• In the Spring of 2012, Gallery founder Page Bond launched EMERGE I as an exhibition to connect with the VCUarts community and support young MFA students in Richmond. While the exhibition has, in the past, been invitation-only, it is now primarily submission-based with a small selection of invited artists represented. EMERGE aims to focus on young, emerging artists either currently in school, recently graduated, or showcasing strong commitment to their artistic practice, if not pursuing traditional schooling. 

  • THE OPEN CALL

    There is no theme to the EMERGE exhibition. We treat each year like a survey, encouraging a range of perspectives, concepts, and applications of the fine arts. We welcome young artists practicing in different media such as painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, craft, etc to apply. 
     
    A majority of works included in the EMERGE exhibition will be selected from the open call submission. In addition, a small number of young artists will be invited to submit if the gallery connects with their practice. We look for emerging and overlooked young artists and art students who will bring something distinct to the exhibition. This results in a range of works from artists in different moments of their careers, and gives an extra boost to an emerging artist's CV.
     
    THERE IS NO FEE TO SUBMIT TO EMERGE! 
    We know fees can enforce unnecessary barriers to entry in the submission process. Our hope is that young artists will choose to support the EMERGE exhibition with their active participation, just as we hope to support their careers in return. 
  • CHLOE CLAYBORNE, EMERGE IX
  • THE EXHIBITION This group exhibition will be the only open call we hold each year and is dedicated to featuring...

    THE EXHIBITION

    This group exhibition will be the only open call we hold each year and is dedicated to featuring a wide range of artistic practices. Participating EMERGE artists can expect generous local and national exposure in addition to standard commercial collection opportunities. Many past EMERGE artists have gone on to be nationally recognized, collected, and represented. 

     

    All accepted artists will have their artwork featured at Bond Millen Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in the West End district of Richmond, Virginia.

     

    PAST EXHIBITIONS

  • IMPORTANT DATES

    IMPORTANT DATES

    Monday, March 9, 2026: Submissions Open
    thursday, april 23, 2026: Submissions close-11:59EST deadline
    Friday, may 1, 2026: Accepted Applicants Notified
    friday, June 5, 2026: Participating Artist Delivery Deadline (5601 Cary Street Rd)
    Thursday, June 11, 2026: EMERGE X Exhibition Opens-Reception 5-7pm
    DATE TBD: Young Collectors Night
    Saturday, July 25th, 2026: EMERGE x Exhibition Closes 
    July-August, 2026: Work Returned to Participating Artists, or Kept on Consignment if discussed