The Women in Arts Network is thrilled to announce an open call for submissions under the theme, “The Beauty of Still Life.”
Still life has long been a celebration of the objects that surround us. From flowers and fruit to books, ceramics, textiles, treasured possessions, and everyday moments, still life invites us to slow down, observe, and discover beauty in the ordinary. What may seem simple at first glance often carries stories of memory, culture, ritual, identity, and the passage of time.
This theme invites women artists from around the world to explore still life through their own unique perspective.
Whether your work features carefully arranged objects, botanical studies, domestic interiors, food, vessels, heirlooms, or contemporary compositions, The Beauty of Still Life encourages you to celebrate the quiet power of everyday subjects. Your interpretation may be rooted in realism, abstraction, symbolism, minimalism, or conceptual exploration.
Still life is far more than the depiction of objects. It is an opportunity to explore light, texture, composition, color, form, and atmosphere while revealing the meaning we attach to the things we choose to keep, collect, use, or remember. A simple arrangement can become a reflection of personal history, cultural traditions, relationships, or the rhythms of daily life.
This open call encourages artists to consider what still life means within their own creative practice. What objects hold significance for you? How do ordinary items become extraordinary through observation and artistic interpretation? What stories, emotions, or memories emerge through the objects you choose to portray?
Through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, collage, textile art, mixed media, or any visual medium, we invite you to share work that celebrates the richness, elegance, and expressive possibilities of still life.
Whether traditional or contemporary, detailed or minimal, symbolic or experimental, your interpretation is welcome.
We look forward to discovering the objects, compositions, and stories you choose to share through The Beauty of Still Life.
Important Note
Please note that all submitted artwork will undergo a juried selection process, and inclusion is not guaranteed.
The Beauty of Still Life invites artists to explore the extraordinary beauty, meaning, and stories found within ordinary objects.
For centuries, still life has been one of art’s most enduring genres, offering artists an opportunity to transform everyday objects into compelling works of art. Beyond their physical presence, these objects often carry personal memories, cultural significance, symbolism, and quiet narratives that invite viewers to look more closely at the world around them.
This theme is intentionally broad, allowing artists to interpret still life in ways that reflect their own creative practice. Your work may feature flowers, fruit, plants, ceramics, books, textiles, food, glassware, antiques, everyday household objects, treasured belongings, or carefully composed arrangements. It may be rooted in realism, abstraction, symbolism, minimalism, or conceptual exploration.
For some artists, still life is an exploration of light, color, texture, and composition. For others, it becomes a way to examine memory, identity, ritual, domestic life, sustainability, consumption, or the emotional connections we form with the objects that surround us. Some works may celebrate beauty and craftsmanship, while others may transform familiar objects into powerful visual metaphors.
Still life can be traditional or contemporary, richly detailed or beautifully minimal. It can capture fleeting moments, preserve meaningful objects, or encourage viewers to see the familiar in unexpected ways.
You may explore:
Floral and botanical compositions
Fruit, food, and everyday objects
Ceramics, glassware, books, and treasured possessions
Domestic interiors and table settings
Personal collections and meaningful objects
Symbolic and conceptual still life
Contemporary interpretations of traditional still life
Abstract explorations of objects, form, and composition
Artists working across all visual mediums—including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, collage, mixed media, textile art, and experimental practices—are encouraged to submit work that reflects their interpretation of the theme.
At its core, The Beauty of Still Life is about discovering meaning in the everyday. It is an invitation to slow down, observe with intention, and reveal how ordinary objects can communicate beauty, memory, emotion, and the stories that connect us.
We look forward to discovering the objects, compositions, and interpretations you choose to share.
The Women in Arts Network is proud to present The Beauty of Still Life, an international virtual exhibition celebrating one of the most enduring and versatile genres in art. This exhibition invites artists to explore the beauty, symbolism, and quiet narratives found within everyday objects, offering a platform to showcase contemporary interpretations of still life to a global audience.
Designed for artists working across all visual mediums, this opportunity brings together a curated selection of works that demonstrate the many ways still life continues to evolve. From traditional arrangements to modern conceptual compositions, the exhibition highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and unique perspectives of artists from around the world.
Selected artists will be featured in an international virtual exhibition hosted by the Women in Arts Network. Presented through an online gallery, the exhibition will be accessible worldwide, allowing artists to share their work with collectors, curators, fellow artists, and art enthusiasts across the globe.
The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of still life works, celebrating both classical and contemporary interpretations of the genre. Whether your work explores florals, botanicals, food, domestic objects, personal collections, or symbolic compositions, it will become part of a thoughtfully curated international exhibition.
Artists may also choose to add a Personalized Artist Interview Feature to their application.
If selected, the artist will receive a dedicated feature published on the Women in Arts Network website. The interview offers an opportunity to share your creative process, artistic influences, inspirations, and the story behind your work, allowing audiences to engage with your practice beyond the exhibition itself.
Featured interviews are also promoted across the Women in Arts Network’s digital platforms, providing additional visibility and introducing your work to a wider international audience.
Participation offers artists the opportunity to:
Exhibit work in an international virtual exhibition
Present artwork to a global audience of artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts
Receive professional online presentation of selected work
Strengthen exhibition history and professional portfolios
Become part of a curated international showcase dedicated to contemporary still life
Gain additional visibility through the optional Artist Interview Feature and promotional activities
Submit up to 3 artworks for consideration.
All applications will be reviewed through a juried selection process.
Selected artists will be featured in the international virtual exhibition.
Artists may apply for the Virtual Exhibition only or choose to add the Optional Artist Interview Feature.
Artist Interviews are available only to selected participants who choose the add-on during the application process.
Please note that all submissions are reviewed through a juried selection process. Submission of an application and payment of the application fee does not guarantee selection for either the exhibition or the Artist Interview Feature.
We look forward to discovering the many creative ways artists celebrate The Beauty of Still Life through their work.
Applications are open to women artists and non-binary artists aged 18 and above from anywhere in the world.
We welcome submissions from artists at every stage of their creative journey, from emerging practitioners to established professionals. Whether you are exhibiting your work for the first time or have an extensive exhibition history, we encourage you to share your interpretation of The Beauty of Still Life.
Artists working across all visual art mediums are invited to apply, including:
Painting
Drawing
Photography
Sculpture
Printmaking
Illustration
Digital Art
Mixed Media
Textile Art
Collage
Contemporary and Experimental Practices
We welcome a wide range of artistic styles and approaches, from traditional still life compositions to contemporary, minimalist, abstract, symbolic, and conceptual interpretations of the genre.
Whether your work features florals, botanicals, food, domestic interiors, treasured objects, ceramics, everyday items, or imaginative arrangements, we invite you to submit artwork that reflects your unique perspective on the beauty and meaning of still life.
No matter your medium, technique, or artistic background, we look forward to discovering how you transform ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art.
Step 1: Complete the application form by providing your contact information, artist details, and artwork information.
Step 2: Upload up to 3 artworks that align with the theme The Beauty of Still Life.
Step 3: If you would like to expand your participation, you may choose to add the Optional Artist Interview Feature during the application process.
Step 4: Submit your application and complete the application fee payment.
Step 5: All submissions will be reviewed through a juried selection process. The selection panel will evaluate each entry based on artistic quality, originality, technical execution, relevance to the theme, and overall presentation.
Selected artists will be notified via email following the review period and will receive further details regarding the exhibition launch, promotional activities, and participation information.
Artists may apply for the Virtual Exhibition only or the Virtual Exhibition with the Optional Artist Interview Feature.
Submission of an application and payment of the application fee does not guarantee selection.
All decisions made by the selection panel are final.
Only selected artists will be contacted regarding exhibition participation.
All artwork submitted must be the original work of the applying artist.
We look forward to reviewing your work and discovering your interpretation of The Beauty of Still Life.
Ready to submit your work for The Beauty of Still Life? Here are the application options:
Virtual Exhibition: $15 USD
Your application includes:
Submission of up to 3 artworks for consideration
Inclusion in the juried selection process
Opportunity to be featured in the international virtual exhibition if selected
Professional online presentation of selected artwork
Digital certificate of participation for selected artists
Artist Interview Add-On: $19 USD
Artists who choose this option and are selected will receive:
A dedicated artist interview published on the Women in Arts Network website
An opportunity to share their artistic practice, creative process, inspirations, and the story behind their work
Additional visibility through promotion across our digital platforms
A permanent online feature that can be included in portfolios, websites, CVs, grant applications, and professional profiles
You may choose one of the following:
Option 1: Virtual Exhibition Only — $15 USD
Option 2: Virtual Exhibition + Artist Interview Feature — $34 USD
Whether you choose the exhibition alone or combine it with the Artist Interview Feature, your work will be considered for inclusion in The Beauty of Still Life, an international virtual exhibition celebrating the timeless beauty, symbolism, and contemporary interpretations of still life.
Please Note: All application fees are non-refundable and help support the administration, review, curation, exhibition development, and promotion of the opportunity. Submission of an application and payment of the fee does not guarantee selection.
Your submission should thoughtfully connect with the theme “The Beauty of Still Life.” We invite artists to explore the beauty, significance, and storytelling potential of everyday objects through their own creative perspective.
Still life is one of the most versatile genres in art. Your work may feature flowers, botanicals, fruit, food, ceramics, glassware, books, textiles, household objects, personal collections, or carefully arranged compositions. It may celebrate beauty, explore symbolism, preserve memory, or transform ordinary objects into meaningful visual narratives.
We welcome a wide range of interpretations. Whether your work is rooted in realism or abstraction, traditional still life or contemporary experimentation, minimalism or rich detail, we encourage submissions that demonstrate originality, technical skill, and a thoughtful connection to the theme.
Originality, authenticity, and artistic vision are highly valued throughout the selection process.
All visual art forms are welcome, including:
Painting
Drawing
Illustration
Photography
Sculpture
Printmaking
Digital Art
Mixed Media
Textile Art
Collage
Contemporary and Experimental Practices
Both traditional and contemporary approaches to still life are encouraged, provided the work can be presented effectively in a digital exhibition format.
Please submit high-quality digital files that accurately represent your artwork.
Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, or PDF
Resolution: 300 DPI
Maximum file size: 3 MB per artwork
Artists may submit up to 3 artworks
For physical artworks, please ensure that photographs or scans are:
Sharp and in focus
Properly cropped
Well-lit with accurate color representation
Free from watermarks, frames, or distracting backgrounds
Representative of the original artwork
Artists are responsible for ensuring that submitted files accurately reflect the quality, appearance, and details of the original work.
All submitted artwork must be original and created by the applicant.
Artists must hold the rights to all submitted artwork and submitted images.
AI-generated artwork is not eligible unless its use is clearly disclosed and forms only part of the artist’s original creative process.
Artwork that does not meet the submission requirements may not be considered during the review process.
We look forward to discovering your interpretation of The Beauty of Still Life and the many ways you reveal beauty, meaning, and narrative through everyday objects.
Submission Deadline: August 16, 2026
Applications must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for review. We encourage artists to apply early to avoid any last-minute issues with uploads or submissions.
Selection Notification: Within three weeks of the submission deadline.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission via email once the jury process has been completed.
Virtual Exhibition Launch: Approximately one month after selected artists are announced.
The exhibition will be presented online through the Women in Arts Network platform and will be accessible to audiences worldwide.
Please note that all dates are subject to change if necessary. Any updates will be communicated directly to applicants.
FAQ For “Virtual Exbition + Artist Interview”
Open call is a global call for art initiated by the Women in Arts Network. It is an opportunity for women-identifying and non-binary creators to showcase their work in an online exhibition and an optional artist interview. This initiative celebrates creativity, amplifies voices, and connects creators with a global audience.
This is brought to you by the Women in Arts Network, an organization dedicated to empowering women and non-binary creators and providing platforms to celebrate their work.
The application fee is 15USD, and there is also an additional fee if you choose to purchase the artist interview add-on.
This is open to women-identifying and non-binary creators aged 18 years or older from anywhere in the world.
No, you don’t need to be a professional artist. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or someone who’s just beginning your artistic journey, you’re welcome to apply.
We accept submissions across various creative mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, textile arts, digital art, mixed media, and more. Your work should meaningfully represent your creative vision and ideas.
Yes, you can submit multiple pieces as part of your application. Each piece will be considered individually during the jury review process.
The application process is simple:
You’ll need to provide basic personal details, information about your work (title, medium, dimensions), and a brief description of the story or inspiration behind your submission.
Once you apply, your submission will be reviewed by a professional jury. If your work is selected for the online exhibition or artist catalog (or both), you’ll be notified with further details.
All submissions are carefully reviewed by a jury of professionals with expertise in the arts. They will evaluate each piece based on creativity, originality, and the story it represents.
The jury will focus on work that tells a story, showcases originality, and reflects the creator’s unique perspective and voice. Submissions that demonstrate thoughtfulness and passion will stand out.
After the jury has completed their review, selected artists will be notified via email. Make sure to check your email regularly after the application deadline!
The online exhibition is a digital showcase of selected works, allowing creators to share their pieces with a global audience. Think of it as a virtual gallery where art is accessible and celebrated worldwide.
No, not all submissions will be featured in the exhibition. The final selection will be made by the jury.
The exhibition will be hosted on a dedicated platform, allowing visitors to view the artworks along with descriptions and the artists’ stories. Further details will be shared with selected participants.
The artist interview is a tailored feature showcasing selected works and sharing the unique stories of the artists behind them.
No, participation in the interview is optional. During the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to opt in or out of being considered for the interview.
If you opt into the artist interview and your work is selected by the jury, you will receive a separate notification with the details.
Absolutely! This is open to creators of all experience levels. You don’t need to have prior exhibition or publication experience to participate.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Be sure to check the timeline and submit before the cutoff!
No, once your application is submitted, it cannot be edited. Make sure all of your information is accurate before you finalize your submission.
Yes, recent graduates from degree-granting programs are eligible to apply as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at [info@womeninartsnetwork.com]. We’re here to help!
For any additional questions or inquiries, please visit the Arts to Hearts Project website or contact their team directly at info@womeninartsnetwork.com
