Willow Members are encouraged to submit work that brings to light “unseen” aspects of themselves, identity, experiences etc. Members are welcome to create work that excites you, and we will in turn make it widely “seen”.

The annual Members’ Exhibit celebrates new artworks created by Willow Arts Community members. Members’ original works are exhibited at the gallery of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, with performances shared at the opening reception. Supplies and artistic support will be provided during the Winter and Spring season Open Studios.

You can learn about previous shows on the Annual Group Exhibition page here.

Frequently Asked Questions about unscene

Where and when does the unscene Annual Group Exhibition take place?
The unscene exhibition will be in the VISA Gallery at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) from May 30 through June 20, 2025.

The gallery is located inside the at 15 Artists’ Common, St. Catharines, on the main floor of the building, and can be found directly across the lobby from the main doors. Learn more about the gallery and its installation options in this pdf (opens in new tab).

Who can submit artwork for consideration?
All registered Willow Arts Community members may submit a plan for their artwork made in the Willow studio or at home for consideration.

How do I submit my artwork idea for consideration?
Interested artists must submit proposals for their work by Friday, May 1 to be considered for the exhibition.

To propose an artwork for the Exhibition, complete the proposal submission form (opens in new tab).

The form will ask you to provide your

• contact information (name, email, phone number)
• details about the artwork (size, medium, installation needs)
• a brief description of how the proposed artwork connects to the themes of unscene

If you require assistance in completing the proposal form, please ask a Willow staff member. The due date for artwork proposals is May 1, 2026.

Does the artwork need to be completed to submit a proposal?
No, proposals can be for either works-in-progress or artworks completed within the past year.

We know that artworks shift and change as they are being created. If your proposed artwork experiences major changes to its size, medium, or installation needs as it evolves, please let Willow staff know so that we can update your proposal.

How many artworks can an artist submit for consideration?
Willow members may submit up to three different artworks for consideration. Artworks consisting of multiple elements (for example, a sculpture in three pieces) should be submitted as a single proposal.

What happens after an artwork proposal is submitted?
All proposals will be reviewed by Willow and MIWSFPA staff, who will select artworks that connect with the theme of the exhibition and will fit in the gallery. Artists will be notified if their artwork will be exhibited by no later than May 8 and will be asked to provide exhibition details at that time (see below). Artworks need to be completed and ready to install by May 26.

Will all proposed artworks be accepted into the show?
We do have restrictions from the size of the gallery space and the logistics of hanging the work that will limit the total number of works in the Exhibition. The gallery is large enough to exhibit between 35 and 45 artworks depending on the size and installation requirements of the pieces. We will do our best to include one piece from each Willow member that submits a proposal.

Will there be a fee paid to artists in the Annual Group Exhibition?
No, there will not be artist fees paid to exhibiting artists in 2026 due to funding constraints.

Will there be an Exhibition catalogue?
Yes, there will be an Exhibition catalogue created for unscene 2026. Each exhibiting artist will receive a personal copy of the catalogue, and additional copies will be available by donation.

Important Dates

Artwork Proposals Deadline: Friday May 1, 2026

Notification of Selected Artworks: Friday, May 8, 2026

• notification will be sent by email on May 8
• Willow members whose artworks are selected are required to provide full exhibition details for the artworks that will be exhibited (see below) by Friday, May 23

Exhibition Artwork Delivery Dates: Monday May 25 and Tuesday May 26, 1-5 PM

• artworks are to be delivered to the MIWSFPA gallery during the afternoons of May 25 and 26. Gallery address: 15 Artists’ Common, St Catharines (see map)
• if you are not able to deliver the artwork either of these days, it can be given to staff at the Willow Studio during Open Studio on May 11, 13, or 20.

Installation Period: Wednesday May 27 through Friday May 29

• installation of artworks will be done by Willow and MIWSFPA staff
• for artworks with very detailed installation needs, artists will be invited at specific times to work with staff

Exhibition period: Saturday May 30 through Saturday June 20, 2025

• the gallery is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.
• entry to the gallery is free

Opening Celebration: Thursday June 4, 2025 from 5 – 7 pm

Deinstallation and Artwork Pick Up: Monday June 22 and Tuesday June 23

• Please pick up your work from the gallery by Tuesday, June 23 at 1:00 pm.
• Willow staff will bring any artworks not collected at the gallery back to the Willow studio the afternoon of Tuesday June 23, where they will be available for pick up until Friday, June 26.

Information for Exhibiting Artists

Once an artwork is selected for the Exhibition, it will need to be delivered to the MIWSFPA gallery by May 26. Artists will also need to provide specific information about their artwork so that Willow staff can prepare display signage and the Exhibition Catalogue.

How to submit completed work:
Artworks need to be at the MIWSFPA gallery by May 26. Ideally, Willow members will deliver their works directly to the gallery on Monday May 25 or Tuesday May 26 between 1-5 PM.

If you are unable to bring your work to the gallery those days, you can leave your completed work at the Willow studio during the Open Studios on May 11, 13, or 20.

You are welcome to provide installation notes for us to consider. Artists may be invited to visit the gallery at specific times to advise staff on detailed installation needs.

Exhibition Artwork Details to be collected:

By Friday, May 22, Willow staff need to know

• the artist name you wish to have displayed
• the title of your artwork
• the year the artwork was created
• the medium(s) used

We also require an artist statement for each artwork in the exhibition.

An artist statement is a brief written introduction to the artwork, explaining its purpose, meaning, and process. It’s a tool for connecting with an audience and providing context to their art viewing experience. Typically written in the first person, it offers insights into the artist’s creative vision and the themes they explore in the art work. There is no wrong way to talk about your work. It helps people to understand your ideas and perspective when you’re not there to talk about the work.

Exhibiting Willow members will be emailed a form to provide all this information. If you require assistance in completing the form, please ask a Willow staff member.