Celebrating Community: A Handwork 2026 Exhibition
Presented by Fiber Arts on 4th
We are seeking submissions for a student exhibition here at Fiber Arts on 4th to kick off our year of Handwork 2026!
Fiber Arts on 4th is proud to be a participating organization for Handwork 2026, a nationwide initiative to celebrate the history and traditions of American craft during the country’s 250th year.
Of course, here in New Mexico, we have a rich heritage of craft that extends far beyond this landmark anniversary year, especially among Native American and Hispanic makers.
To kick off our year of programming from nationally acclaimed teachers, we want to showcase the talents of our local Fiber Arts community from first timers to experienced weavers, spinners, dyers, felters, rug hookers, and all things fiber arts. You are invited to submit your work (up to three pieces) for the exhibition.
The only requirement is that your piece uses some skill, technique or other connection to Fiber Arts on 4th (Note: You do not need to have made your piece in a workshop at Fiber Arts on 4th, but we welcome those pieces too! The exhibition is open to any and all fiber arts our community members have made, within size constraints). Spark creativity in other community members to make something new with their hands in 2026.
Submit your work
You are invited to submit your work (up to three pieces) for the student exhibition. The only requirement is that your piece uses some skill, technique or other connection to Fiber Arts on 4th.
Although this exhibit is not juried, we may need to select only certain works to make sure everything fits in the space. This will depend on the number of entries we receive.
Prepare your entries
- Make sure your artwork meets the exhibition requirements:
- All fiber art disciplines will be considered (hand and machine knitting, crochet, basketry, weaving, felting, mixed media, wood and paper art, embroidery, quilting, beading, wearable art).
- Wall hung (2D and 3D) and freestanding artworks are eligible. No ceiling-hung artwork.
- All art must be the artist’s original work. It can be something you created in a workshop here at Fiber Arts on 4th.
- Two-dimensional art probably cannot exceed 60 inches in display height or length. Three-dimensional art should probably be no larger than 16″ X 16″ X 16″. There is no minimum size. All artwork must fit through a standard 34-inch doorway.
- Download and read the Gallery Agreement. Click here to download the Gallery Agreement.
- You must complete and sign this agreement and deliver it to us with your artwork (see dates in the timeline below).
- If possible, print and fill out the Gallery Agreement before coming in. If that’s not possible, we will have printed copies available at Fiber Arts on 4th.
- Prepare the following text for each piece you are submitting. You will enter this information on the entry form.
- Title
- Description (under 50 words)
- Medium
- Did you create this work during a workshop at Fiber Arts on 4th? If so, which one?
- Did you create this work after taking a workshop at Fiber Arts on 4th? If so, which one?
- Prepare up to 3 photos of each piece you are submitting. You will upload the photo(s) with the entry form.
- Please submit clear, high quality photos of your work.
- We accept only JPEG or JPG files.
- Name your image files as “Last Name, First Name–Title of Artwork” before uploading them. If you are uploading more than one photo for the same artwork, add a descriptor (like “-front”, “-back”, and “-detail”) or just “-1”, “-2”, and “-3” to the filenames.
- The entry fee is $10 per piece, payable online using a debit or credit card. The entry fee covers staff preparation of the exhibit, the People’s Choice Award, and refreshments for opening night.
Complete the entry form
You may enter up to three pieces. Please complete a separate entry form for each piece.
Timeline
Entries for the exhibition will be accepted from December 9, 2025 to January 24, 2026.
Once reviewed and accepted, artists should be prepared to drop off their artwork at Fiber Arts on 4th on Friday, Jan. 23; Saturday, Jan. 24; and Friday, Jan. 30. We will not accept artwork outside of these dates without advance coordination.
The exhibition will run from February 6 to March 8, 2026.
We will host a launch party on Friday, February 6, with special evening opening hours from 4-7pm. Bring your family and friends to see your art!
Artwork will remain on display through Sunday, March 8. Visitors can view the art on Fridays between 10am-4pm in our main classroom space. Additional viewing hours will be included on the website (dependent on when workshops are taking place).
Artwork will be available for pick-up Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 22.
Awards
We will award a People’s Choice Award, decided by attendees of our Opening Night, with a gift package from Fiber Arts on 4th.
Exhibition Hours
The Exhibition will be available to view in our main classroom space when workshops are not running. You may also reach out to us to set up an appointment to view the work outside of our normal working hours.
- Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 4pm
- Sunday, February 15 from 10am to 4pm
- Friday, February 20 from 10am to 4pm
- Sunday, February 22 from 12 to 4pm
- Thursday, February 26 from 10am to 4pm
- Friday, February 27 from 10am to 4pm
- Saturday, February 28 from 10am to 4pm
- Sunday, March 1 from 10am to 4pm
- Friday, March 6 from 10am to 4pm