About the Exhibition
A murmuration is the breathtaking movement of thousands of starlings flying together—each bird responding to those around it, creating a shifting form larger than any one individual. It is an evocative image of connection, interdependence, and collective possibility.
The third exhibition in a series that began with A Show of Resistance and continued with A Show of Peace, Murmuration turns our attention to the natural world and our relationship with the living systems we share.
At a time when the natural world faces mounting pressures and profound change, Murmuration invites artists to consider our place within the living systems that sustain us. How do we understand our relationship with the living world? What responsibilities accompany belonging?
Through painting, sculpture, fiber, photography, and other media, artists are invited to explore the connections that bind us to landscapes, creatures, and ecosystems. Whether celebrating resilience, mourning loss, or imagining new possibilities, this exhibition invites reflection on our place within—not apart from—the web of life.
This is a national call for art. All media, styles, and sizes will be considered. Artwork will be selected for artistic quality, diversity of style, creative use of materials, and strength of expression.
The third exhibition in a series that began with A Show of Resistance and continued with A Show of Peace, Murmuration turns our attention to the natural world and our relationship with the living systems we share.
At a time when the natural world faces mounting pressures and profound change, Murmuration invites artists to consider our place within the living systems that sustain us. How do we understand our relationship with the living world? What responsibilities accompany belonging?
Through painting, sculpture, fiber, photography, and other media, artists are invited to explore the connections that bind us to landscapes, creatures, and ecosystems. Whether celebrating resilience, mourning loss, or imagining new possibilities, this exhibition invites reflection on our place within—not apart from—the web of life.
This is a national call for art. All media, styles, and sizes will be considered. Artwork will be selected for artistic quality, diversity of style, creative use of materials, and strength of expression.
Venue
First Studio Gallery
Phoenix, AZ
Hours
Weekdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, by appointment.
Phoenix, AZ
Hours
Weekdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, by appointment.
Entry Fee
$35 per artist for up to three artworks.
Fees are paid at the time of entry through ShowSubmit.
Fees are paid at the time of entry through ShowSubmit.
Entry Guidelines
- This is a national call for art. Artists may submit up to three artworks.
- All media and styles will be considered. In-person artwork must meet the size, weight, hanging, and installation requirements below.
- Submit high-quality images suitable for exhibition display and promotion.
- Artwork will be selected for quality, diversity of style, use of materials, and expression.
Artwork Requirements
- In-person artwork must not exceed 48 inches on its longest side, including framing.
- All accepted physical artwork must be prepared for installation.
- Label each piece with artist name, phone number, and artwork title.
- Two-dimensional artwork must be securely wired for hanging; no sawtooth hangers.
- Three-dimensional artwork must weigh no more than 30 pounds. Large works must be installed by the artist in coordination with the gallery. Exceptions may be considered individually by the curator(s).
- All artwork must remain on exhibition through May 22 unless an exception is approved by the curator(s).
Exhibition Format and Shipping
Accepted artwork by artists outside Arizona will be presented digitally in the gallery and promoted on social media. Artists outside Arizona may request inclusion of original artwork in the in-person exhibition by making shipping arrangements in advance with Arizona Art Alliance. Arizona-based accepted artwork is intended for in-person exhibition, subject to curatorial and installation arrangements.
- Shipped artwork must arrive before March 21, 2027. All shipping, packing, and insurance expenses are the responsibility of the artist.
- Return shipping must be prepaid by the artist.
- First Studio Gallery will return artwork in the same packaging in which it was received.
- To arrange shipping and in-person participation, contact [email protected] before sending artwork.
Entry Form Information Required
- Artist name (as it should appear on labels).
- Artwork title, dimensions, medium, and price.
- Contact information: name, email, phone, website, and social media.
- Indicate whether you are Arizona-based or outside Arizona; non-Arizona artists requesting in-person exhibition must arrange shipping in advance.
Sales
All artwork, including sold artwork, must remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition unless prior arrangements are approved by the curator(s).
Arizona Art Alliance and First Studio Gallery does not take a commission on sales. Artists retain 100% of their sales and handle transactions directly with patrons. All artwork, including sold artwork, must remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition unless prior arrangements are approved by the curator(s).
Arizona Art Alliance and First Studio Gallery does not take a commission on sales. Artists retain 100% of their sales and handle transactions directly with patrons. All artwork, including sold artwork, must remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition unless prior arrangements are approved by the curator(s).
Artists are expected to:
- Promote the exhibition and receptions.
- Invite art collectors, friends, and guests.
- Attend receptions, engage with visitors, and contribute refreshments.
About the Partners
Arizona Art Alliance supports artists and arts organizations through exhibitions, outreach, and professional development. First Studio Gallery is a creative venue with a history as Phoenix’s first television and radio studio, bringing artists and audiences together through exhibitions and events.
Questions?
For exhibition entry and shipping arrangements: [email protected]. For gallery questions: [email protected].
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30MB maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (March 3, 2027.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Notifications Are Posted in Your Account
Results will be posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on March 8, 2027. You will also receive an email.
Log in and check your account. We are unable to answer individual inquiries about results.
Support
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact Tess Mosko Scherer ([email protected]) for questions about the prospectus, AzAA, eligibility, artwork requirements, drop-off, pick-up, sales, etc.
Need help with ShowSubmit?
Visit our Help Center or Entry Guide for guidance on image uploads, payments, and managing your entry. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We respond Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.