Exhibition Overview
Art Meets Word explores the creative dialogue between visual and literary expression, where painted lines find their voice and written verse takes tangible form.
This juried exhibition is organized by Laird Art Gallery and will be presented at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery from August 16 to September 17, 2026. Laird Art Gallery was invited by the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery to organize this exhibition as part of its 50th anniversary year.
The exhibition grew out of Laird Art Link, a gathering hosted by Laird Art Gallery where visual artists and writers meet to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and explore connections between image and language.
Emerging from these conversations and collaborations, Art Meets Word invites artists and writers to explore how visual form and written expression can enrich and transform one another.
Visual artworks may respond to creative writing such as poetry, or serve as inspiration for original text. The visual artwork and written component may be created by the same individual or through collaboration between artists and writers.
Eligibility
Submissions are open to visual artists and creative writers age 18 and older.
Artists may submit 1 to 3 works for consideration.
One artwork per artist will be selected for exhibition.
All artworks must be original.
The writing component is optional but strongly encouraged.
Size Guidelines
▪ 2D Works
Maximum 36 inches on the widest side.
Height may be up to 60 inches if the width does not exceed 36 inches.
▪ 3D Works
Sculptural works must:
-Fit entirely within one of the available gallery display cases
-Weigh under 30 lbs
-Be fully enclosed within the case dimensions
Works requiring similar case sizes may limit selection due to spatial overlap.
Floor installations are not permitted.
- Available Display Cases
Six pedestal display cases are available:
60" L × 36" W × 32" H (2 cases)
32" L × 16" W × 28" H
30" L × 30" W × 35" H
28" L × 14" W × 22" H
24" L × 12" W × 18" H
Text Component (Optional)
An accompanying text may be displayed directly below the artwork as part of a unified presentation.
The text may take the form of poetry, short prose, or reflective writing.
The text panel must be exhibition-ready (mounted or framed) and may not exceed 11 × 17 inches.
If the text is written by a third party, the submitting artist must secure all copyright permissions.
Exhibition Events
This interdisciplinary exhibition takes place during the 50th anniversary year of the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, which first opened in May 1976.
Selected artists and collaborating writers will be invited to participate in the following events.
▪ Opening Reception
Saturday, August 22, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
▪ Art and Poetry Reading Event
Saturday, September 5, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery is a publicly accessible exhibition space managed by the City of Toronto. Admission is free and the gallery welcomes a wide community audience.
In addition to the in-person exhibition, selected works will also be presented online through the Laird Art Gallery website, allowing audiences to view and purchase artworks.
Fees and Commission
A non-refundable $10 application fee is required at submission.
Payment may be made by e-transfer to 72LAIRD@gmail.com or through lairdartgallery.com.
If selected, a non-refundable $100 participation fee applies.
Artworks may be listed for sale at the artist’s discretion.
A 20% commission will be retained on all exhibited artworks sold.
Submission
To submit your work for Art Meets Word, please complete the application form and submit the $10 application fee.
Artist Application Form
https://forms.gle/j6DHYWDqcVqNxwpMA
Application Fee ($10):
Your submission will be considered complete once both the application form and the application fee have been received.
Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026
Applications will be reviewed by the Laird Art Link Curatorial Team. Due to the number of submissions, not all applications will be accepted. Selected artists will be notified by email by June 5, 2026.
About the Organizers
Laird Art Gallery was founded in April 2022 by artist Young Hee Sung as an artist-led space grounded in dialogue and connection. What began as an intimate response to artistic isolation has grown into a collaborative platform supporting visual artists and interdisciplinary exchange.
Through exhibitions, conversations, and partnerships with writers and community organizations, the gallery contributes to Toronto’s diverse and evolving cultural landscape.
All Seeds Academy believes that education is not the transfer of information but the awakening of potential. Through interdisciplinary programming, the academy cultivates environments where imagination, reflection, and growth can flourish.
Contact
For inquiries, please contact
Laird Art Gallery
info@lairdartgallery.com
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