As part of our upcoming group exhibition, Dog Days, we’re excited to curate a special section showcasing dog-centered art by young artists under 18! We warmly invite students from Sunset Valley Elementary to contribute their creative reflections on their favorite dog memories—and we’re extending that invitation to their friends and family as well.

Under-18 and interested in having your dog art on the gallery walls at DORF? Submit now!

ELIGIBILITY: Students, family or friends of Sunset Valley Elementary School students, parents and teachers.

PERKS:

• Selected artists will have their work featured and listed in DORF's Dog Days exhibition, on view throughout summer 2025.
• Selected artists will receive a special doggy bag filled with surprises.

DOG DAYS DESCRIPTION:

A Summer Group Exhibition Curated by Sara Vanderbeek and Eric Manche in honor of their late dogter Lu.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the “Dog Days” marked a season of sweltering heat, drought, and unrest. Today, as we navigate an uncertain world—rising temperatures, shifting landscapes, and an era of transformation—one thing remains unchanged: the steadfast, unwavering love of our dogs. For many of us, they are our constant, our comfort, and sometimes, the very thing that keeps us going.

Dog Days is a celebration of dogs and the deep bonds we share with them. As our most loyal companions, they are symbols of devotion and reflections of ourselves. These tail-wagging sources of joy and unconditional love teach us about life’s fleeting nature and often offer our first experience with loss and grief. In short, our furry friends shape us, save us, and stay with us long after they’re gone.

This summer, DORF invites our community to help us honor them with a summer group exhibition and celebration!

Got work that fits? Sit, stay, and send it our way!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED: MAY 9, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST. Late applications will not be accepted. Not all submissions will be accepted due to space limitations. We will do our best to include your work!

ACCESSIBILITY

DORF is committed to making our programs as accessible as possible. Please let us know if you need specific accommodations during the submission or exhibition process.

TIMELINE

🐕 Application portal opens: March 28, 2025
🐕 Application Deadline: Friday, May 9, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)
🐕 Artists notified of DORF’s decision to accept or decline student artwork; consignment agreements signed: Week of May 10, 2025
🐕 Artwork shipped or dropped at DORF by: May 10-12, 2025*
🐕 Installation: May 13-19, 2025
🐕 Exhibition opening: Friday, May 23, 2025
🐕 Exhibition closing: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🐕 Other programming: TBD
* Artist families will be responsible for dropping off and picking up artwork from DORF. If the artist resides outside of Austin, TX, shipping will be the responsibility of the artist family.

DORF will notify the artist if further information is needed. Please do not send additional material unless requested.

There is no application fee to create an opportunity accessible to as many artists as possible.
This is an online application process only. Applications will not be accepted by postal mail or email.

❤️ THANK YOU!

Thank you in advance for your submission! 🐾
For questions, reach out to dorf@dorfworld.org.

ABOUT LU

𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝙨 is inspired by the life and love of a very good dog—Lu—who spent 14 years as a best friend, protector, and muse to Sara and Eric, and many others! Lu’s story is one of love, loss, and transformation—of being rescued and rescuing in return. This exhibition carries that spirit forward, honoring the dogs who have walked beside us, and the ways they remain with us always.

This project has been financed in part by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program. 

ABOUT DORF

Founded by Sara Vanderbeek and Eric Manche in 2018, DORF is a nonprofit art space with a mission to build a village of artists, advocates, and innovators. DORF’s values of openness, intention, expression, and community have guided its programming, which includes exhibitions that tackle social justice, amplify marginalized voices, and foster meaningful dialogues. 

We have received recognition in publications like Texas Monthly, Sightlines Magazine, The Austin Chronicle, Glasstire, Southwest Contemporary, and more, and received “Best New Experimental Art Gallery” in The Austin Chronicle.