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Charles Adams Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit flat, unframed, two-dimensional artwork for Priority: International Juried Exhibition, juried by Leslie Moody Castro. This open-themed exhibition embraces the full range of 2D practices—across media, scale, and intent—while emphasizing immediacy, material presence, and global exchange.

In a time of increased nationalism, political division, and narrowing borders, Priority affirms the importance of maintaining international artistic partnerships. Whether artworks travel thousands of miles or come from just down the street, each submission represents an act of connection and dialogue. By welcoming works through the mail, this exhibition honors the democratic nature of sending and receiving art: individual pieces converging into a broader global conversation. Packaging elements and postal ephemera may be preserved and integrated into the installation as part of the visual and conceptual narrative.

Open to artists worldwide, Priority invites submissions of unframed, original flat 2D works in any medium, including but not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, and mixed media. Eligible work must measure between 2″ x 3″ (A8) and 18″ x 24″ (B2) and we encourage you to use any materials in the creation, from paper to plexiglass. Envelopes and other packaging may be incorporated into the final presentation.

The exhibition opens on October 3, 2025, in conjunction with First Friday Art Trail, a monthly event that brings thousands of visitors to downtown Lubbock for a night of art, music, and community. Founded in 1982, Charles Adams Gallery is a cornerstone of the Texas contemporary art scene and a leading venue for contemporary art in the region and beyond.

Leslie Moody Castro: About the Juror

Leslie Moody Castro is an internationally recognized curator, writer, and cultural producer whose practice emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and process. Her work fosters cross-cultural dialogue and inclusiveness in contemporary exhibition-making. Her curatorial insight and commitment to accessibility make Priority a rare opportunity for artists at all stages of their careers.

Leslie Moody Castro: Biography

Leslie Moody Castro is an independent curator and writer whose practice is based on itinerancy and collaboration. She has produced, organized, and collaborated on projects in Mexico and the United States for nearly two decades. She is committed to creating moments of exchange and dialogue within exhibitions, is a co-founder of Unlisted Projects Residency, and Co-Lab Projects, and in 2022 served as inaugural curatorial fellow and curator in residence at New Mexico State University and Casa Otro Residency, respectively. She has been awarded two grants from the National Endowment of the Arts for her curatorial projects and a fellowship from the Department of State for her research on borders. Moody Castro has participated in numerous residencies including the Narva Artist Residency, Estonia, The Galveston Artist Residency, Casa Lü Residency, Tepoztlán, MARSO CDMX, and Fountainhead, Miami. She has curated biennials including the Amarillo Museum of Art Biennial in 2021, The Texas Biennial in 2018, and co-curator of the Aurora Biennial in 2024. Moody Castro was guest editor of Glasstire Magazine from 2021—2024, is the founder of AtravesArte and believes Mariachi makes everything better.

Awards

Award details will be announced by mid-July and will include cash prizes. The juror will select all award recipients, including a Best in Show honoree who may be considered for a solo exhibition at Charles Adams Gallery in 2026.
Winners will be announced during the opening reception on October 3, 2025.

About Charles Adams Gallery

Founded in the mid-1980s after Charles Adams returned to Lubbock from New York City, the gallery has played a foundational role in building the city’s cultural core. In 2022, the gallery entered a new chapter under the new ownership of Zach Morriss, expanding to host twelve curated exhibitions annually, including juried shows showcasing regional, national, and international artists.

With over 30 affiliated artists and 5,000–9,000 visitors monthly, Charles Adams Gallery is a vibrant anchor of the Lubbock arts district and remains committed to accessible, high-caliber programming.

About First Friday Art Trail

Held rain or shine on the first Friday of every month, First Friday Art Trail (FFAT) is a free, self-guided public art event in downtown Lubbock. It connects the public with artists, musicians, and local businesses across a broad spectrum of creative venues. With live music, trolleys, and an ever-evolving range of exhibitions, FFAT draws thousands of visitors and helps position Lubbock as a hub for contemporary arts in Texas.

Opportunity Website

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