Sumac Cottage and Black Belt Workshop seek submissions for “NESTS,” a thematic exhibition in conjunction with the 5th Annual Black Belt Birding Festival. 

Nests can range from the familiar cup-shaped objects perched on branches to cavities inside of trees, holes in the earth, or towers made of spit and mud–all designed for protection and fostering life. What of yours needs protection? What is your sanctuary? Artists are encouraged to create work that reflects on nests–their materials, their structure, their function. Follow your nesting instinct, wherever that leads you.

All media are encouraged to apply. The cottage is a unique display environment that offers conventional wall display, but also mantels, timber ceiling rafters and high ceilings that can be suspended from, along with exterior space for outdoor sculpture and installations. There is limited wall space, so it is likely that portions of the work will be hung salon style. Proposals for site-specific, outdoor installations are welcome as well.

Accepted works will be on view at the cottage beginning during Alabama Audubon’s 5th Annual Black Belt Birding Festival, on August 2. The work will be remain on public display for Fridays and Saturdays (and by appointment) throughout August. You are encouraged to have your work for sale, and those will be at a 60/40 commission split.

Deadline to apply: 6/30/25, at 11:59 PM

Notifications: 7/7/25

Works received by Sumac Cottage: 7/18/25 - 7/24/25

Show opens: August 2

Closing Party for Artists: 8/30/25

Submission instructions: email all submissions to magic@sumaccottage.com, subject line “NESTS.” For each submission, include

• 2-3 image of piece, along with title, medium, dimensions and retail value. Artworks must have been created between the present day and 2022.

• artist statement, bio, and any specific statement relating to the piece

• website and/or social media

You can submit up to 3 pieces. If submitting multiple pieces, submit each piece in separate e-mails.

We ask for an optional submission fee of $15 to help cover gallery expenses and pay for an “Audience Choice” award. You can pay this via venmo, @blackbeltworkshop or by visiting venmo.com/u/blackbeltworkshop. You can also pay via pay-pal to hello@blackbeltworkshop.org.

If you are interested in vending at our Artist Market during the Black Belt Birding Festival on August 2, please see this application. If you are interested in being a food vendor, please e-mail us at magic@sumacottage.com.