UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

The Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop produces about 80,000 projects each year. Apprentices train in the design and production of these projects throughout the school year. They also support our educators in our vacation day and summer programs for students ages 6+. Apprentices begin training in 8th grade and typically stay in the program through their senior year of high school. Some apprentices graduate from the program and return as EWM staff in a variety of roles. Apprenticeship encourages many passions and builds the discipline needed to excel. The next info session will be on Sunday, February 15, 4-5 pm. For any questions, contact Maddie Ardito.

Named for Bucknell's renowned literary alumnus and initiated in the fall of 1993, the Philip Roth Residence in Creative Writing offers up to four months of unfettered writing time for a writer working on a first or second book in any literary genre. The residency provides lodging in Bucknell's "Poets' Cottage" and a stipend of $5,000. In the spring semester of 2026, the Stadler Center will accept applications for the 2026–27 Roth Residences (Aug.–Dec. 2026 and Jan.–May 2027). The application deadline for both residencies is Feb. 1, 2026. Please note: The Roth Residency is now open to writers in ANY literary genre: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, graphic fiction, etc.

CALL FOR ENTRY: Re-Inhabiting Conservation Creature Conserve is pleased to announce Re-Inhabiting Conservation: Using Art to Bring Wildlife Conservation Closer to Home, a juried exhibition of international artists at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA for Spring & Summer 2026. Re-Inhabiting Conservation: Using Art to Bring Wildlife Conservation Closer to Home is the final exhibition in a three-part series that “re” considers the role of artists in wildlife conservation and explores the possibilities of art informed by science. The exhibition asks, “In light of all we have wondered, imagined, and hoped, what do we DO NOW?” This exhibition encourages artists, writers, creatives, and viewers to rethink our relationship to boundaries, both geographic and practical, including divisions between art and science. Re-Inhabiting Conservation asks us to live in a conservation mindset, make a home here—at the intersection of art and science—and commit to caring for the habitats, resources, and species around us. With Re-Imagining Conservation, we're asking artists to dream big and consider bold approaches to cross-disciplinary work. We are especially looking for proposals of work that creatively explore the following questions: - Where would you like to see conservation efforts focused in your community? - What is your current “relationship” with wildlife conservation? - What opportunities do you see for art and science to work together for wildlife conservation? - What would you do to encourage your community to live “in a conservation mindset”? Use the form below to apply by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, February 1, 2026. You will be asked to provide the following for this application. We recommend having these materials ready before applying: Visual Artists, Audio/Video Artists: - Up to 4 images or files of your work for consideration. Each file should be no larger than 1MB. - Works List (Title, medium, dimensions, date for each image or file) - Artist Statement relevant to submitted work (250 words) - Link to website or social media Writers: - Poets: 3 - 4 poems (up to 10 pages of poetry) submitted as one PDF. If including published poems, please include information about where the work was originally published. - Fiction/nonfiction writers: A single text OR 1-3 flash fiction pieces not to exceed 3,000 words submitted as one PDF. If including published work, please include information about where the work was originally published. - Brief Bio (60 words) - Link to website or social media Please review application requirements and FAQs before applying: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tiXhusC3CVhhWALotgF2FNBcO9xgWx7c/view?usp=drive_link Questions? Contact Heather McMordie, Director of Curatorial Programs, at artscurator@creatureconserve.com.

Project Overview Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance, in partnership with local stakeholders, invites artists (including and not limited to muralists, 3-d artists, projection artists, and visionaries) to submit proposals for the Mark Gingras Memorial Art Initiative. This project will transform prominent alleyways in downtown Wallingford into a vibrant public art spaces. The location presents opportunities for murals, ironwork, lighting, and 3-d installation. Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance WACA’s mission is to promote community involvement, engagement, inclusion, and collaboration through arts and cultural activities and events. We, the WACA team, have a vision of creating opportunity and fostering a community mindset designed to support a culture of arts appreciation, creation and participation in our town of Wallingford. We appreciate the power of the arts to build interesting, inclusive, creative and vibrant communities. We also recognize the arts as a potential driver of economic growth and vitality. Through active collaboration with artists, art organizations, and community programs, we aim to leverage arts events and 1 opportunities in the greater Wallingford community to promote artistic expression, to foster a sense of community and to attract artists and their supporters to our town. About Mark Gingras Mark Gingras was, above all, a family man. Family was the foundation of his life and the lens through which he viewed the world. He cared deeply for his parents, siblings, and most of all for his wife and children. Conversations with Mark often began with questions like, “How’s your family?” or “How are your kids?”—and he always remembered names. His interest was genuine, his warmth unmistakable. At home, Mark created a life filled with love and connection. Family dinners were a daily ritual, vacations were a priority, and he never missed a sporting event—often coaching teams in sports he had never played himself. He believed the best education came not only from books but from experiences, and for Mark, that meant travel. Exploring the world was his greatest joy. Together with his family, he ventured to extraordinary places: catching piranhas on the Amazon River, going on safari in South Africa, visiting temples in Tibet, and sipping coconut water in the Seychelles. These adventures shaped his worldview and inspired his dream of weaving art into the fabric of his own community. Mark and his wife traveled even more extensively together, visiting every continent and more than 160 countries. He was always behind the camera, capturing moments that told stories of culture, beauty, and humanity. One cherished photo now hangs in his family’s home—a picture of Mark taking a photo of his child taking a photo of him. It’s a reminder of the world he opened to them and the life he built with love and curiosity. Beyond his family, Mark was a man of service. A longtime Rotarian, he earned the organization’s highest honor and served on numerous boards and committees, including United Way and Wallingford Economic Development. His efforts helped shape Wallingford’s future while preserving its history. He championed community traditions, like the Christmas tree on the town green, and gave generously of his time and resources—ringing the Salvation Army bell during the holidays or quietly donating when he couldn’t be there in person. His family only realized the full scope of his community impact after his passing. Mark was also a visionary businessman. He founded G&G Beverage Distributors and grew it into a thriving enterprise over 45 years. His leadership extended beyond his own company; he served as Chairman of the Board for Liberty Bank, using his influence to strengthen communities across Connecticut through the Liberty Bank Foundation. 2 Faith anchored Mark’s life. A graduate of Holy Trinity School, he remained a devoted parishioner and lived by values of service, love, and integrity. His legacy is one of generosity, curiosity, and commitment—to family, to community, and to the world. Mark is deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in projects like this mural initiative—efforts that reflect his belief in beauty, culture, and connection. We know he would be immensely proud of this work. The Project Vision The Mark Gingras Memorial Mural Project seeks to transform central walkways in Wallingford’s town center into a dynamic public art space that reflects the town’s rich history and vibrant future. Inspired by Mark’s vision to weave art into the fabric of everyday life—a vision shaped by his travels and passion for cultural expression—this project will enhance Wallingford Center with bold, meaningful works of art. Through this initiative, we aim to make Wallingford an even more compelling destination for visitors from across the region and beyond. By enhancing our public spaces, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the creativity of our artists, we will strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of our community. This project honors not only Mark but our deep artistic roots and invites new voices to contribute to a shared legacy of beauty, history, and innovation. Eligibility ● Open to experienced muralists and other decorative artists, as well as collaborative teams (including partnerships with student artists). Theme Artists are encouraged to consider a wide range of themes for inclusion. Each alleyway, wall or surface could be considered individually or collectively by the artist. Of note, however, at least one property owner has expressed a desire to pursue a patriotic theme with hopes of having that mural installed in advance of USA 250th celebration events planned for June 2026. Project Details ● Two alleyways including four building exteriors and sidewalks are available for consideration. The goal is to install at least the first mural by May 2026. 3 ● Surfaces include walls, fire escapes, sidewalks, etc. within the designated alleyway. (see images below) ● Considerations: dimensions, material suitability, and durability. ● Additional elements may include lighting, projection, benches, and 3-D features (ironwork, archways). ● Location: Simpson Court in the heart of Wallingford Center. Alleyway #1 lies between 4 N. Main St. and 26 N. Main St.; Alleyway #2 lies between 50 N. Main St. and 60 N. Main St. ● Detailed measurements will be provided for finalists. Artists are encouraged to visit the site. Timeline ● December 10–January 5: Call for Artists ● January 6–16: Jury Review ● January 20: Finalists selected for rendering phase ● January 22: Meet on site ● February 6: Renderings due ● February 13: Artists Selected by Committee ● February 27: Agreements signed ● March 1: Project Launch ● March–April: Project Completion (~2 months) ● May 5–6: Unveiling/Ribbon Cutting/Dedication (timed to coincide with The Great Give) Budget 4 ● Funded by a foundation grant through WACA. ● Honorarium provided for finalists. ● Materials and labor costs must be clearly itemized in proposals. Submission Process and Requirements Phase 1: Submit Artist Interest Form by January 5, 2026 ● Application and contact information. ● Artist interest statement. ● Portfolio of previous work (minimum 3 examples, up to 10 examples and descriptions). Phase 2: Finalists will be required to complete the following by February 6, 2026 ● Complete site visit. ● Detailed concept rendering. ● Timeline and budget. ● References. ● Interview with committee. *Finalists will receive an honorarium of $750 to develop a detailed project proposal and rendering Final Selection: Artist interviews will be scheduled during the week of February 9. Selected artists will be notified by February 13. Project initiation: Artists sign a project contract outlining timeline, deliverables, and payment schedule by February 27.

Back by popular demand, this workshop returns to help artists write with clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this updated session, you’ll get clear guidance on what goes into each key document—your Artist Statement, Bio, CV, and About Statement. You'll walk away knowing how to make each one truly reflect your voice. In this live training, you’ll not only learn how to craft the essential documents every artist needs, but also how to connect them into a cohesive narrative that strengthens your professional presence. You’ll also discover how to use Artwork Archive to keep your materials organized, up to date, and ready to share. In this session, you'll learn the purpose of the essential documents & how they work together. Plus, you'll learn how to: • Create a clear and compelling Artist Statement using a proven analog + digital process • Tell your story through a confident Artist Bio • Build an Artist CV that grows with your career • Create a versatile About Statement • Build your Public Profile that showcases your refreshed writing Can't make it live? Don't worry. Save your seat, and we will send the recording of the live session along with the in-depth lessons *By signing up for this webinar, you are opting into our email list. You can unsubscribe at any time at the bottom of any email.