Call for Artists! Summer Revolution Exhibit: Artist Application

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, we ask the question: what does the Revolution mean to you? On a community level, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum seeks to address this question through contemporary art.

Artists are invited to submit works for the 2026 reinvigoration of our exhibit "Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea." The museum seeks creative interpretations of local Revolutionary events, as we aim to bridge past and the present and highlight Manchester-by-the-Sea’s unique connection to this pivotal era. We will provide history, and we ask you to select a subject area (as provided below) to interpret.

Application deadline extended to Memorial Day, to be accepted on a rolling basis.

Exhibit Dates: Thursday, July 2, to Saturday, September 19

Application Deadline: Memorial Day, Monday, May 25

Notification of Chosen Works: On a rolling basis.

Drop-Off Chosen Works: Wed. June 17 to Fri. June 20, 10 to 3 PM, and June 20, 11 to 4 PM, or by special arrangement.

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 2, 6 to 8 PM

Pick-Up Chosen Artwork: Wed. September 23 to Fri. September 25, 10 to 3 PM, and Sat. September 26, 11 to 4 PM, or by special arrangement.

All dates are subject to change.

Please click the titles below to learn about subject areas of Manchester, The Revolution, and War at Sea available for interpretion.

The Forster Flag

The oldest existing flag with 13 stripes for the 13 colonies is linked to the Manchester militia. A replica stands beside you.

The War at Home

Despite deprivation and hardship, Manchester's people persevered during the Revolution through tenacity, hard work, and hope.

The War at Land

From start to finish, Manchester's men demonstrated courage not only at sea, but also on land, as its men mobilized to fight for American independence.

The War at Sea (Privateer): Jeremiah Hibbert

An adventurous young privateer who achieved much success but ultimately lost his life on the dangerous high seas.

The War at Sea (Privateer): John Lee, Jr.

The courageous captain who fantastically escaped from a British prison, with a fortuitous connection, and continued the patriotic fight.

The War at Sea (Privateer): William Tuck

Through great risk and reward, this seasoned mariner established himself as one of Manchester's most prominent men in the war at sea.

The War at Sea (Privateer): Dr. Joseph Whipple

The town physician who bravely served his country at sea but whose tragic exemplifies the communal sacrifice of the war.

Choose which historical theme(s) to interpret. You can choose to focus on a specific person or story listed in the provided subject areas, or broadly interpret the larger theme.

First name

Last name

Phone

Artist CV or resume (not required)

Upload your file

Choose a file or drag and drop one here.

Please describe any prior exhibition history

Do you have experience working with historical or research-based themes? (not required)

Artwork size

Which artistic medium would you use? Please keep in mind that all accepted artwork will be displayed on standing panels with size restrictions.

Please describe how you plan to interpret your chosen theme

In addition to the supplied history, what historical sources will you be drawing from? (primary documents, books, visual references, etc.)

Would it be helpful to visit the museum for archival sources and references for your concept?

Please explain how your final concept will appear

Exhibit Terms:

There is no fee to enter the exhibition, and all are welcome to apply. Those artists chosen by the Museum to participate will have their art displayed for the duration of the exhibit (duration as listed below), in addition to a VIP preview at our annual Sharksmouth Soiree. Artists are expected to provide an explanation of how their work relates to their selected part of "Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea."

We invite artwork from a variety of mediums to be submitted, but images generated solely by AI images will not accepted. If you choose to use AI-generated elements in your work, human-created elements must be evident.

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum is not responsible in any way for the loss, damage, theft or harm of any kind to the artwork. Delivery of your work to the Museum constitutes an express waiver, release, and discharge of all claims, actions, or causes of action against the harm of any kind to the works of art. Participation entails that the Museum may display chosen artwork at the Museum premises and acknowledges that the Museum and its agents may transport the work.

Artists are responsible for procuring their own art supplies. Framed or canvassed two-dimensional artworks should be wired for hanging – no sawtooth hangers, please. For sculptures or three dimensional works, artists are responsible for providing pedestals or display surfaces.

Participation in the exhibition gives the Museum the non-exclusive right to photograph and reproduce the chosen artwork for its promotion, programming, and preservation purposes.

Sale Opportunity: Artists are invited to advertise their work for sale, to interact directly with the buyer; the Museum will not process sales for this exhibit. In case the artist choses to sell their work, all work must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Artists must submit a label with their work indicating: name, title of piece, medium, explanation of how their work relates to "Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea" and/or Manchester in the Revolutionary period, price and contact info for payment if desired; Any artwork not intended for sale must be marked NFS.

I understand and agree to the Exhibit Terms.