Collective Threads: Open Call for Submissions

Arts Council Wood Buffalo invites artists of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels to submit work for Collective Threads—an open-call exhibition celebrating the breadth of creativity within the interwoven community of Wood Buffalo. This is an opportunity to share new and old work in a collective space, bringing emphasis to local imagination and talent. Submitted pieces will be showcased at the Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery at MacDonald Island Park from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, October 31 2026, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 3, 6:30-8pm.

Submission Details:

• Opening Reception: Thursday, September 3, 6:30-8pm.
  
• Location: Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery, MacDonald Island Park, Fort McMurray, Alberta.
• Exhibition Dates: Thursday, September 3 - Sunday, October 31 (two months)
• Eligibility: Open to artists of all skill levels, ages, and backgrounds residing in the Wood Buffalo Region.
• Mediums Accepted: Painting, drawing, photography, textiles, sculpture, beadwork, ceramics, woodwork, and more.
• Submission Guidelines:
  • 1–3 works per artist
  • 2D work must fit within 1 metre x 1 metre
  • 3D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics) must not exceed 13" x 13" x 13” to fit in display cases
  • The back or underside of each work must be clearly labelled with artist's name, artwork title, and contact information or it will not be accepted.
• Copyright: All artworks must be the sole intellectual property of the artist. Work produced by generative artificial intelligence programs is not eligible for submission.
• Submission of artwork does not guarantee inclusion in the exhibition. The Gallery Coordinator retains the right to refuse, remove, or return artwork that does not align with the gallery’s commitments to inclusivity and respectful community engagement, violates content guidelines, is improperly labelled or presented, or is otherwise deemed unsuitable for exhibition or public display. 

How to Submit

Please send an email to Michelle Foran at michelle@artscouncilwb.ca with the following information: 

• Images of maximum 3 artworks 
• Dimensions & medium of each artwork
• Artist name 

Submissions are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit artwork via email is Wednesday, August 26, 2025, prior to the drop-off dates. Artists will be responsible for dropping their artwork off at MacDonald Island Park on one of the designated drop-off days. If these dates do not work, please contact: michelle@artscouncilwb.ca

 

Drop Off Information

Artwork drop off dates: 

• August 6 - 4:30-6pm
• August 7 - 4:30-6pm
• August 28 - 4:30-6pm

 

Located in a rural area of Wood Buffalo such as Conklin or Anzac and need help getting your work to the gallery? Contact Programs Coordinator Michelle Foran at michelle@artscouncilwb.ca for assistance.

 

Important Information

Please Read Before Submitting Artworks:

 

• This is a free and voluntary exhibition. Artists who choose to sell their work are solely responsible for facilitating sales and retain 100% of their sale price.

• The Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery is a public and high traffic space at MacDonald Island Park. By submitting your work to the Collective Threads exhibition, you are agreeing to display your work without monitorization. The Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRC) has varied patrols of this area by security cameras and the Arts Coordinator will check on the exhibit periodically. This space is not supervised at all times.
• The Kirschner Gallery and Arts Council Wood Buffalo are not responsible for any damages or theft of artworks as a result of showing in the gallery.
• All public references to the Collective Threads exhibit will name "Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery" at MacDonald Island Park or MIP.
• The Kirschner Gallery, Arts Council Wood Buffalo, and MacDonald Island park is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. There will be zero tolerance for harassment, harmful behavior, or discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, and status as a differently-abled individual among other prejudices.