Behind the Mask: A Portrait Exhibition

Spiva Center for the Arts invites artists to submit portrait work for a new exhibition exploring the tension between external appearances and internal truths.

Behind the Mask challenges the audience to examine how we navigate the complex relationship between our public selves and our private identities. Whether literal, metaphorical, or psychological, the "mask" serves as a symbol of the roles we adopt, the facades we construct, and the truth we conceal. These do not need to be self-portraits.  

We invite entries of work in any physical medium. This will be a juried exhibition, and the work selected will be on display in Spiva’s gallery for seven weeks. 

Artwork Guidelines: 

Mediums Accepted: We are accepting all forms of portraiture, including but not limited to painting, photography, mixed media, and sculpture. 

Presentation Restriction: Accepted work must not be presented behind glass, unless it is hand-delivered. 

Focus: Portraits should explore the theme of masks—whether through symbolism, abstract representations, or direct depictions. Consider how your work might show the divide between outward appearances and inner emotions or truths. We are not necessarily looking for literal masks.