Altered States: Transformation in Art

Dates: May 15–June 26, 2026

The Mosesian Center for the Arts invites artists to submit work investigating ideas of transformation and change. Work can represent transformation conceptually such as changing one’s perspective, identity, spirituality or even social changes or changing cycles in nature.

In addition, the work can be about transforming materials, utilizing processes and techniques that create physical changes in the artwork modifying its meaning and physicality.

Transformation can be interpreted in many ways. Objects can take new forms, symbols can be used to depict change, natural elements, animals and the human figure can be altered to suggest metamorphoses or transformation. The world around us is in a constant state of transforming. Transformation implies fluidity and unrest. How do artists record or portray transformation?

Mosesian Arts accepts artworks of all media such as painting, printmaking, drawing, illustration, photography, 3D, mixed media, video, installation and sound that uses the idea of change and transformation physically or symbolically.
 

Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: March 30
Announcing Selected Artists: April 10
Drop off: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Tuesday, May 5, 10:30 AM–2:00 PM
*Shipped work must be received no later than May 8
Exhibition Opens: May 15
Opening Reception: May 28, Thursday, 5:30–7:30 PM
Exhibition Closes: June 26
Artwork Pick Up: Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Tuesday, June 30, 10:30 AM–2:00 PM 
*Please note that the Mosesian Center for the Arts reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the exhibition timeline.
 

About Mosesian Arts:
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary arts venue in Watertown, Massachusetts. The 30,000 square foot center, located within a former U.S. Army arsenal, houses a 339-seat main stage theater, a 100-seat black box theater, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and rehearsal studios. Mosesian Arts is located six miles from downtown Boston, borders the Charles River and Brighton, and is easily accessible from surrounding suburbs and Metro West. Programs include professional theater and musical performances, gallery exhibitions, literary and art discussions, and performing and visual arts classes and workshops for all ages.
 

Eligibility:
Artists located in the U.S.A are welcomed to apply. Local artists will be provided with drop-off times and date details upon acceptance. Non-local selected artists’ work must be received at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 c/o exhibitions by May 8, 2026. Non-local artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from the MCA, unless other arrangements are made, and are responsible for insuring their work while in transit. If shipping works, each artist must provide a pre-paid, UPS or FedEx return shipping label including insurance. Please pack your work in sturdy reusable packaging. The Mosesian Center for the Arts carries appropriate insurance to cover all artwork in the show for the duration of the exhibition, including the time frame of drop-off, installation, de-installation and pick-up.
 

Additional guidelines: 

• Any work accepted for exhibition may not be removed or exchanged during the duration of the exhibition.
• Work must be framed and ready to hang with wires and screws. Saw tooth hangers and sandwich frames may not be used.
• Works on paper and smearable mediums such as charcoal and pastels must be protected under glass or acrylic.
• For framed artwork larger than 24” on the longest side, glass may not be used. Instead, artists must use Plexiglas or comparable acrylic glass.
• If used, mats must be white, off white, gray, or other neutral tones. Frames should be neutral colors (white, black, silver, wood).
• Unframed stretched canvases must have the sides painted or otherwise finished to be integral to the work and must be dry.
   

Submission Fee:
$15 per submission. Limit 5 submissions per artist. Artwork must be submitted online here at: https://mca-alteredstates-transformation.artcall.org To submit work, click the register or login buttons at the top of the ArtCall page. There's an Application Process Tutorial if you'd like more info on the submission process.

Commission Structure:
Artists receive 60% commission, and the Mosesian Center for the Arts receives 40% for art sold during the exhibition. The Artist reserves all copyrights and reproduction rights on the artwork in the exhibition. Mosesian Center for the Arts may duplicate and reproduce images of work for purposes of public relations and exhibition announcements directly related to the exhibition.

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Questions?
Contact exhibitions@mosesianarts.org or call 617-923-0100 x 8305
 

Featured image: Karen McCarthy, Daydream #7