14th Annual Upstate Artists

Important Announcement:

Final Year of the Upstate Artists Juried Group Show


After much reflection, we want to share that the upcoming 14th Annual Upstate Artists Juried Group Show will be the last of its kind at The Laffer Gallery. This exhibition has been a cornerstone of The Laffer Gallery’s programming for more than a decade, and we are deeply grateful to the hundreds of talented artists and community members who have made it such a meaningful tradition.


Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that in celebration of our 15th year (2026), we will be introducing a new exhibition format with fresh guidelines and criteria. This next chapter will continue to support and highlight the incredible artistic talent of our region, while offering a renewed vision for the future.


But first, we invite you to take part in the final chapter of tradition, the 14th Annual Upstate Artists Juried Group Show.

Call For Art: 14th Upstate Artists Juried Group Show Applicant Instructions

 

The Laffer Gallery is holding an open submission for all forms of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art for a December 2025 – January 2026 juried group show. Please review the guidelines and additional information below for submission of artwork regarding this exhibition. For an online application form, please visit: https://thelaffergallery.com/application


Exhibition Dates: December 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 5–8 PM

Submission Deadline: Entries must be received no later than Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Midnight.


Jurors: Terry McCormack Debrule & Carl Debrule


Terry and Carl DeBrule are passionate collectors of contemporary art whose journey with The Laffer Gallery began more than a decade ago. They first met Erik Laffer in 2013 during a panel discussion on collecting art at the Saratoga Arts Center. As they were waiting for the panel discussion to begin, and prior to meeting Erik, they perused some of the art on the wall and placed a red sticker on a painting that they liked very much. During the panel discussion, they discovered the artist was Erik Laffer. Since that serendipitous introduction, Terry and Carl have become close friends of Erik, fans of The Laffer Gallery and dedicated supporters of the arts. Their collection continues to grow with works by regional and national artists, reflecting their deep appreciation for creativity, innovation, and artistic vision.


In addition to their roles as collectors, Carl serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Hyde Collection, and chair of the Collection & Exhibitions committee. further underscoring their ongoing commitment to fostering and supporting the arts at both the regional and institutional level.


With their experience, insight, and passion (they met in an art history class in college 44 years ago) Terry and Carl bring a unique and thoughtful perspective to this year’s juried exhibition.


Requirements/Eligibility:
• Artists must be willing to loan works of art for display for the entire period of the exhibition.
• Artists must reside within a 125-mile radius of Saratoga Springs, NY.
• Works completed in the past 3 years are eligible.
• Maximum size: 48” W x 72” H.
• Artists may submit up to 3 pieces of work for consideration.
• A one-time non-refundable $25 submission fee is required with application to assist with exhibition costs.
• Completed application form required.


How To Apply:
Applications and images may be submitted online at:
 https://thelaffergallery.com/submissions


Juror Selection:

Notifications of selected work(s) will be emailed by Monday, November 24, 2025. Please remember to check your junk/spam folders. If you have not received your results by Tuesday, November 25, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call 518-695-3181.

All juror selections are final.


Awards:
In celebration of our 14th year, The Laffer Gallery is proud to present a total of $1,400 in awards for the 14th Annual Upstate Artists Juried Group Show.

Award Breakdown:
• Best in Show – $500
• Second Place – $300
• Third Place – $200
• Honorable Mention (4) – $100 each ($400 total)


Commission:
During the “Upstate Artists” exhibition, the price of artwork is determined by the artist. Sales are split 50/50 between the artist and The Laffer Gallery.


Delivery of Work:
Selected artists must deliver artwork to The Laffer Gallery on:
• Sunday, November 30, 2025, 12–5 PM
• Monday, December 1, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM

All artwork must be suitably framed/mounted (no exposed glass edges) with hanging wire attached. The Gallery reserves the right to decline works in fragile or unstable condition.


Removal of Work:
Post-exhibition removal dates:
• Sunday, January 11, 2026, 5–7 PM
• Monday, January 12, 2026, 9 AM–12 PM


Liability:
Submission constitutes agreement to the above guidelines. By applying, the artist authorizes The Laffer Gallery to photograph and reproduce accepted work for catalog, website, publicity, and marketing related to this exhibition.


Online Application:
See below

Fill out my online form.