Announcing the Open Call for Dog Days
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: April 22, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST. Late applications will not be accepted.
OPEN CALL HIGHLIGHTS:
DORF is seeking submissions for 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝙨! We welcome work in any medium that explores the dogs in art, culture, and daily life.
🐾 We are accepting proposals for new works as well as previously created or exhibited works
🐾 Open to all artists 18+, in any location and medium.
🐾 Local, regional, historically underrepresented and marginalized artists are highly encouraged to apply.
🐾 Free to apply. There is no application fee to create an opportunity accessible to as many artists as possible.
🐾 $200 honorarium for selected artists.
🐾 Submission deadline: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 11:59 pm.
🐾 Exhibition dates: May 23 – September 20, 2025.
WONDERING WHAT TO SUBMIT?
Have you been personally impacted by the love of a good doggy? Have you made art or want to make art to express that love? Do you just love drawing dogs? 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝙨 is the show for you!
🐾 Art about a dog in any medium or size. Large work, installations, video and performances are welcome!
🐾 New or not yet produced artworks are welcome! If your piece doesn’t exist yet, submit a written proposal and include any documentation or sketches you have.
🐾 Existing artworks are also welcome.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
🐕 1-5 work samples–JPG or PNG (no larger than 3MB); MP4 (all video clips must be no longer than 3 minutes in length. If video work is longer format, please provide timestamps you would like us to review.) If you have .mov files, please email them to dorf@dorfworld.org). Name files by the following convention: 01_Artist Name, 02_Artist Name and so on. List works on Image List in this same order.
🐕 Current bio (150 words or less)
🐕 Image list with your name, title of work, year made, media, dimensions
🐕 Artist Statement
🐕 Current resume (pdf)
* If you have specific installation needs, please make note of it in the application on your image list.
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 23, 2025
🐕 Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)
🐕 Artists notified, consignment agreements signed: Week of April 22, 2025
🐕 Artwork shipped or dropped at DORF by: May 9-12, 2025
🐕 Installation: May 13-19, 2025
🐕 Exhibition opening: Friday, May 23, 2025
🐕 Exhibition closing: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🐕 Other programming: TBD
DORF will notify the artist if further information is needed. Please do not send additional material unless requested.
APPLY HERE
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.