of work after exhibit:  Sunday, November 15th, 4-5 PM 

Please print and save this information for your record.

SALES: All artwork must be for sale. A 30% commission is taken on all sales.

LIABILITY: Every reasonable care will be taken in the handling and storage of the works submitted; however the West Hartford Art League is not responsible for loss or damage. Accepted work will be insured at 70% of artist's retail price.