Calls For Art

CURRENTLY SHOWING

An Ode to Our Animal Companions

See the An Ode to Our Animal Companions page for details!

Palette and Palate

See the Palette and Palate page for details!

COMING SOON

The 2026 exhibition lineup across our three gallery spaces.

Please note: shows are subject to change.

Coming later PENFOLD THEATRE GALLERY in 2026
• Tell Me a Story
Not every story is told with words. This call for art seeks works where the narrative is woven into the visuals, leaving an emotional impression and inviting the viewer to engage with a deeper truth. We are looking for art that captures a moment, a memory, or a feeling so powerfully that a story unfolds in the mind of the viewer. Surprise us with your ability to communicate without saying a single word.

• In Balance
Duality is not a battle between opposites, but a necessary partnership. This exhibition explores the fundamental principle of balance: the interplay of chaos and harmony, destruction and creation, nature and technology. We are looking for work that engages with this philosophical concept, whether through abstraction, symbolism, or figurative expression. We seek art that finds the equilibrium within two seemingly competing forces, revealing a deeper sense of wholeness.

• Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Call for Art: Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Ready to take your best shot? We’re looking for the bold, the fearless, and the unforgettable. This juried exhibition challenges artists to submit the work they are most proud of—the piece that represents their finest achievement. We want the art that defines your voice, the work that took courage to create, and the piece you can’t stop thinking about. Show us what you’ve got.

• The Natural World
Artists throughout history have drawn inspiration from the world around them—the grand, sweeping landscapes and the tiniest, intricate details. This exhibition celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its forms. We invite artists to submit works that capture the essence of our planet, from majestic mountains and vast oceans to the hidden ecosystems of your own backyard. Show us your vision of the earth’s beauty, its resilience, and its profound power to inspire. 

Coming to JESTER GALLERY in 2026
• Memories

Memory is a powerful yet seemingly imperfect brain function. It preserves past experiences,
which allow us to learn and grow. But it’s also flawed – we can forget or misremember
things or events. Processing, preserving and recovering information provides us context, it
impacts on the way we function today and plan for tomorrow. Without memory, we would
be stagnant.
We’re calling on our artists to give their interpretation of “Memories” – stories heard from
great-great grandparents. Snippets from neighbors, gossip from colleagues. What memories
have stayed with you? Which memories have impacted your life? Whether first-hand,
passed-down or shared in the passages, let us into your world of memories.

• Movement

an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed.
“a slight movement of the upper body”

a change or development.
“movements in the underlying financial markets”

a musical term – movement in a symphony or sonata or other musical work
“Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata has three movements

a political movement – can be short or long term
“the #MeToo Movement had major repercussions for many prominent people
We are leaving it up to you, the artist, to interpret the word “Movement”; so dazzle us with
your out-of-the-box representations. Just remember, we are a family-friendly gallery and
profanity and nudity will not be accepted.

• Bold & Bright

“Bold and bright” describes vivid, attention-grabbing colors, patterns, or personalities, often
seen in home decor, fashion, and even floral arrangements. It signifies energy, happiness,
confidence, and a strong visual impact, using highly saturated hues, and can refer to
anything from a cheerful personality to a statement piece of furniture or art. 
So, go bold and bright and impress us with your vivid imagination.

• Monochromatic

Monochrome color refers to using variations (tints, tones, shades) of a single color (hue) to
create a design, image, or outfit, resulting in a cohesive, unified look, often associated with
black and white but applicable to any color family, like different blues or greens. It
emphasizes harmony by avoiding clashing colors, using lightness and darkness to add depth
and visual interest, making elements stand out without distraction.  
We’re hoping this theme will challenge you to create art that is going to impress us. Works
in shades of reds, or purples, or blues, or greens, or yellows, and the traditional black &
white.

Coming to TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY – ROUND ROCK CAMPUS GALLERY in 2026
• Urban (Influences)
• Imagine
IMAGINE is an open call without boundaries (outside of our standard exhibition guidelines).

This is an open call powered by curiosity, creativity, and a big yes. If you can dream it up, question it, remember it, invent it, or simply wonder about it, we want to see how you bring it to life. This exhibition celebrates ideas in all forms—from the deeply personal to the wildly fantastical, from quiet moments to bold leaps.

There’s no single right way to imagine. Your work can be abstract or narrative, grounded or surreal, playful or profound. If it exists in your mind, it belongs here.

All visual art mediums are welcome, including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, digital work, installation, and mixed media. If your work doesn’t fit neatly into a box, perfect—IMAGINE is about possibility.

• Kingdom Animalia
• The BIG Show / OMG (Oh My Gourde)
• Small Things, Big Wonder
• Sculptural Show

In addition to these exhibitions, we are anticipating collaborative shows with several partner organizations across our gallery spaces, including:
• Plein Air Society
• Pastel Society
• North Austin Photographic Society

PREVIOUS EXHIBITS

Celebrating Cultures at Texas State University Gallery
Childhood: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow at Jester Williamson Annex

‘Tis the Season to Shop Local at Penfold Theatre Gallery

Stop & Smell the Roses at Penfold Theatre Gallery

Personalities at Penfold Theatre Gallery

The BIG Show 2025 at Texas State University Round Rock

Happiness at Penfold Theatre

Imagine at Texas State University Round Rock

Abstractions at Penfold Theatre

This is Texas Y’all! at Texas State University Round Rock

New Beginnings at Texas State University Round Rock

Winter Exhibition at Penfold Theatre

THE BIG SHOW! 2024: It’s Back and it’s gonna be BIG!

Fauna and Flora: Where nature’s beauty is captured in every brushstroke and sculpture

Common Ground: This exhibit invites you to collaborate with other creatives to produce unique 2D or 3D artworks.

Pet Portrait : Calling all artists with a passion for pets!

Natural Art : Are you an artist that utilizes natural elements?

Imagine 2024: A showcase the finest artwork our region has to offer, set against the stunning backdrop of the Avery Building at Texas State University in Round Rock.

Golden Ticket : Travel to Real and Imaginary Places

 I Am An Artist: Spotlight on Emerging Artists

I Create: Featuring fresh, emerging, and established artists