Juried Show
What’s Cooking?
The Kirkland Art Center invites artists to submit work for What’s Cooking?, a juried exhibition celebrating the many ways food nourishes our lives, communities, memories, and imaginations.
From still lives and family recipes to agriculture, kitchens, restaurants, feasts, hunger, sustainability, and cultural traditions, food has long inspired artists across every medium. We welcome work that explores food literally, symbolically, politically, humorously, or conceptually.
This exhibition coincides with an exciting milestone for the KAC: our Capital Campaign to expand the Center's creative facilities with the addition of a dedicated community/teaching kitchen. This new space will support future educational programming that brings people together through food, creating new opportunities for creativity, community, and collaboration.
All entry fees will directly support the Capital Campaign, helping build this exciting new chapter for the KAC. Entry fee is $5.
We look forward to seeing how artists interpret one of our most universal subjects.
Jurors:
Kelso Mayo
Board Member and Chair of the Exhibition Committee, KAC
Artist and Curator, The Arkell Museum & Canajoharie Library
Important Dates
Entry Deadline: August 26, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: September 2, 2026
Artwork Drop-off by: September 8, 2026
Exhibition Dates: September 12 – October 10
Artwork Pick-up: October 11 and October 13 12-3pm
Eligibility
$5 entry fee. Pay this through our website
Original artwork in all media is welcome.
Work must relate to the theme of food in any interpretation.
Artists may submit up to three (3) works.
Include title, medium, dimensions, year completed, and sale price (or indicate NFS with insurance value).
Due to gallery limitations, sculptural works will be accepted in limited numbers and should have a modest footprint. Wall hung sculpture preferable.
All work MUST be ready to install or will not be accepted into the exhibition.
KAC is responsible for:
Publicity: website, press releases, and social media coverage (Facebook, Instagram, and e-newsletter)
Opening reception with refreshments provided
All artwork is insured while on premises
The artist is responsible for:
Transportation of work to/from the exhibit (including the cost of shipping); insurance is recommended for work in transit
Appropriate framing/presentation of work
Images of work, bio, and artist statement
Commission:
Works that sell while on exhibit at KAC are subject to a 30% commission; the artist retains 70%. Please take this into consideration when assigning artwork prices. Works listed as NFS (not for sale) should still list an insurance value.
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Members receive discounts on classes and concerts, a weekly newsletter, invitations to exhibitions and social events, and the joy of joining others in supporting the arts in our community.