122 Western Avenue Box 127
Lowell, MA 01851
“Public Places, Private Spaces”
October 1, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Reception October 4, 3-5
Poetry Convergence immediately following the reception
Awards:
First Place $500
Second Place $300
Third Place $100
Lowell’s Loading Dock Gallery presents *Public Places, Private Spaces*
We are seeking submissions for an upcoming exhibition titled *Public Places, Private Spaces*, which invites artists to explore the complex and often blurred lines between the collective and the personal. This theme considers how public environments can contain deeply personal experiences, and how private spaces are often shaped by public forces—social norms, political structures, surveillance, or shared memory. Artists are encouraged to examine questions of access, autonomy, intimacy, and exposure within the context of physical, digital, and psychological space.
We encourage a wide variety of mediums; oil, watercolor, acrylic, fabric, mixed media, photography, collage and 3D work.
Public Places, Private Spaces also includes Lowell’s Eleventh Annual Poetry Convergence. On October 4, as part of the opening, local poets will create and present poems inspired by works in the exhibit.
Juror: Paige Roehrig
Paige Roehrig is an experienced arts administrator and the Executive Director of the Copley Society of Art (Co|So), the oldest nonprofit art association in the United States. Her work centers on creating equitable spaces that foster community dialogue, support creative place-keeping, and provide meaningful platforms for artists across disciplines and stages of their careers.
Paige has a strong background in gallery and nonprofit management, with experience spanning exhibition curation, public programming, operational leadership, and community engagement. She previously served as the Programs and Operations Manager at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, where she oversaw key initiatives including artist fellowships, fiscal sponsorships, and internal operations. In addition, she managed exhibitions and programming for Western Avenue Studios and Lofts in Lowell, helping to build community through accessible, artist-led public events.
Paige holds a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Ceramics from Northern Michigan University. In 2026, Paige will join the faculty at Merrimack College as an adjunct professor, where she will teach an Arts Management course. Her leadership is driven by a belief in the transformative power of the arts to foster inclusion, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen civic life.
Entry Fee: Non-members: $40 for three entries. Loading Dock Gallery members: $25 for three entries. Limited to three entries per artist. Fees are non refundable.
Eligibility: Open to artists over 18 years of age, in the New England region.
Requirements: Entries must be original artworks completed within the last five years. No reproductions. All artworks must be for sale. Video, projection, and performance will not be considered.
Images must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, images should be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi. For help with your submissions, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351
Guidelines for Artwork: 2D work can be no larger than 48" wide or 72" high including frame, no more than 50 lbs., and must be hang ready with its own hanging hardware suitable for drywall surfaces. No sawtooth hangers. Large framed artwork must use non-breakable glazing. Pieces without the proper hanging hardware will not be included in the exhibition. 3-D work can be free-standing, pedestal or wall hung with no restriction on material. Free-standing work must not weigh more than 50 lbs., and can be no larger than 6' 0" in any dimension while structurally suitable for an indoor open floor plan gallery environment.
The Loading Dock Gallery reserves the right to reject works judged too fragile or unstable for display, that differ from the digital image(s) or description submitted or which are found to be not professionally presented. All work must be original (no reproductions). Artworks will be chosen for content consistent with the theme of the show and suitable for a family gallery.
Accepted Artists: Artists will be notified by email by September 12. Results will be available in your OnlineJuriedShows artist profile.
Delivery: Accepted work can be hand delivered to the Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue Studios, Lowell MA, 01851 starting on Wednesday, September 17 during gallery hours or by appointment. The cut-off for all deliveries is Sunday, September 28. Artwork that has not been received by Sunday, September 28 at 3:30 pm will not be accepted.
Any shipped artwork must include pre-paid return postage/shipping label for FedEx or UPS. All artwork should be packaged in a manner that will allow for the materials to be re-used for return shipping. Do not ship artwork with packing peanuts, popcorn, or Styrofoam materials. Artists are responsible for round trip insurance.
Removal: Pick up of unsold work begins Sunday, October 27 between 4pm and 5pm. Thereafter, during gallery hours and by appointment. Works not picked up by Sunday, November 3 will be considered abandoned and become the property of the Loading Dock Gallery. All shipped artwork must include prepaid return postage/shipping label for FedEx or UPS. In the case of inadequate or nonexistent postage, works will be considered abandoned and become the property of the Loading Dock Gallery. Artwork to be shipped will be returned within 2 weeks following the closing date of the exhibition.
Insurance: The Loading Dock Gallery insures objects on loan while they are at the Gallery. Works are not insured in transit to and from the Gallery and beyond the designated pick-up days. The price/ insurance valuation should reasonable reflect the value of the artwork. Proof of valuation will be required should a claim be filed. There is a $500.00 deductible on each item. The Gallery will not be responsible for damage of artwork that has been deemed by Gallery personnel as too fragile, unstable, or improperly prepared for hanging. This work will not be accepted into the show.
Photography/Publicity: The Loading Dock Gallery reserves the right to photograph work for publicity. By entering your work in the exhibition you agree to the use of your name, likeness, certain personal information, and artwork in any publicity material developed for the show.
Sales/ Commission: The Loading Dock Gallery retains 40% commission from work sold by non members. The sale price should include commission. Artists will receive payment by check within 15 days following the close of the exhibit.
Important Dates:
• June 19 Open date to submit artwork to OnlineJuriedShows
• September 2 Closing date to submit artwork to OnlineJuriedShows
• September 12 Jury results and notification to artists of accepted/declined pieces
• September 17 - 28 Artists deliver accepted works to the Loading Dock Gallery during gallery hours • October 1 Show opens to the public.
• Oct 4 Reception 3-5 pm, 11th Annual Poetry Convergence 5-7pm
• Oct 26 Show Closes
• Oct 27 Artists pick up artwork during gallery hours or by appointment
Disclaimer/Legal
Loading Dock Gallery is not liable for stolen or damaged art and by entering this show, you accept these terms.
Public Places, Private Spaces runs October 1 - October 26 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Friday; 10:00–3:30pm Saturdays & Sundays. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, October 4, during Western Avenue Studios’ open house, noon-5pm. For details, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.