The 72nd Annual Juried Exhibition

Applications Now Open

For 72 years, The Guild’s Juried Exhibition has created space for local artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Rooted in a long-standing commitment to supporting artists, this annual tradition exists to reflect the creativity, perspectives, and lived experiences of our creative community. So we invite you to boldly take up space in the gallery by submitting one piece for our juror to review. While not every piece will be chosen, each will be considered with respect and appreciation for your artistry. The Guild deeply believes that art is a journey of connection, ignited by an intentional visual message, vulnerably presented and left for interpretation.

We would be honored to have you join us for the ride, a 72nd time.

The Durham Art Guild’s Annual Juried Exhibition is one of our longest-standing traditions and an important part of our commitment to making space for artists.
Each year, we invite artists working across a wide range of media and artistic practices to submit their work for consideration by an independent juror. The exhibition brings together a diverse selection of artists from Durham and the surrounding region, creating an opportunity for artists to have their work seen, connect with new audiences, and exhibit in a professional gallery setting.
For us, the Juried Exhibition is about more than competition. It is about creating space for artists at all stages of their journeys and giving the community an opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of local artistic talent.
How It Works
Call for Artists
DAG publishes an annual call with information about eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines, fees, exhibition dates, and the year's juror.
Submission & Selection
Artists submit images of their work through our online application system. An independent juror reviews all submissions and selects the artwork for the exhibition. The juror's perspective helps shape the overall conversation and experience of the exhibition.
Artist Notification
Artists are notified of the juror's selections and receive information about artwork delivery, installation requirements, the opening reception, and artwork pickup.
Exhibition & Reception
DAG coordinates the installation and presentation of the exhibition. Selected artists are invited to participate in the opening reception, providing an opportunity to meet fellow artists, collectors, and members of the community.
Awards & Sales
The juror may select works for awards and recognition, with the specific award structure determined each year. Selected artwork may also be available for purchase, providing artists with an opportunity to connect with collectors and generate income from their work.
Deinstallation & Pickup
Following the exhibition, DAG coordinates deinstallation and provides artists with a designated period to retrieve their work.
The Annual Juried Exhibition reflects who we are as a Guild: a place where artists can create, connect, learn, grow, and be seen. Through this annual tradition, we continue to make space for the many voices and perspectives that make our local arts community so vibrant.
APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN FRIDAY 9/25
Members Click Here
Non-Members Click Here
Want to become a member? Click here.
Do I have to be a member to submit?
- Nope! Although members do have a discount. There are applications for members and non-members.
Am I a member?
- If you need to find out if you are a member, please email us at michael@durhamartguild.org
Do I have to live in Durham?
- No! Anyone can submit for this exhibit. We’ve even had international submissions.
If I submit multiple pieces will only one get selected?
- Not necessarily. We do not restrict our juror. More than one piece from an artist may be selected, and there is no guarantee that every artist has a piece selected.

Important Dates

Application Opens: SEPTEMBER 25TH

Application Deadline: OCTOBER 28TH

Juror Selection Window: OCTOBER 29TH-NOVEMBER 11TH

Artist Notification: November 17TH

Art Drop-Off: DECEMBER 3RD

Exhibit Opening Night: DECEMBER 18TH

Exhibit Gathering: JANUARY 15TH

Exhibit Closing Event: February 19th

MEET OUR JUROR

ELLEN

CASSILLY

Born and raised in St. Louis, the youngest of six children, Ellen was drawn to art, design, and architecture from an early age. Her days were filled with creating and building projects of all scales, materials, and complexities with her builder Father.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Ellen moved to Paris and worked for four years in the office of Pritzker prize winning architect Christian DePortzamparc. After Paris Ellen made a brief detour to Japan to work in the office of Arata Isozaki and then realized her dream of a solo cycling adventure throughout Tibet, Nepal, and India.

Back in the US, Ellen worked for award winning Raleigh architect Frank Harmon. In 1998 Ellen purchased the old Coman Lumber Supply building in downtown Durham at 600 Foster Street, on auction, and transformed it into the studio for Ellen Cassilly Architects. ECA has received awards on their sensitively designed public and private work throughout the triangle.

In 2006 Ellen and her husband Frank Konhaus co-directed The Georges Rousse Warehouse Interventions project, the single largest and most successful public art project in the history of Durham. This experience was pivotal in the design and founding of Cassihaus, their home and artist residency.

Ellen has taught numerous design studios, sustainability seminars, and summer design/build studios in the architecture department at NCSU over the last 30 years. In 2018 Ellen became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

ELLEN CASSILY ARCHITECTS - www.ellencassillyarchitect.com/