CALL FOR ARTISTS
Soft Work, In The Space Between:
Art, Care, and the Quiet Work of Healing
Mahogany Gallery invite artists to submit original artworks for consideration in Soft Work, In The Space Between, a curated exhibition exploring healing as a form of quiet, sustained labor rooted in care, patience, rest, empathy, and resilience. Curated by Scott Terry, artist and founder of Mahogany Gallery, is presented within a large hospital setting, this exhibition recognizes that healing often unfolds slowly and invisibly, shaped as much by stillness and presence as by medical intervention.
Soft Work, In The Space Between seeks artwork that reflects the unseen emotional human dimensions of care offering moments of calm, reflection, and recognition for patients, families, visitors, and healthcare professionals. The exhibition will be installed across public facing hospital spaces, transforming clinical environments into places of contemplation, dignity, and connection.
Theme Focus
Artists are encouraged to respond to one or more of the following concepts:
Healing as a gradual, quiet process
Rest, patience, and emotional labor
Caregiving, presence, and compassion
Inner resilience and subtle transformation
Stillness as an active force
Humanity within clinical spaces
Eligible Media
We welcome submissions across a wide range of visual art forms, including:
Painting & drawing
Photography
Mixed media & collage
Sculpture
Textile & fiber art
Works on paper (Framed and matted)
Digital or printed works suitable for wall display
All work must be appropriate for a hospital environment
(non-triggering, inclusive, and suitable for public viewing).
Who Should Apply
This call is open to:
Emerging and established artists
Artists whose work emphasizes wellness, care, abstraction, narrative, or contemplative imagery
Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Exhibition Context
Selected works will be displayed in high-traffic and reflective spaces throughout the hospital, including corridors, waiting areas, and shared spaces. The exhibition aims to support well-being, reduce stress, and affirm the shared humanity of those who give and receive care.
Submission Requirements
Artists should submit:
3–4 images of completed artwork
Artwork title, medium, dimensions, and year
A brief artist statement (150–250 words) addressing how the work relates to Soft Work
Artist bio (100 words max)
Contact information
Important Notes
Soft Works exhibition will be shown for 30 days at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Artwork will be available for purchase for the duration of the exhibition.
Gallery sales commission split is 60 (artist) /40 (gallery)
All submitted work must be professionally presented and ready for installation
Selected artists will be notified
Final installation details and timelines will be shared upon selection.
Artist is responsible for transport of work to and from Mahogany Gallery
Submission Deadline
January 10, 2026
Call for Artists
University Hospital