MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Public Art Commission, in partnership with the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, invites artists to submit work for A Cabinet of Curiosities, a juried exhibition celebrating the wonder, mystery, and beauty of the natural world through two-dimensional art.
Inspired by the Renaissance and Enlightenment-era Wunderkammer — or “Cabinets of Curiosities”— the exhibition explores humanity’s enduring fascination with collecting, cataloging, and marveling at the extraordinary.
These early collections brought together remarkable objects from across the known world, blurring the boundaries between science, art, history, and myth.
Artistic pillars
Artists are encouraged to create work inspired by one or more of the five traditional pillars of a cabinet of curiosities:
- Naturalia – Wonders of the natural world, including flora, fauna, fossils, minerals, insects, and geological specimens.
- Artificialia – Human-made objects, artifacts, craftsmanship, and artistic creations.
- Scientifica – Instruments and discoveries that reveal and measure the mysteries of the universe.
- Exotica – Rare plants, animals, landscapes, and cultural objects from distant places.
- Mirabilia – The extraordinary and mysterious, including legendary creatures, folklore, surreal natural phenomena, and the unexplained.
While artists are welcome to interpret the theme broadly, works focusing on nature, animals, botanical subjects, specimens, collections, real or imagined creatures, and the intersection of science and imagination are especially encouraged.
The exhibition is open to original two-dimensional artwork in all media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, collage, mixed media, and fiber arts suitable for wall display.
Submission Details:
- Theme: A Cabinet of Curiosities.
- Eligibility: Open to all ages (Youth, Teen, and Adult categories).
- Deadline for Entries: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
- Notification of Acceptance: Week of Week of Aug. 31.
- Exhibition Dates: Sept. 14 to Nov. 13.
Artists may submit up to three pieces for consideration. All works must be original and ready to hang. Original art may be listed for sale or not for sale.
Any art sales would be communicated directly to the artist, and the Public Art Commission and Library would not take any commission to facilitate the sale beyond providing the artist’s contact info.
How to Submit:
Artists may submit artwork for consideration digitally by completing the submission form, which can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9OAExTW_R8OwcVxVs2kMyomLUUXOvoWyfRJ5QaMBeojWXhQ/viewform?usp=preview
Please include high-resolution images, dimensions, medium, and a short description for each piece.
Selected works will be exhibited at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, where visitors will be invited to explore a contemporary interpretation of the historic cabinet of curiosities through the eyes of regional artists.
For Public Art Commission: Guiding Principles, visit https://ci.mansfield.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Public-Art-Guiding-Principles.pdf
Selected works will be exhibited at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, where visitors will be invited to explore a contemporary interpretation of the historic cabinet of curiosities through the eyes of regional artists.