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5TH ANNUAL EXPERIMENTAL EXHIBITION

interwoven: the threads that bind (US)

On the view from October 3 to October 30, 2025

at Noble Workshop and Gallery, 500 S Almaden Blvd, San José, CA, 95110

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For the 5th Annual Experimental Exhibition, genARTS Silicon Valley, in partnership with Local Color, invite submissions of paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and mixed media. As an “experimental” exhibition, we encourage artists, whether emerging or established, to think beyond convention. We highly encourage artists to create a piece in response to the theme or submit one that hasn’t been exhibited before and was created within the past three years.

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Submit a work that examines the threads that bind us, whether they are visible or invisible, personal or collective. What connects you to others, your community, or the world at large? How do joy, resistance, care, or shared experience become the threads weaving our lives together? Reflect on how these connections enable you to navigate the present moment and envision new possibilities for unity and strength.

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Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore relationships, networks of support, safety nets, or moments of solidarity. Your work might examine connection and disconnection, celebrate community, or challenge us to see the ways we are interwoven. This exhibition aims to spark dialogue about the ties that hold us together and the creative potential of coming together as “us” in the “US” during this current turbulent political climate. 

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
— Desmond Tutu

“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Supported, in part, by the take pART grant from the City of San José.

IMPORTANT EVENT DATES

Interwoven Exhibition: Opening Reception 
Friday, October 3 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Noble Gallery - 500 South Almaden Avenue,  San Jose
Enjoy beats by DJ Valdespín and light refreshments!

Interwoven Exhibition: Artist Talk 
Thursday, October 9 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Noble Gallery - 500 South Almaden Avenue, San Jose

Interwoven Exhibition: Artist Talk
Thursday, October 16 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Noble Gallery - 500 South Almaden Avenue, San Jose

Weaving Workshop with Alyssarhaye Graciano
Saturday, October 18 - 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Noble Gallery - 500 South Almaden Avenue, San Jose

Closing Reception
Thursday, October 30 - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Noble Gallery - 500 South Almaden Avenue, San Jose

Timeline

Submission Deadline: Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:59 PM

Artist Notifications: Monday, Sep. 22

Artwork Drop-off: Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 2-8pm and Thursday, Sept. 25 from 12-6pm

Exhibition Dates: Fri, Oct. 3 - Thurs, Oct. 30 @ Local Color's Noble Gallery

Gallery Hours: Thurs - Fri from 12 - 6 PM, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 PM

Opening Reception: Fri, Oct. 3 from 6 - 9 PM

Artwork Pick-up: Thursday, Oct. 30, Friday, Oct. 31, & Monday, Nov. 3

ELIGIBILITY + SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • All self-identified artists of all career stages and all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. No prior exhibiting experience required. Emerging artists may be prioritized.

  • Artists must live in, work in, or have a personal or professional connection to Santa Clara County to participate

  • Artists must be members of genARTS Silicon Valley to participate. Sign up for free here.

  • Must be able to drop off and pick up artwork on the dates listed above.

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Submission Requirements

  • There is no submission fee.

  • Artists may only submit one work of art.

  • Artworks can be two-dimensional works on paper, canvas, or other flat material, small and light sculptures, and short videos (no more than 5 minutes).

  • For 2-D pieces, artwork may be no more than 24 by 48 inches framed and weigh no more than 20 lbs. Please let us know if your artwork in an unusual shape. 

  • For 3-D pieces, including works made of stone, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, and fiber, artwork may not be bigger than 24 inches in any direction, and weigh no more than 20 lbs. It must be able to stand freely without mounts

  • Accepted artwork must remain on the wall for the duration of the exhibit.

  • Accepted artwork may be sold during the exhibition. Work sold will be subject to a 10% commission to genARTS Silicon Valley and a 10% commission to Local Color, with the artist keeping 80% of the sale. Sales will be processed by Local Color, and the artist must handle the coordination of pickup at the end of the exhibition.

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Questions + Support

Feel free to reach out to us anytime by email at svgenarts@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @genartssv.​

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