Purple and yellow graphic announcing the REcollection Alumni Exhibition

Alumni Exhibition 2026

RE/collection

The School of Art and Design invites alumni to submit work for RE/collection, the 2026 Alumni Exhibition.

RE/collection offers a point of departure rather than a directive. The title suggests ideas of return, reflection, accumulation, and transformation—whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time.

Artists may choose to engage these ideas directly, or simply use this opportunity to share recent work that reflects their current direction. The exhibition embraces a range of approaches, highlighting both continuity and change across the diverse practices of ECU alumni.

Exhibition Dates

August 24 – September 26, 2026

Reception

Friday, September 4, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Held across all exhibition venues

Exhibition Venues

This is more than an exhibition — it’s a reunion of talent, ideas, and shared history. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of our alumni and the enduring legacy of the School of Art and Design.

Alumni Exhibition Weekend

Jenkins Fine Arts Center Open House

Friday, September 4 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Tour facilities, meet current faculty, and reconnect with the School prior to the reception.

Alumni Mixer

Saturday, September 5 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Join fellow alumni, family, and friends for a casual gathering at
📍 Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S. Pitt Street, Greenville
Light refreshments will be provided.

Stay in Greenville

A block of rooms is available at the Hilton Garden Inn (Downtown Greenville)
Booking Code: 90N

 

Call for Entries

👉 View full details and submit your work via Cafe.

Eligibility

  • Open to alumni of the East Carolina University School of Art / School of Art and Design
  • Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ (Call for Entry)
  • Applications from non-alumni will be disqualified

Submission Guidelines

  • Artists may submit up to three (3) artworks
  • All work must have been completed within the past five (5) years
  • All media are eligible

Selection Policy:
At least one work from each eligible alumnus will be included; curators may select additional works. Final selection and venue placement are at the discretion of the curatorial team.

 

Artwork Requirements

All work must:

  • Be original and exhibition-ready
  • Fit through a standard doorway (30 in W × 86 in H)
  • Be valued at $5,000 or less
  • Artists must provide all framing, matting, and hanging hardware.
  • Sawtooth hangers are not permitted.
  • Artwork may not be suspended from the ceiling.

2D Work

  • Maximum size: 5 ft × 5 ft
  • Must be ready to hang with appropriate hardware (no sawtooth hangers)

3D Work

  • Maximum size: 3 ft × 3 ft × 5 ft
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs
  • Must be suitable for floor or pedestal display

Time-Based Media

  • Maximum duration: 15 minutes
  • Presented via screen or projection in a designated gallery space (Gray Gallery)

Sales

  • Works may be offered for sale
  • Emerge Gallery and Art Center
    • 30% commission applies
    • Work must remain on view for the duration of the exhibition
  • Other venues (Gray Gallery, Faulkner Gallery, Proctor-Yongue House):
    • Sales are conducted directly between artist and buyer
  • ECU and partner venues are not responsible for payment or dispute resolution for works sold outside of Emerge Gallery.

    Entry Fee

    • $25 flat fee (regardless of number of works submitted)
      Directly supports students in the School of Art Design through scholarships, art kits, visiting artists, and travel to conferences.

    Important Dates

    • Call Opens: May 1, 2026
    • Deadline: July 1, 2026
    • Notification: July 13, 2026
    • Delivery Window: August 3–10, 2026
    • Exhibition: August 24 – September 26, 2026
    • Pickup/Return Shipping: September 27 – October 2, 2026

    Delivery & Shipping

    • Artists may ship work directly to their assigned venue or deliver in person
    • Shipping Requirements:
      • Prepaid return shipping label required
      • Venues insure work while on display only
      • Artists are responsible for all shipping costs

      Contracts & Conditions

      • All accepted work must have a signed exhibition contract prior to display
      • Detailed instructions will be provided upon acceptance
      • Unclaimed Work:
        • Artwork not collected within the designated pickup window will be considered abandoned and may become the property of the hosting venue.

      Rights & Permissions

      • By submitting, artists grant permission for accepted works to be used for educational, promotional, and publicity purposes by ECU and participating venues
      • Limitations:
        • Artwork will not be reproduced for commercial sale

      Questions:

      artdesign@ecu.edu or call 252-328-6665

      ADA Accommodation: ada-coordinator@ecu.edu • 252-737-1018