2027 Juried Student Art Exhibit
2027 Juried Student Art Exhibit
Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art
And the Expressive Arts Department Present
WNMU Juried Student Art Exhibit
January 28 through February 18, 2027
Opening Reception January 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Awards announced at 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility
This exhibit is open to ALL WNMU degree seeking students enrolled and registered for Fall ‘26, and/or Spring ’27 semesters in good standing. Each person may submit up to 2 works for consideration.
Art may be created in any medium; however all artwork must be original, it must have been created Fall 2025-Fall 2026 and not previously exhibited at Francis McCray Gallery.
Categories & Submission Limits
Students may submit up to two works for consideration. Each work must be entered in a different category. Only one work per category may be submitted.
Entry Categories:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Graphic Design & Digital Media
- Mixed Media & Assemblage
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Other (please specify)
Entry Information
Students will need to submit entries online. The application process is digital. Absolutely no paper entries will be accepted. The application will be posted online October 22, 2026.
Requirements for entry:
- Completed online entry form.
- A maximum of 2 pieces of artwork can be submitted.
- One photo per artwork submitted as a pdf, labeled with the title, artist name, date artwork was completed, medium and size.
- All images and required documents must be uploaded in a single PDF no larger than 100MB.
Art Majors and BFA students will be required to submit a minimum of one artwork and professional photos of the artwork (no phone photography). Art majors and BFA students in their fourth year will also be required to submit their artist bio, artist statement and CV.
Uploaded Images
All images and required documents must be uploaded in a single PDF no larger than 100MB.
If the PDF is larger than 100MB it will not be submitted and we cannot accept your application without it. All uploaded pdf images of artwork should be labeled with the title, artist name, date artwork was completed, medium and size.
Deadline
Entries must be uploaded by November 9, 2026, by 10:00 p.m. Late entries will not be considered. No exceptions.
Notification
Artists will receive a notification e-mail by December 3, 2026, that will give you the status of your submission(s). The e-mail will let you know if your piece(s) were selected for the exhibit or not. Dates and times for dropping off artwork will be written in the acceptance notification email.
Rules for Accepted Works
Artwork must be delivered to Francis McCray Gallery in ready-to-install condition, which means that pieces need to have considerations made for things like matting, framing, hanging mechanisms, stability for sculpture, and general presentation. Not acceptable: wet paint, and poor craftsmanship. If artwork is not in ready-to-install condition, it will be disqualified. Space restrictions may be considered during the jurying process.
If you would like to frame your artwork, consider talking to your professor or look up information online about ways to mat and frame your art. We don’t want you to blow your budget, but if you are able to step up from the cheapest frame, you will be happier with the outcome. Another option is to take it to a professional framer however; you will need to do this before you enter your piece in the exhibit since most places take 2-3 weeks for that service. A secure hanging mechanism is required, and we prefer a hanging wire if possible.
Works on stretched canvas do not have to be framed, but the sides of the canvas do need to look finished. A hanging wire (or D-rings for oversized works) is required.
Fiber pieces that are meant to be hung on the wall must include casings and hanging rods.
Any other artwork that is meant to be hung on the wall must have a secure hanging mechanism.
3D/sculptural works must be stable when freestanding. The Gallery will provide pedestals.
Artwork that will be conceptually presented and is not being hung traditionally, such as stretched canvas or framed photography, needs to be presentation ready, planned and prepared prior to delivery. When submitting your work include a diagram and description of your installation requirements. The Gallery Director is also available for installation advice.
Any accepted pieces that are not accurately depicted in the entry images may be rejected by the Gallery Director at the time of the exhibit installation. The Gallery Director may also refuse to accept or exhibit objects that are improperly prepared for display.
If your artwork doesn’t fit in the above categories or if you are unsure, speak with your professor or the gallery director for presentation options in advance of the art delivery time.
Delivery of Accepted Works
In your acceptance email, you will be notified of delivery dates and times. If you are unable to deliver at the designated time, you may make arrangements, in advance, for an early drop-off by e-mailing mccraygallery@wnmu.edu. No late pieces will be included in the exhibit, without exceptions, so please plan accordingly.
Exhibit & Reception
The exhibit will be held at Francis McCray Gallery January 28 – February 18, 2027. An opening reception will be held January 28, 2027, at 6:00 p.m. Awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are open to everyone, so we encourage artists to invite their family and friends.
Awards
The Expressive Arts Faculty will be jurying the works that will be accepted into the exhibit, and a guest juror will choose the winners for the awards of 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place and Honorable Mention.
Liability
When you submit entries to this exhibition it means that you are accepting the rules and conditions stated here.
By submission for jurying, emerging student artists whose submissions are selected for exhibition grant the McCray gallery the right to use their images for the purpose of marketing the exhibition without contact or compensation.
All artwork accepted for exhibition will be insured during the exhibit dates in Francis McCray Gallery proving that the insurance value has been declared in writing. All works submitted and received are subject to conditions stated above.
Pick Up of Exhibited Artwork
Artwork must remain in the Francis McCray Gallery for the duration of the exhibit. Artists will receive an email with scheduled pick-up dates and times. Unclaimed artwork will become property of Western New Mexico University.
Contact
Any questions regarding the exhibit may be directed to mccraygallery@wnmu.edu or 575-538-6517.
Follow all document and image submission guidelines carefully.
If required information is missing your submission could be disqualified.