PRE-SHRUNK 2026
It’s PRE-SHRUNK time again! BE PART OF OUR PRE-SHRUNK 2026 SHOW! This coming year will mark the 22nd year for PRE-SHRUNK! It’s amazing how such a small idea has become such a BIG show!
Our much loved annual juried group show asks artists to create small works on 4”x5” surfaces. We encourage submissions from established artists, emerging artists and artists of all ages in their preferred mediums!
Take a look at the guidelines below and start making some art! You can work in any medium you choose!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
● Works must be on a 4x5” surface. Pieces that do not measure 4x5” will not be considered. Preferred surfaces are cradled boards or canvas.
● We do not want artists to use FLAT BOARDS (ie- pieces of wood with art painted or mounted), or thin canvas or masonite boards as they are not easily wall mountable for the buyer and tend not to sell as well as other surfaces in the show. NO FRAMES or attachments for hanging.
● If you are sculpting the base of your sculpture must be 4”x5”, but there is no height limit.
● Artists may submit a maximum of 5 pieces.
● We ask that you DO NOT attach hanging devices (ie wire, hooks, d-rings, etc). The gallery will take care of this for continuity. SOME EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE can be made, but we will inform you if we want you to prep them after the work is accepted. Otherwise leave as is!
● If you are working on canvas please TRIM THE ACCESS CANVAS from the back of your work.
● If you are working on paper it must be archival and mounted on a sturdy 4”x5” surface that can be hung on the wall or if you are a textile artist, get in touch with us for preferred ways of presenting your work for this show.
● Works done with materials such as charcoal and pastels must be fixed (ie sprayed) to protect the work.
● Please sign your name somewhere on your work (front or back are acceptable) and have a title written on the backside of your work.
Submissions must be your own work, new and not previously shown.
● To submit by email to preshrunkhalifax@gmail.com
o Phone number and email address
o Titles of pieces and materials used to create the work
o Images of each individual piece plus a group shot, in a jpeg format ONLY, titled as indicated below.
● Please title your image files as follows
o Last name, first initial, title of piece, number of submission
o Ex: McGuireC_GreenRoom01.jpg, McGuireC_BlueRoom02.jpg, McGuireC_PinkRoom03.jpg, McGuireC_OrangeRoom04.jpg, McGuireC_RedRoom05.jpg, McGuireC_GroupShot.jpg
o SEND A PHOTO OF ALL WORKS TOGETHER on a neutral background, so that we can see how they work with one another and the type of surface used etc.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SUNDAY JANUARY 4th at MIDNIGHT
If the jury selects your work you will be notified by phone or email the following week. Due to the volume of submissions WE WILL NOT BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU UNTIL AFTER THE DEADLINE so that the jury can make decisions. However if you want to check if we received your emails, feel free to reach out. Once we inform you that you are IN THE SHOW the week following the deadline, you will then be required to bring the work in person or by mail. After the show ends, you are responsible for the return of your paintings but we’re going to work very hard to sell them!
PLEASE NOTE
● Pieces that are selected for this year’s exhibition will be priced at $175 each, with standard 50% commission. Please keep this price in mind when creating your pieces.
● NSCAD Art Supply Store (1874 Hollis St, Halifax) have pre-made 4”x5” canvas and cradled boards to supply artists wanting to participate in this show. You can also make your own surfaces to paint on or find surfaces at other locations as well, but they must meet the above requirements.
● We will be placing an order of wooden surfaces from a local woodworking shop, Mitre & Muse Studio. If you are interested in ordering a surface please contact us directly for more information and to place your order.
SHOW OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FRIDAY JANUARY 23rd from 7-9PM
Please phone, email or drop in to the gallery if you have any questions regarding the submission process or show – 902.425.9456. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
From your pals at Argyle Fine Art,
Adriana, Emily & Kassandra
1559 Barrington St, Halifax , NS 902-425-9456
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