Narrative Threads – February – April, 2026
Click here to submit work for Narrative Threads.
Eligible are any hand-crafted works (editioned or unique) related to the book form that use fibers (natural or synthetic) as primary element. Note that our interpretation of ‘the book form’ is broad, as is our interpretation of ‘fibers’.
Narrative Threads will be on view from February 9 – April 6, 2026 at Moody Memorial Library, on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas. Note that the exhibition may be extended through May 6.
IMPORTANT DATES:
| May 1, 2025 | Online submissions open. |
| November 10, 2025 | Deadline for submissions & payment to be received. |
| December 1, 2025 | Announcement of accepted works via e-mail. |
| January10, 2026 | Deadline for work to be received by Abecedarian Artists’ Books. |
| February 9, 2026 | First day of exhibit at Moody Memorial Library. |
| February – April | Special events TBA |
| April 6, 2026 |
Last day of exhibit at Moody Memorial Library (tentative – exhibition may be extend to mid-May |
| Week of May 11, 2026 | Unsold work returned to artists |
Eligibility and Media
-
This exhibition is open to any artist 18 years of age or older living and working in the United States.
- Eligible are any hand-crafted works (editioned or unique) related to the book form that use fibers (natural or synthetic) as primary element. Note that our interpretation of ‘the book form’ is broad, as is our interpretation of ‘fibers’.
- Submissions may include but are not limited to: traditional fiber techniques (weaving, stitchery, knitting, crochet) created with natural or synthetic fibers (including hand made paper). Submitted work may include digital output or mixed-media elements within the greater work but use of fiber techniques and materials must be evident.
- Before submitting, please note that book works that are larger than 14 inches in any dimension when closed may be challenging to display fully open.
- All work will be displayed in protected vitrines or cases.
- Maximum of 2 works may be submitted per artist.
- Selections will be made by Brea Black, Curator of Art Engagement, Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Sha Towers, Associate Dean of Research and Engagement, Baylor University Libraries and Alicia Bailey, Director of Abecedarian Artists’ Books.
Fees/Submission
- Entry fee for this exhibit is $18 for each submission.
- Discounted submission fees ($12) are an option for students, for artists who are experiencing economic hardship, for artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and for artists who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- You needn’t enter your submissions all at the same time. Submission for this exhibition is by file upload only.
- All submissions must be completed online.
Each submission must include 2-6 images (per work). Videos to help the jurors understand your work are optional. For videos you will be asked to provide a URL link to the video. - Please send gallery quality images without background clutter or text. DO NOT send composite images or images with embedded text. If your work is accepted for exhibition, the images you submit, along with the text you provide will be used for print & digital publicity.
- Please note that you will not be able to change any information submitted at time of entry, including the price, after the submission process.
Sales
It is expected that all work exhibited be for sale. The prices you submit during the submission process are the retail prices Abecedarian Artists’ Books will adhere to throughout the duration of the exhibition. Abecedarian retains a 40% commission on works sold by Abecedarian during and following the exhibit.
Catalog
There will be an online catalog which will remain online during and after the exhibition.
Accepted Entries
Works must be delivered ready for installation/display. Curator reserves the right not to exhibit any work inaccurately represented by the digital entry, that arrives damaged, is not properly prepared for exhibition or is deemed too fragile for effective display.
Awards
Purchase awards will be made by Baylor University Special Collections and Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Special Collections.
Display/Insurance/Rights
- Book works will be exhibited in closed cases. On acceptance to the exhibition, a consignment agreement, insurance agreement and delivery guidelines will be sent to each participating artist, along with any additional information or updates.
- Insurance in transit to and from Abecedarian Artists’ Books is the responsibility of the artist.
- It is expected that submitting artists are not violating any stated or implied relationship with another gallery or dealer by submitting work for this exhibition and that the artist/creator of the work is not in violation of any copyright laws.
Agreement
Submission of entry constitutes agreement to all conditions in this prospectus. The artist agrees that images of selected artwork and the submitted text can be used by Abecedarian Artists’ Books and University of Denver for promotions and publications.
* Instructions for submission fee payment will be sent via e-mail on receipt of submission.
**Detailed image preparation and naming guidelines can be found on the online entry form.