IT'S SURREAL : Galloway Library Exhibit Online Registration

CALL FOR ARTISTS – “It’s Surreal”

The Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance is pleased to announce our upcoming exhibit at the Galloway Library, featuring the theme “It’s Surreal.”

Step outside the ordinary and into the unexpected.

This exhibition invites artists to let imagination take the lead, creating work inspired by dreams, fantasy, unusual combinations, altered realities, and anything that stretches beyond the boundaries of the everyday world.

Surrealism is often associated with dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, strange environments, and scenes that challenge our sense of what is possible. For “It’s Surreal,” however, artists do not need to follow a particular artistic movement or style. The theme is intentionally broad and approachable, giving artists of all backgrounds and experience levels the freedom to explore their own version of the unusual, imaginative, or wonderfully unexpected.

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively. Combine objects that would never normally belong together. Change scale or perspective. Invent creatures, places, or impossible landscapes. Transform something familiar into something strange. Explore dreams, memories, symbolism, fantasy, abstraction, or simply ask yourself, “What if?”

Works can be whimsical, mysterious, beautiful, humorous, unsettling, thought-provoking, or completely unexpected. Whether your inspiration comes from a vivid dream or simply from allowing your imagination to wander, there is no single way to be surreal.

This exhibit is open to two-dimensional, wall-hangable artwork only. Accepted mediums include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.

Artwork will be on display for approximately two months, and artists should plan accordingly.

Submissions are open to artists of all experience levels, with an emphasis on originality, craftsmanship, and creative interpretation of the theme.

Drop-off for the exhibit will take place at the Galloway Library on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

All artwork must be properly framed, wired, and ready to hang. The library uses a cleat hanging system, so all pieces must include at least six inches of hanging wire.

Entry fees are $10 per piece, with a maximum of three pieces per artist.

Space is limited, so artists are asked to keep size and weight reasonable. Oversized or excessively heavy works may be declined at check-in at committee discretion due to space constraints. Every effort will be made to hang works on the main gallery wall, with overflow displayed in the meeting room immediately to the left of the entrance across from the restrooms.

Artwork will be judged by an independent juror, with results announced on social media. Awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, with monetary prizes dependent on participation.

Online registration is available at:

abseconarts.com

The ACAA is about bringing awareness to and promoting the Arts in our community of Absecon, New Jersey!

Volunteers to assist with receiving and hanging artwork are always appreciated.

For “It’s Surreal,” leave the rules of reality at the door. Follow an idea, chase a dream, rearrange the ordinary, and show us something that could only have come from your imagination.

Be A Part Of The Art.