Theme: After Dark

After Dark invites artists to explore everything the night has to offer. Whether inspired by Richmond, memory, folklore, nature, or your own imagination, we can't wait to see where the theme takes you.

It celebrates everything that makes the night intriguing, beautiful, mysterious, funny, and memorable.

There is no right answer.

What comes alive after dark?

Richmond has a different personality after dark.
Sometimes it's Poe.
Sometimes it's the Richmond Vampire.
Sometimes it's neon.
Sometimes it's music.
Sometimes it's wildlife.
Sometimes it's something you never expected to find.

Important Dates

Extended Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
Artists Notified: By October 2, 2026
Preferred Artwork Drop-Off: October 3–4, 2026
Exhibition Opens: October 8, 2026
Exhibition: October 8, 2026 –November 8, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: October 3–4 is preferred, but we know the updated timeline is tight. For accepted artists who need additional flexibility, we will do our best to coordinate alternate drop-off arrangements through October 7.

Event

Late October: State TBD

We'll celebrate After Dark with a closing gathering with the artists and one final opportunity to experience the exhibition before it disappears until the theme reemerges next October.

Exhibition Guidelines

Who Can Apply: Open to artists 18 years and older.

Accepted Media

Original artwork in all visual media is welcome, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, and professionally presented digital artwork.

AI-generated artwork is not eligible.

Submission

One artist. One artwork.
No entry fee.
Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
Special guest jurors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Artwork Requirements

Original artwork only.
Small works are encouraged.
Preferred maximum size: 12" × 12" × 12", including frame or display base.
A limited number of slightly larger works may be accepted at the curator's discretion.
Artwork must be ready to hang or professionally display upon delivery. Wall-mounted work must include appropriate hanging hardware.
Artwork must be ready to hang or professionally display.
Accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition October 1 - November 1.
All accepted artwork must be available for sale.

Sales

Artists receive 60% of the retail sale price.

dagNABit! & Moore retains a 40% gallery commission on all artwork sold.

Artwork will be selected to create a thoughtful and balanced exhibition.

Why After Dark? From Shop Owner and Artist Raven Bates

I've always loved fall.

Not just Halloween, although I absolutely do. I love cooler evenings, front porches dressed for the season, and the feeling that the world gets a little more interesting after sunset.

When I opened dagNABit! & Moore, I wanted it to be more than a shop. I wanted it to be a place where people discover local artists, start conversations, find something unexpected, and continue an original art collection or maybe even buy their first original piece of art.

After Dark is the beginning of that tradition.

My hope is simple. That artists have fun with the theme. That visitors discover work they connect with. That conversations happen. That someone leaves with a favorite piece, or a favorite artist.

I'd love for you to be part of the first After Dark.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: After Dark Group Exhibition

Annual October exhibition at dagNABit & Moore