Call for Art - Just Black? a community curated art show by local Black artists

 

SMUSH Gallery is planning our winter exhibit & we want you in it!
Show Dates: January 16- February 15, 2026

About the Show

Just Black? a community curated art show by local Black artists is more than the simple inquiry of how you take your coffee or the description of the color of your skin. It is a question that echoes belonging in rooms deemed untouchable for Black artists, creators, movers and shakers. Just Black? is an exhibition expansion that amplifies all Black identities through the works of local Black artists in a space that is inclusive and accessible, highlighting a rich and diverse range of Black experiences.

Just Black? is our third community curated art show hosted by us here at SMUSH Gallery. It originated as “Hangups,” and it was such a hit in 2023, we just had to do it again (and again)!

What do artists show when they can show…anything? In the days leading up to opening weekend, Black artists are invited to bring work to SMUSH and hang it on pre-set nails and screws; limited 3D work is also accepted. All media are welcome. This show is rooted in our community focus and is produced in line with our Equity Commitments, available here.

Just Black? is directed by SMUSH’s Aurelia Luciano.

What type of work can I put in Just Black?

Artists may sign up to bring up to 4 pieces of work (3 to hang/present, 1 to hold in reserve). Drawings, paintings, mixed media, textile work, collage, photography, small sculpture, and other media are welcome. Purchased art may be taken home the same day, and we will replenish the show with reserve pieces.

  • Large works may be 20”x20”x2” MAX

  • Small pieces may be 8”x8”x2” MAX

  • Sculpture and other 3D work may have a base of up to 20”x19”; there is no restriction on height but work must stand on its own. 

  • Please refrain from hanging work shown at SMUSH between Sept ‘24 - Dec ‘25. 

  • All 2D work MUST be brought 100% ready to hang on a single nail or screw, and all 3D work MUST be brought ready to place on the platform. 

  • All work must be for sale.

  • WORK THAT DOES NOT MEET THESE SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE REFUSED AT DROP OFF. THIS WILL BE AWKWARD. PLEASE DON’T DO THIS. 

Although this show is self-curated, SMUSH will refuse work that is offensive, demeaning, or otherwise out of alignment with our Equity Commitments.

How many pieces is SMUSH taking?

We will have 25 spots for large works, 25 spots for small works, and 6 spots for sculpture/3D work. 
For updates on space availability, check our sign up spreadsheet and posts and stories on Instagram @smushgallery.

How do I participate?

  1. BE A BLACK ARTIST. Participation in Just Black? is for Black artists only. 

  2. SIGN UP FOR A DROP OFF TIME. All artists must sign up to participate via our sign up spreadsheet (below). You will choose a drop off window that works for you. 

  3. TELL US HOW MANY PIECES & WHAT SIZES. Let us know how many pieces of which size you are bringing; these counts will help us know when small, large, and sculpture slots are FULL. Please stay true to your piece sizes!

  4. COMPLETE PRESENTING AGREEMENT AND EQUITY STATEMENT RESPONSE. Links for those are here: Presenting Agreement &  Equity Statement. You can also find them in the sign up spreadsheet. 

  5. CHOOSE YOUR WORK. Whatever you like, as long as it meets the show specs outlined here!

  6. BRING YOUR WORK AT YOUR DROP OFF TIME. All art must be brought to SMUSH Gallery (340 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ) during your drop off window. At drop offs, artists will create their wall label. In order to complete the sign up process you must fill out a Presenting Agreement as well as a copy of the Equity Statement, linked above.

  7. ENJOY THE SHOW. 

  8. PICK UP YOUR WORK. All unsold art must be picked up from SMUSH Gallery during the pickup windows: Sunday 2/15, 6-8p or Monday 2/16, 2-6p.

    *Please only participate in this show if you are able to pick up/send someone to pick up your work during these times. 

What about pricing and sales?

Artists may name their price for each work; FYI, work priced at $125 or less sells best in our gallery, and work over $500 is less likely to sell. We are available for consultation. All work must be for sale. Please note that SMUSH does not insure artwork. Sales are split 50/50 (artist/gallery) after taxes and fees. 

How about promotion and attendance?

Presenting artists will actively participate in promoting the show via personal invitations, social media, web listings, etc. SMUSH will promote the show to our mailing list and social media, in the gallery, and to a range of other outlets. Artists are warmly encouraged to attend the Artists’ Reception on Friday, January 16 from 6-9p.

SMUSH Gallery is wheelchair accessible. Guests are invited to email us at hello@smushgallery.com with other accessibility requests. 

Key Dates:

Art drop off: January 10, 11, & 12 (see times in sign up spreadsheet)
Artists’ reception: January 16, 2026, 6-9p
On view: January 16 - February 15, 2026 (see forthcoming flyer for full list of gallery hours)
Art pick up: February 15, 6-8p or February 16, 10a-2p

SMUSH Gallery is located at 340 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ, a 10 minute walk from Journal Square.

this is the sign up spreadsheet - sign up here!

Questions? Email hello@smushgallery.com