Emergence

Emergence invites artists to consider what it means to come into being: to rise, unfold, or break through. In biological terms, emergence describes how complex systems exhibit new properties or behaviors that are not present in their individual components. These emergent properties arise through interaction- between cells, organisms, or ecosystems- creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In the same way, Emergence looks to art as a space where new meanings, sensations, and understandings take form through the interaction of materials, gestures, and ideas. We are interested in works that explore how transformation manifests, whether through content, technique, material, or affect. This could mean layered or process-driven works that reveal growth or decay, conceptual frameworks that explore systems and networks, or expressive gestures that suggest revelation, connection, or renewal.

At a time of layered change—climatic, social, psychological, and political—art becomes a lens through which we can observe, question, and shape new ways of seeing and being.

As a nationally juried exhibition hosted by Saranac Art Projects, Emergence seeks to highlight contemporary visual artists engaged in pushing boundaries and expanding definitions of emergence in concept, process, or form.

Application fee: $25 (1-5 Images)

Exhibition Details:  Emergence opens May 1, 2026, with an opening reception on Friday, May 1st, from 5–8 PM. The exhibition runs through May 30th, 2026.

Emergence Exhibition Timeline:
January 12th, 2026 - Call Opens
March 8th, 2026 - Final Call Deadline
March 22nd, 2026 - Final Notifications Sent
April  22nd, 2026 - Last Day to Receive Artwork for Exhibition
May 1st, 2026 - Opening Reception, 5-8pm
May 30th, 2026 - Exhibition Closes