“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”
Muse Gallery invites artists affiliated with Philadelphia-area collectives, DIY, or cooperative spaces—past or present—to submit work for a special exhibition honoring the legacy and future of artist-run spaces in the city.
Theme Description
We honor Philadelphia’s rich history of artist-run spaces while spotlighting current and emerging collectives. This exhibition invites reflection on shared experiences, generational transitions, and future possibilities in our art community.
Each piece should represent one of the three timeframes: Yesterday, Today, or Tomorrow, with an emphasis on (keep intergenerational) reflection and collaboration, highlighting the resilience of artists working together across time through economic, political, and cultural change.
Yesterday —historical or reflective work from earlier in the artist’s journey or collective experience
Today — recent work engaging with current issues or practices
Tomorrow —experimental, or forward-looking work
Submission opens: May 2026
1. Eligibility
Artists must have a past or current connection with one or more of the following:
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Artist-run galleries or collectives
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Pop-up, DIY, or experimental art spaces
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Community-based or collaborative art practices
2. Submission Guidelines
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Submission Fee: $30 for up to 5 works
3. Exhibition Dates: September 30 to October 31, 2026.
4. Formats Accepted
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No larger than 20 inches on any side
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Only 2D work or work that can be hung on the wall will be accepted.
（We will not be accepting 3D or installation-based artworks）
Jury Panel:
Zifeng Zang, Muse Gallery artist
Zifeng Zang is an abstract painter and art educator based in Philadelphia. She holds BFAs from Jilin University and West Chester University and creates expressive, layered paintings. She is a member of Muse Gallery and completed a residency at The Delaware Contemporary in 2024. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Sharon Ewing, invited guest juror
Sharon Ewing holds degrees from Wellesley College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University. She was affiliated with Gross McCleaf Gallery for more than fifty years, serving as Assistant Director, Director, and later Owner. She played a key role in maintaining the gallery’s long-standing reputation for exhibiting leading regional contemporary artists.
