ABOUT THE SHOW

This is an open call for artists for a Dungeons & Dragons inspired group show — please join us! We have worked with Dungeon Master Nathan Musselman to develop a D&D storyline that will be used to guide your artistic process. Nathan has created 25 unique plot points that will provide additional information for each artist. After committing to the show, each artist will stop by our shop to randomly select a plot point. Each artist is responsible for creating a piece of art to represent their chosen part of the quest — how you go about this is up to you! The show will be hung in our two galleries in January 2025 in chronological order so attendees can follow along for an immersive D&D experience.

Are you a younger artist or do you know one who would be interested in participating? We’re excited to additionally host a special opening-night only youth exhibition for ages 14 and under. Youth will select the same plot points and create their own unique pieces to represent the parts of the storyline.

ALL ABOUT THE QUEST!

Geographical: Adventure takes place in the environs of The Spine; a long and high mountain range. A tropical cloud forest covers the mountain tops, to the east transitioning to rainforest to coastal jungle, to the west transitioning to scrubland then to lowland desert.

Biological: All creatures reproduce asexually. Reproduction usually occurs in proximity to ley lines and life cycles either take place near them or involve migration/visits to them.

Material: Ores and metals are unknown to the peoples of the world. Material cultures make use of stone, earth, animal and plant materials, including magically hardened stonewood.

Magic: Magic is produced by manipulating meridians on the body via movement and/or tattoos. Low magic is common among people, high magic more specialized among those trained to do so near ley lines.

Technology: Renaissance level of tech, though some cultures do not aspire to that level.

Adventurers:

1. Dwarf Druid. Hails from the largest dwarven settlement in the lower jungles who specialize in the manipulation of plant life and dwell in the carved out trunks of enormous magically-shaped trees.

2. Elf Ranger. Born into a since deceased family of nomadic elves in the western deserts who eschew the use of machines, what they call false life, and value freedom above all else.

3. Gnome Fighter. Raised and educated in the artificer-warrior society of the gnomes, who excel with mechanical inventions and possess the secret of stonewood.

4. Human Sorcerer. Possessed by a knack for innate magic like many short-lived humans, taught by the small community of Longleaf to use magic for the good of all.

5. Catfolk Monk. Among the monastic catfolk learned to call for the aid of the ancestor spirits to aid in the purification of mind and body, and to guide them on the Hunt. 

The Adventure

The adventurers responded to the call of the Spinal Council, a loose representative body of the peoples of the region. Humans and gnomes have been going missing and there have been reports of beast-like people skulking in the night forest. Rumors are growing that the Hunt of the catfolk has turned homicidal. The party is tasked to get to the bottom of it.

ART DETAILS

• Artwork (including any framing or hanging device) may not exceed 20” wide and may be no longer than 48”.

  • Artwork for the youth show may not exceed 11”x14”.

• All mediums will be considered — Please reach out to us with questions or ideas that may require special consideration for display.

• All ideas for conceptualizing the different parts of the story are welcome — here are a few ideas we’ll put out there just to get your wheels turning:

  • A painting or drawing that encapsulates the unique landscape found along the quest

  • A poem, story, or song that could be shared by a bard during the adventure

  • A depiction of a character or characters in action at a crucial plot point

  • A representation of a weapon or tool used by a character in the quest

PROCESS, PROMOTIONS & COST

• Promotions include a website and newsletter listing, social media event and posts, & inclusion in Arts Council of the Valley First Fridays press release.

• There is no fee to participate.

• Artists are responsible for pricing their work.

• Our standard gallery commission fees apply* — 20% on night of opening, 25% for the remainder of the show.

  • No commission taken on youth work 14 and under.

IMPORTANT DATES

• July 1-31: Sign up to participate using the form above. Submissions will be taken on a first come, first served basis until we reach 25 artists.

• August 6-9 from 10-6 and August 10 from 10-4: Stop by our shop to choose your plot point.

• December 17-20 from 10-6 and December 21 from 10-4: Finished artwork and label info dropped off at Frame Factory & Gallery

• January 3, 5-8pm: First Fridays Art Gallery Opening

• March 1, 10am - 4pm: Unsold artwork must be picked up from the gallery