Bristol Art Museum Announces National Call for Art: “When in the Course of Human Events…”

The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to declare, reflect, and respond: What does it mean to witness, participate in, or remember the course of human events?
BRISTOL, RI — In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Bristol Art Museum invites artists from across the country to submit works on paper or of paper for its annual national juried exhibition, ‘When in the Course of Human Events…’ on view from Feb. 22 to Apr. 10, 2026. An Opening Reception is scheduled for Feb. 22 at the Museum. Artist Meredith Stern will judge all works. 

As part of the Town of Bristol’s commemorative celebrations, this exhibition invites reflection on the enduring words of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance in our contemporary world. Artists are encouraged to consider the evolving landscape of freedom, identity, and community, exploring how moments of upheaval, celebration, and transformation shape our shared human story.

“When in the course of human events… how do we respond?” asks the Museum’s call. “Whose voices are heard, and whose stories remain untold? What declarations do we make today—individually or collectively?”

All works on paper (drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, photography, or mixed media) are welcome. Paper, as both material and metaphor, offers a powerful platform for expression, documentation, and imagination. Artists may submit works for consideration here. 

“Paper has carried humanity’s greatest declarations, from freedom to faith to protest, and continues to be a surface for both personal and public reflection,” said Museum Curator and Board Member, Mary Donodero. “This exhibit invites artists to use that same surface to explore what it means to live, create, and participate in the course of human events today.”

The exhibition will be juried by artist Meredith Stern, a member of the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative whose work is represented in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, the RISD Museum, the Obama Presidential Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 23, 2025
• ​Notification of Juror’s Decision: Friday, December 12, 2025
• Artwork Delivery: January 28–30, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: February 22 – April 10, 2026
• Artist Reception: Sunday, February 22, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Cash awards will be announced. Full submission guidelines and entry details are available through OnlineJuriedShows.com

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