In celebration of the Connecticut River Conservancy’s 75th anniversary, we invite artists to submit work for a curated group exhibition, The River We Call Home. This exhibit honors the Connecticut River watershed as a place of wonder, belonging, and relationship—one that sustains both human and natural communities. More information here.

For 75 years, the Connecticut River Conservancy and many collaborators and volunteers have worked to protect, restore, and advocate for the Connecticut River and its tributaries. This exhibition seeks to reflect a legacy of love and stewardship through artistic interpretations of the river as a home. By highlighting the watershed’s dimensionality as only art can do, we hope the exhibit will stir a renewed sense of passion and engagement for environmental conservation among museum visitors.

Two united yet distinct exhibits will be held at beautifully situated river-side locations in 2027: at the Connecticut River Museum (Essex, CT) from February-May; and at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (Brattleboro, VT) from July-October. Artists may indicate a preference for which museum they would like to display their work, and curators will take this into consideration when possible. The art will be complemented by informational displays, a kid-friendly interactive art corner, and supportive historic materials such as a scrapbook and digital media.

Artists may use this entry form, which will open for submissions on October 1st at 9am.

Details & Guidelines:

Artists are encouraged to respond to ideas such as:

• The river as a place of beauty, reflection, belonging, or identity

• Inhabitants of the watershed, great or small

• Relationships between people, wildlife, and water

• Change over time—ecological, cultural, or personal

• Stewardship, care, and responsibility for shared places

• Daily life, recreation, or quiet moments along the river

Interpretations may be literal or abstract, historical or modern, celebratory or contemplative.

This call is open to artists who:

• Live, work, or have a meaningful connection to the Connecticut River watershed (in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, or Connecticut)

• Work in any artistic medium

• Are able to deliver/ship and pick up their art at the appropriate times

Artists at all stages of their career are encouraged to apply. Collaborative and interdisciplinary works are welcome. All media will be considered, including but not limited to:

• Painting, drawing, printmaking

• Photography and digital media

• Sculpture and installation

• Fiber, textile, and mixed media

• Assemblage or found-object work

Selected works must be delivered ready to hang/display.

Artists may submit up to 3 works for consideration.

Submissions must include:

• Contact information [name, email, address, phone]

• Artist statement (brief, 250 words max) describing your connection to the watershed and how the work relates to the exhibition theme

• Short artist bio (100 words max)

• Work description(s) including title, medium, dimensions, and year completed

• Images or media files

All submissions will be reviewed by a curatorial panel. 

More information here.