Gallery 121 is excited to announce its inaugural group show and invites all library workers to submit proposals for inclusion. Dedicated to celebrating the artistic practices that exist alongside our work in the stacks, classrooms, and virtual spaces, Gallery 121 is a space by library people, for library people. This show is an opportunity to let our creative practices and products to speak to one another—sharing space, sparking dialogue, and revealing connections across our work.
As part of the opening event, featured artists will have the chance to give brief lightning talks about their work.
We welcome submissions in all mediums – additional details, guidelines, and how to apply can be found below.
Submission Deadline: October 14, 2025
Exhibition Opens: November 14, 2025
What’s the Submission Criteria?
All works must have the following information supplied for exhibition.
- Artist First and Last Name
- Title of Artwork
- Materials Used
- Date Created
Two-Dimensional Works
- Maximum size: 3 feet wide x 7 feet tall x 5 inches deep, you can fit as many pieces as you want as long as it fits in this space.
- All works must arrive exhibition-ready with hanging hardware already installed
- Works must hang from a single point or two points maximum – no special mounting systems or custom brackets
- Weight limit of 5 pounds per piece for safe wall mounting
- Works must be ready for immediate display without requiring additional preparation, assembly, or modifications
- No works requiring special lighting, climate control, or security measures beyond standard gallery conditions
- No works with fragile or hazardous materials that could pose safety risks to visitors or staff
Three-Dimensional Works
- Maximum dimensions: 3 feet wide x 7 feet tall x 5 inches deep, you can fit as many pieces as you want as long as it fits in this space.
- Weight limit of 5 pounds per piece for safe handling and transport
- All works must be self-supporting ready to hang on a wall
- Pieces must be ready for immediate display without requiring assembly, installation, or modifications
- No works requiring wall mounting, ceiling suspension, or built-in display cases
- All components must be securely attached – no loose or easily detached elements
- Works must be stable enough to withstand normal hallway foot traffic and minor vibrations
- No works requiring special lighting, climate control, or security measures beyond standard gallery conditions
- Artist must provide clear instructions for safe handling and positioning if needed
- Pieces must maintain structural integrity throughout the full exhibition period
- No works with fragile or hazardous materials that could pose safety risks to visitors or staff
How to Submit Your Work
Send an e-mail to all of the following people: Kate Thornhill (kmthorn@uoregon), Emily Moore (mlemoore@uoregon.edu), Mitch Hughy (mhughey@uoregon.edu), or Ryan Hildebrand (rhilde@uoregon.edu). Let them know that you want to be part of the show.
Please share the following information with any of these people before the end of October 2025. Teams or email works just fine.
- Brief artist biography. 100-150 words max
- Statement about your work.
- 1 photo of a piece (we prefer JPG files) and a caption describing this work that you’ll exhibit in the show
Bring your work to Ryan Hildebrand’s Office no later than Friday, November 7th 2025 by 4pm. Message him ahead of time to give Ryan a heads up that you are stopping by to do a drop off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Artists will there be? There is space for 10 artists.
What are the Artist Responsibilities? Works Need to Be Ready to Hang. All works must arrive exhibition-ready with appropriate hanging/display hardware installed. The gallery cannot provide framing, mounting, or installation services. All artists will get 3 feet wide x 7 feet tall x 5 inches deep of space, you can fit as many pieces as you want within these dimensions.
For 2D Works: All pieces must arrive with appropriate hanging hardware already installed. Specify that works should hang from a single point or two points maximum to work with standard picture hanging systems. No pieces requiring special brackets, French cleats, or custom mounting solutions. Works must hang from a single point or two points maximum – no special mounting systems or custom brackets.
For 3D Works: Sculptures must be self-supporting and designed for wall mounting. All pieces must weigh less than 5 pounds and protrude no more than 5 inches from the wall. Works must arrive with appropriate wall-mounting hardware already installed and hang from a single point or two points maximum using standard picture hanging systems. No pieces requiring special brackets, French cleats, ceiling suspension, or built-in display cases.
Artwork Drop Off and Pick Up
The artist is responsible for delivery and pickup of artwork.