Mark: Contemporary Drawing

For our juried exhibition MARK, Artlink invites artists to submit works of drawing, encompassing any artistic style and any media related to the practice of drawing. 

Drawing has multiple meanings and functions. Most simply, it is a way to visualize a concept through the use of mark-making on a surface. Drawing is an excellent means to build observational skills, record memories, and draft ideas. Though often used as a preliminary process, drawings can and have long been finished works of art in their own right. This exhibition will explore current approaches to drawing by contemporary artists in the United States. From traditional to exploratory, realism to abstract, all approaches to drawing are welcome. 

About the juror
David Hicks is a contemporary figurative artist with an exclusive focus on drawing. Heavily influenced by the old masters, he strives for a classical approach to drawing each figure, yet with an aim for contemporary expression and subject matter. Hicks exhibits his drawings nationally, internationally, and regionally on a frequent basis. His work has been shown in multiple galleries across the US, and in India. Recent group exhibitions include Contemporary Art in Realism, 3rd International Juried Exhibition, at 3 Square Art Gallery in Fort Collins, Colorado, Lore Degenstein Gallery’s 16th Annual Figurative Art Exhibition in Selinsgrove, PA, and Mythography: An International Exhibit exploring Narrative at Manifest Gallery, Ohio. Hicks is currently Associate Professor of Drawing at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. His work can be viewed at www.davidhicksartist.com

Important Dates
Entry deadline: July 27, 2026 at 11:59pm 
Jury notifications: After August 1, 2026
Artwork drop-off/delivery deadline: August 23, 2026
Exhibition timeframe: September 3 - 27, 2026

Presentation
All works must be ready for installation upon delivery and professionally presented (not damaged or differing from what was accepted). Wall-hung artwork must be ready to hang with wire. If your work requires special installation instructions, please contact ellen@artlinkfw.org.

Sales
All artwork sales are subject to a 35% sales fee. Artists will be mailed a check for sold work following the close of the exhibition. 

Liability
Artwork will be insured during exhibition at Artlink. Artlink is not liable for damage or loss in transit to the gallery. Any damage caused by improper preparations by the artist will not be covered by Artlink. 

Hand-Delivery
Hand-delivered artwork must arrive by August 23 and is accepted during gallery hours, Thursday 10am - 8pm, Friday/Saturday 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 12 - 5pm.

Shipping
Artwork that is shipped must be sent through UPS, FedEx or USPS and must include a return shipping label. Artwork must arrive at Artlink by August 23, 2026. Shipped work must be framed with plexiglass, no glass permitted. Any damages that occur during shipping must be covered by the artist. In such an occurrence, the Gallery Coordinator will contact the artist for a credit card number to facilitate repairs. Please, no crates or Styrofoam peanuts. Ship your work in reusable packaging to: Artlink Contemporary Gallery, 300 E Main Street, Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN 46802