PRE-SHRUNK 2027

About this call

PRE-SHRUNK is Argyle Fine Art's annual juried group show of small works on 4 x 5 inch surfaces, now in its 23rd year, at the gallery on Barrington Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The gallery encourages submissions from established and emerging artists of all ages, in any medium. Selected works are priced at $175 each with a standard 50% commission. The show opens to the public on Friday, January 22 from 7 to 9 PM.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Painting / Drawing / Mixed Media / Sculpture / Textile / Printmaking
• Entry fee: See official site
• Works must be on a 4 x 5 inch surface; pieces that do not measure 4 x 5 inches will not be considered (cradled boards or canvas preferred; no flat boards, thin canvas or masonite boards, no frames). Do not attach hanging devices (wire, hooks, d-rings); the gallery does this, and will say after acceptance if it wants an exception. On canvas, trim the excess canvas from the back. Sculpture must have a 4 x 5 inch base, with no height limit. Works on paper must be archival and mounted on a sturdy 4 x 5 inch surface that can be hung on the wall; textile artists should contact the gallery. Charcoal and pastel works must be fixed. Maximum 5 pieces per artist; submissions must be your own work, new and not previously shown, signed on the front or back, with the title on the back. Submit by email to preshrunkhalifax@gmail.com with phone number, email, titles and materials, a JPEG of each piece named Last name, first initial, title, number (e.g. McGuireC_GreenRoom01.jpg), and a photo of all works together on a neutral background. Selected artists are told by phone or email the week after the deadline, then bring the work in person or by mail, and are responsible for its return after the show. Pre-made 4 x 5 inch canvas and cradled boards are sold at Deserres (1526 Barrington St, Halifax); the gallery will place an order of wooden surfaces from Mitre & Muse Studio on November 4 if needed. The call does not state an entry fee.