OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
BACK TO BLACK:
Rooted in Art, Food + Wine
Artbae is excited to announce an open call for a brand new, elevated experience, and we’re looking for 5 featured artists to be part of it:
BACK TO BLACK: Rooted in Art, Food + Wine
A Black Excellence Tasting Room Experience
This is a one-day pop-up exhibit + immersive dining experience featuring 5 selected artists, paired with a curated multi-course meal inspired by the stories, energy, and cultural resonance of the work.
In partnership with Chef S. Renee (Kindle Cuisine) and hosted at Boyd Cru Wines (Savage Mill), this experience is designed to celebrate Black excellence through visual storytelling, luxury hospitality, and community connection.
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ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
We will select 5 artists, and each artist will be paired with one course of a 5-course meal inspired by a meaningful moment in Black history.
The evening will include:
A sparkling cocktail hour + signature drink/champagne moment
Live music during cocktail hour
A multi-course pairing experience inspired by the featured artwork Artist spotlight moment (brief talk on your piece)
A close-out mix + mingle experience
Dress Code: ALL BLACK (Black excellence, elevated energy)
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EVENT DETAILS
Boyd Cru Wines (Savage Mill)
Friday, February 20, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dinner will be served no later than 7:00 PM and conclude around 8:30 PM, with the final 30 minutes reserved for mingling and close-out.
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ELIGIBILITY + MEDIA
Open to all artists
All mediums are welcome (painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, fiber/textile, digital, illustration, and more)
All experience levels welcome
New or existing work accepted
Work must be ready to display on artist-supplied easels
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ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
To participate, each selected artist must provide:
(1) Large feature piece (required)
Minimum size: 36 x 48, up to 48 x 60
Additional works are optional - bring what you feel called to share
Featured Work Priority:
Submissions that best highlight a prominent moment in Black history, in a way the audience can immediately connect with, will receive first consideration. Chef S. Renee will be inspired to build the course pairing(s) around the story, energy, and meaning of your featured piece.
Because the cuisine pairing will be built around your featured work, we’re looking for art aligned with:
Black history, Black joy, Black excellence, legacy, resilience, and cultural storytelling.
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ARTIST PERKS + NOTES
Artists receive 1 complimentary seat
Additional guest/partner ticket may be required (details coming soon)
Tables may be available, but artists are encouraged to bring a table + tablecloth just in case
Artists will be expected to help promote the event (we’ll provide assets + language)
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ARTIST SALES + COMMISSION
Artists will keep 100% of their commission from any artwork sales connected to this experience.
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE + SELECTIONS
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 11:59pm
Selections Announced: Between Wednesday, January 28, 2026 and Thursday, January 29, 2026
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HOW TO SUBMIT
Please submit your work via the form below.
This experience is about honoring our stories in real time, celebrating our brilliance, and creating something unforgettable together.
If this feels like you, we’d love to see your work. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Cary Michael via email to info@artbaeonline.com.
Thank you, and we can’t wait to review your submissions and curate something truly special!
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NOTE:
Please note: By submitting, artists agree to receive follow up communications regarding this event and other Artbae opportunities. Your information is confidential and will not be shared or sold.
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