Sacred Threads

Call for Entries - Art in Hospitals

~ A collaboration between Sacred Threads and The Healing Arts Program at UChicago Medicine.

Sacred Threads is very pleased to offer a call for art quilts to be exhibited in several locations within the hospital setting at UChicago Medicine. There are blank galleries that we can fill with our wonderful art quilts. Check your inventory and share your work with patients, families and hospital staff.

Only quilted hangings will be considered. We use the Studio Art Quilt Associates definition of an art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure". Integration of non-fabric items is acceptable; however, freestanding pieces, altered books, etc. cannot be accommodated.

The works will be selected by Monica Hork, Coordinator of the Healing Arts Program. Selections will be based on available gallery space, artwork's appropriateness to the themes, and engaging artwork statements.

The first call from the summer of 2024 is now traveling:

View Gallery of Accepted Artworks.

Coming up this summer 2025:

The second is a longer term opportunity for artists from around the world. This deadline is July 25, 2025 and gives artists time to make something for the theme. The entry form will open on June 1, 2025.

Enter Now

"Global Harmony: A Celebration of Cultures" is an art quilt exhibition designed to transform the hospital environment into a vibrant and inclusive space. Celebrating the rich diversity of cultures from around the world, this exhibition promotes understanding, joy, and a sense of global community. By integrating multicultural art, "Global Harmony" provides a mental and emotional boost for patients, visitors, and staff, fostering positivity, cultural appreciation, and community connection among all who engage with it.

Specific parameters:

  • Art quilts must have a minimum perimeter of 80” (sum of all sides) and a max height of 108”.
  • There is no made by date.
  • There is a non-refundable $20 USD entry fee per quilt.
  • Artists may enter as many artworks as they would like.
  • Artists will be responsible for shipping costs in both directions.
  • Artwork may be for sale. If sold, The Healing Arts Program will keep a 20% commission which will go to support the arts in the hospital program.
  • Provide one overall and one detail JPG image with at least 2400 pixels on the longest side. Keep file size to 10MB each.
  • Please ensure the overall image shows edges of the quilt.
  • Each quilt must have a 4" sleeve.
  • Each quilt must have a label with at least your name, date and quilt title.
  • We hope to travel the exhibits to other hospitals. When filling out the form, please indicate whether your artwork is available to travel.
  • Entrants are responsible for insurance during shipping to and from the exhibition. Quilts will be insured by Sacred Threads for the duration of the exhibition for a maximum value of $1,000. Additional insurance will be provided only for quilts with a certified appraisal of over $1,000. Please include the written appraisal when you ship your quilt.

Timeline for Global Harmony:
June 1, 2025 - Call for Entry opens
July 25, 2025 - Deadline to enter
August 15, 2025 - Notifications via email
September 5, 2025 - Artwork to be received in Chicago
October 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026 - Artwork on display in multiple galleries within the hospital
February 2026 - Artwork returned unless traveling.
February 2026 - December 2027 - exhibit MAY travel. Details TBD

 

REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE

INFORMATION Colors of Hope/Gardens of Gratitude Global Harmony
Call for Entry Closed June 1, 2025
Entry Deadline July 26, 2024, 10:00 EDT July 25, 2025 10:00 EDT
Notice of Acceptance August 16, 2024 via email August 15, 2025 via email
Entry Delivery Date to Chicago September 6, 2024 September 5, 2025
Cost Per Entry $20 $20
Number of Entries Unlimited Unlimited

Size Requirements
(Perimeter is the sum of all sides.)

Minimum Perimeter 80"
Maximum Height 108"
Minimum Perimeter 80"
Maximum Height 108"
Hanging Sleeve 4" 4"
Label Minimum: Name, Title, Date Minimum: Name, Title, Date
Digital Image Size Pixals Minimum: 2400 Pixels Minimum: 2400 Pixels
Digital Image Size File Less Than 10 MB Less Than 10 MB
Digital Images Number 1 Overall and 1 Detail 1 Overall and 1 Detail

Questions, please contact Lisa Ellis (lisa@ellisquilts.com) or Monica Hork (monicart26@gmail.com)