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CALL FOR ENTRY

The Purse As A Portal

The Chicano Humanities and Art Council (CHAC) and the Women's Caucus for Art Colorado (WCACO) celebrate International Women’s Month, March 2026, with a joint exhibition on what women carry to reveal the invisible: the emotional, societal and ancestral treasures she carries every day.  

  • The theme is a metaphor for women artists to reveal something personal about themselves. 

    • Artists may decide to represent an actual image of a purse they carry - what does it represent about their personality, culture, or background?

    • Artists may decide to represent the items they carry in their purses. What are the stories behind those items? 

    • Artists may decide to represent the memories or feelings they have experienced from their own purses or purses of their ancestors.

  • The theme invites 2-D and 3-D artists to create art that has dimension to it. Paper mache, assemblage, etc. Artists need to be sure their work meets the size requirements of 20” x 20” maximum size and be able to be hung on a wire system. Three pedestals are available for sculptures. 

 

The exhibition will be hosted at CHAC Gallery @ Santa Fe, 834 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204, March 5 - April 19, 2026

Jurors:  Veronica Herrera (WCACO) and Gayedine (CHAC) 

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Women artists must be a CHAC or WCACO member. 

  • A total of thirty pieces from WCACO and CHAC will be accepted as long as the art meets the requirements. 

  • Art must fit the theme.

  • Artists may submit up to two entries. The number of entries accepted will be based on space and exhibit considerations. 

  • The art can be abstract or representational. There is no restriction on materials. 

  • The maximum size for 2-D or 3-D works is 20” x 20” or smaller; and able to hang from a wire gallery system. Three stands are available for sculptures.

  • There is a hanging fee of $15 paid to CHAC per accepted artwork at drop off. You may request a scholarship to Brenda@chacgallery.org Eligible for women artists who have not received a scholarship from Reflections of Culture. Scholarships are limited and applying for a scholarship is not guaranteed.

  • There is a requirement for showing artists to sit a shift, help with install or takedown, or have the option to pay $25 to CHAC in lieu of gallery sitting. Therefore, $40 total would include hanging and stipend for gallery sitting. Gallery sitting will be scheduled at drop off. 

  • CHAC charges 30% commission on sales. All art must remain in the gallery through the duration of the show. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Submission deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at midnight 

    • Send the following for submission to Purse as a Portal Entry Form

    • Artists to be notified by February 23, 2026

    • Art Drop off: Saturday, February 28, 2026 12-3 pm

  • Exhibition dates: March 5 - April 19, 2026. CHAC hours W-Sa 12-4.

  • Soft opening:  March 5, 2026 6-8:30 pm to meet fellow show artists and learn about their work  

  • First Friday Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 5-9 pm

  • Artist talk: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 1-3 pm

  • Artist pickup: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 2-4 pm

 

ADDED EXPERIENCES FOR ARTISTS at CHAC Gallery 40 West (7060 16th Ave. Lakewood) â€‹

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Purse As A Portal Creative Workshop

This workshop, led by WCA member Laura Earle, took place on Sunday, November 16. We are pleased to share her program so that individuals and groups can explore it on their own. It may spark ideas for your submission to the Purse As a Portal exhibition. Enjoy!

 

“From Purse to Portal: We Contain Worlds” PDF 

 

 

The Purse as a Portal: Assemblage Workshop
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 1–4 PM
CHAC Gallery 40 West | 7060 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood

This workshop is designed for artists interested in adding dimension to their work.
Please come with a clear concept already in mind.

Bring your idea and materials, and instructor Pam Farris will guide you in creating the structure needed for your assemblage piece. She will bring tools for people to frame your art if it's 2D. Some of the tools provided for participants use include: hand sewing, leather work, mat cutter and frame gun, adhesives,  wood scrap, hanging hardware, fishing line, cutting tools, and hooks.

Safety Requirements:
All participants must bring and wear safety goggles and closed-toed shoes.

Capacity: Limited to 15 artists.

 

Instructor:
Pam Farris, conceptual and historic mosaic artist and WCACO member.
If you’d like to discuss your project ahead of time, contact Pam at pamela.farris.artist@gmail.com

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Fee is $10

Payment options:

Send money via Zelle to wcacotreasury1@gmail.com directly from your bank.

You can bring cash or a check to the workshop

Register here 

 

For more information about the call, contact:  Lynne.muth@gmail.com 

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