EXHIBITION THEME
What does the world look like through innocent eyes? We invite you to explore life through a child’s eyes—full of curiosity, joy, simplicity, and boundless imagination. Whether you’re reflecting on your own early memories or interpreting a child’s perspective, this lighthearted and imaginative exhibition welcomes artwork that captures the innocence, humor, and vividness of seeing the world with a fresh perspective.
We invite you to explore childhood as seen from within. Join us in bringing to life a world where dreams are big and every moment is filled with magic.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Opens October 2027 at the Quilt Festival Houston, Texas
This exhibition will travel until December 2030
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about this exhibition, please refer to SAQA’s Exhibition Guidelines and FAQs where many exhibition related questions are answered. If you have any further questions, please contact us at calls@saqa.art.
ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
Wall-hung (2D and 3D), and freestanding artworks are eligible. No ceiling-hung artwork.
- Pieces may not exceed 96” (8 ft / 243cm) in height, width, or depth. There is NO minimum size.
- All artwork must fit through a standard 34” doorway.
- Wall-hung pieces (2D and 3D) must hang without distortion. Traditional quilt sleeves, stretcher bars, framed or mounted work, and other hanging mechanisms are acceptable.
- Artwork must meet SAQA’s definition of an art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure."
IMAGE REQUIREMENTS
It is critical that submitted images be of the best possible quality: in focus, with clear details, and following SAQA's digital image requirements. Read Tips for Successful Art Quilt Photography and Submitting Digital Images first!
- For each wall-hung 2D entry (depth is less than 2 inches), submit one full view front digital image and one detail digital image.
- For each 3D artwork (wall-hung or freestanding), submit one overall front image and two detail images
- Full-view images MUST show all the edges along with a small amount of background.
- Detail images should preferably be in portrait orientation. Do not simply crop your full-view image.
- Digital images must be saved as a high-quality JPEG or JPG file (No TIFF files). Do not use your name or initials in the filename (title is fine).
- Finished images should be at least 2100 pixels on the longest side (no maximum).
Common errors include:
- Cropping images too closely on the full-view image. All edges of the artwork must be visible along with a small amount of contrasting background. Do NOT crop your photo into any part of the artwork as this may disqualify your entry.
- Your background should be neutral and not include distracting elements such as hands, floors, studio, pets, pins, etc.
- Images that are out of focus or too small
ELIGIBILITY / FEE
Artists must be a current SAQA member to enter this call. $50 USD for up to 3 entries. $10 Early Bird Discount if all entries submitted by January 15, 2027. Entry fee must be paid online before the entry deadline via a credit card or PayPal at www.saqa.com/fees.
Entry form will be available January 1, 2027
Jane Werner brings over four decades of museum experience, including 34 years as Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The Museum has received numerous honors, including the 2006 AIA National Award, the 2009 National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and consistent ranking among the nation’s top children’s museums.
Werner has led transformative projects such as the reopening of the New Hazlett Theater with the Warhol Museum, the creation of Buhl Community Park, and the launch of Museum Lab—an award-winning space for learning innovation. She is a past president of several cultural organizations and serves on numerous boards including the Remake Learning Council and the Fred Rogers Center. Her many honors include the ASTC Leading Edge Award, the Katherine Coffey Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.
- January 1, 2027 - Online Entry Opens
- January 31, 2027 - Online Entry Deadline at 7pm Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)
- March 31, 2027 - Notification of Acceptance via email
- May 31, 2027 - Artwork to be RECEIVED by SAQA (details provided upon acceptance)
- October 2027 - Exhibition Opens at International Quilt Festival Houston
- February 28, 2031 - Artwork returned to artists
For information on eligibility and policies, please refer to SAQA's Exhibition Guidelines and FAQs.
Jurying of the exhibition is by digital image. Information and resources for submitting digital images can be found on SAQA’s website, Digital Image Submission Guidelines.
For specific information on shipping for exhibitions, please refer to SAQA’s Shipping Guidelines. For non-U.S. members, please refer to Shipping Reimbursement (non-US members).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
You will be asked to agree with these terms and conditions. “I agree to loan my artwork to Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. I understand the costs of insuring and shipping my artwork to the shipping center in Ohio are my responsibility. I further agree to permit the images or detail images and/or all or part of my artist statement to be used in the exhibition catalog, articles, ads, promotions, books, websites, blogs, CDs, current event news coverage, television productions, and/or multi-media productions for and about the exhibition or for and about the shows at which the exhibition may be seen. I confirm, to the best of my knowledge, the artwork entered is original and does not violate any copyright or trademark laws."
