8th Midwest Open

The “Midwest Open” is an annual exhibition at WMG that highlights the achievements of women and nonbinary artists living in the American Midwest. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 12 states in the Midwest include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The exhibition encourages artists to expand their materials, push the boundaries of medium and texture, and explore innovative approaches. It seeks the most provocative work each artist has to offer, fostering a Midwest exhibition that challenges perspectives, sparks dialogue, and leaves a lasting impact. Artists may submit up to three works in any visual medium, provided they have not been previously shown at Woman Made Gallery.

Cash prizes are awarded to three artists in the exhibition, as designated by the juror.

Awards

• 1st place: $300
• 2nd place: $200
• 3rd place: $100
• 4th place: Honorable Mention

About the Juror
Kimberly Oliva (b. 1978, Chicago) is a Chicago-based Midwest curator. She received her Bachelor of Art degree from Loyola University in 2001. She is the owner of Oliva Gallery and has curated over 150 interdisciplinary exhibitions. In 2019, Oliva Gallery exhibited at SOFA, and in June 2025, it will be presenting at Door County Contemporary. Kimberly is the founder of the Mozart Park Mural Program and co-chair of Mozart Park, Chicago Park District.Kimberly focuses on established Midwest artists and has been immersed in the art scene for over two decades. For more information, visit https://www.olivagallery.com.

Calendar

Exhibition Dates: August 30 - September 27, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 30 from 4 to 7 PM CST

Artist Walkthrough: Saturday, September 27 from 2 to 4 PM CST

First Entry Due Date: June 20 | 11:59 PM CST (entry fee: $35)

Final Entry Due Date: June 27 | 11:59 PM CST

Notification: July 18, 2025

Requirements

Entry Fee: The entry fee is $35 per entry. Each entry requires a minimum of one artwork, though up to three artworks may be considered per submission. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Members at the Enhanced Artist Level ($100) and above receive one free entry annually. Please email general@womanmade.org to receive your one-time code for free entry redemption.

WMG offers up to 30 fee waivers per exhibition. To acknowledge the historic inequities of wealth distribution, they are mainly reserved for ALAANA/BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+. If you require a fee waiver simply email them explaining your need and they will assist you. Please email WMG at general@womanmade.org to request a fee-waiver.

Eligibility: Woman Made Gallery is a space for women and nonbinary artists, including trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. They welcome art from women and non-binary artists from the local community, regionally based, and around the world.

Art Sales: Accepted work may be listed for sale or be not for sale (NFS). WMG will retain a 40% commission on sold works. Work remains the property of the artist until sold. Sold artworks shall remain in the exhibition until the end of the exhibition. Artists will be paid no later than 30 days after the close of the exhibit. Artists may donate any portion of their commission to WMG.

Application Instructions

Apply via the provided Submittable Link.
Contact general@womanmade.org with questions.