The Eclectika is excited to announce this year's Halloween inspired open call, ‘A Gallery Most Grim’ with juror Allester Vinteers! For this exhibition, we are looking for works that are considered strange, mysterious, metaphysical, dark, macabre. ‘A Gallery Most Grim’ is open to all artists over the age of 18 that reside in the DFW metroplex. Artists are welcome to submit up to 5 works in any medium for the juror's consideration. Submission fee for the show is $10, payable through our website. Deadline to submit is Friday, October 10 at midnight. The opening event will be held Saturday, November 1 from 6-10pm. Click here for submission form.

ABOUT THE JUROR:

I'm Allester Vinteers, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based alternative Latino visual artist. I earned a BFA in Studio Art with a minor in Art History from the University of North Texas. My work has been featured in several international juried art exhibitions, museums, art fairs, and biennials, including The Hallowed Canvas Juried Art Exhibition by Gothe Residency of The Arts, the Fl3tch3r International Juried Exhibition at the Reece Museum in Tennessee, The Other Art Fair in Dallas, and the 214 Biennial at the Dallas Cultural Centers. I've had the honor of showcasing my work in solo shows with respected art institutions like Art Tooth in Fort Worth. I have been published in Canvas Rebel Magazine, Shoutout DFW, and About Place Journal. My work is in the Tarrant County College Trinity River campus’ permanent collection, as well as at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in the Executive Director’s office, among other notable public and private collections.

I am an active participant in the art community with a strong commitment to promoting the importance of creative self expression through art education. The work I create is a personal exploration of self-discovery, metaphysics, myth-making, drawing from what I find truth and power in, as it resonates with my core values. Creating art is my way of acting as a magician to enact change or as an alchemist to transmute a particular state or experience. Through the deliberate selection of subject matter, symbols, marks, textures, and colors, I create a unique energy and visual language that resonates with my artistic vision. The dramatic mood and whimsical nature of my work immediately draws the viewer in, sparking their imagination and inviting them to explore the art more deeply. As they engage with the piece, the hidden symbolism reveals itself, seeping into their subconscious and activating their senses. This creates a powerful connection between the viewer and my art, as they become active participants in the transformative experience.

ABOUT THE ECLECTIKA:

The Eclectika is an artist run, artist supported art space located in Irving, Texas. Its mission focuses on providing an accessible space for a diverse variety of shows and events. Initially established in 2015, its second iteration opened in the Fall of 2023 and has since hosted over 30 unique events and exhibitions. The Eclectika was founded by its Gallery Director, artist Derrick Hamm (Anonymous Heir), and is operated by him and a team of volunteers who are Dallas/Forth Worth based artists. 

ELIGIBILITY

'A Gallery Most Grim' is open to all artists over the age 18 residing in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex. All mediums will be accepted for consideration. Video and multimedia pieces will need the necessary equipment required for display to be provided by the artists. 

REQUIREMENTS:

2-D Works:

• Wall hanging work must be install ready and of sound construction.

• Please, no work that is over 50lbs.

•  For works that are framed, please make sure there is appropriate hardware for installation (d-rings, wire, etc).

• Unframed canvases can be installed on their stretcher but it is strongly encouraged to have appropriate hanging hardware to ensure stability.

•  If there are special install requirements, please provide detailed install instructions. Artists may be asked or allowed to install wall work that have installational elements.

• The size of submitted works must not exceed 60 inches on any side.

3-D Works:

• All works must be of sound construction.

• We have a small collection of pedestals for works that require them. If there is a specific size preferred, artists may be required to provide their own pedestal. 

• If there are special install requirements, please provide detailed install instructions. Artists may be asked or allowed to install wall work that have installational elements.

• Works must be no larger than 36 inches by their length or width. Height must be under 60 inches. Note: our largest pedestals can comfortably fit works that are 24 inches by length or width. If a larger pedestal is required for display, it must be provided by the artist.

Video and Multi-Media:

• All required materials for display (televisions, projectors, media players, etc.) must be provided by the artist.

• While projection work is allowed, a screen presentation of video works is preferred for better viewing in a brightly lit space.

• Video submissions must be submitted with a YouTube link.

Installations:

• Artists will be required to provide all needed materials for installation works.

• Wall installations must be no larger than 60 inches by width.

• Artists are permitted, and may be required, to install these works. Detailed installation instructions must be provided if otherwise. 

ENTRY FEE, SALES, AND SUBMISSION PROCESS

Fee and Payment: The $10 submission fee payable on our website linked here. All fees go towards supporting the gallery's operation.

Sales: The Eclectika does not conduct sales directly. We will connect any prospective buyers to artists to conduct sales, or will conduct sales using payment methods provided by the artist. Any sales made during the show are commission free with a suggested donation of 10% of any sales. All donations go towards supporting the gallery's operation.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES:

Submissions Open: Thursday, September 4
Submissions Close: Friday, October 10 at midnight
Notification of Selected Artists: by Friday, October 17
Drop-off: Sunday, October 26 from 1pm-5pm
Opening: Saturday, November 1 from 6-10pm
Closing: Sunday, November 2 1-4pm
Pick Up: Sunday, November 2 from 4-6pm

Contact and Socials:
theeclectikagallery@gmail.com
Instagram: TheEclectika
Theeclectika.com