The Tomayko Foundation and the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh are pleased to announce an Open Call for Art. Artists who are current members of the AAP, and living and working in Pittsburgh are invited to submit works for participation in a Fall exhibition which will be on view at the Tomayko Foundation, this exhibition is juried by Lacey Murray and Cat Burton. 

The theme of the exhibition is transparency. Artists are welcome to submit work that serves as their own interpretation of the theme and are encouraged to include pieces that expand and re-interpret what transparency means to them. 

About the Jurors:

Lacey Mills Murray is an arts manager and artist living and working in Pittsburgh. Working across a range of media--including watercolor, acrylic, alcohol ink, and collage--her practice embraces experimentation and adaptability. Since becoming a mother of twins, Murray has increasingly focused on processes that allow for fluid, intuitive engagement, creating work that evolves in tandem with the rhythms of daily life. 

Originally from West Virginia, Murray earned her MFA in Painting with a Teacher Certification from West Virgina University and later completed a master’s degree in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University. She bagan her career as an art educator in a rural middle/high school before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2016 to join the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. She currently serves as Associate Director of Creative Experiences, where she leads artist residencies, curates exhibitionsn and the museum’s permanent collection, and commissions new work. 

Cat Burton is a Pittsburgh-based creative producer whose career sits at the intersection of art, community, and cultural equity. As Creative Experiences Producer at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Cat leads the adult programming vision for Museumlab, curating immersive, mutlidisciplinary experiences. 

Burton’s impact extends well beyond the museum walls. From directing the “Cadence” fashion campaign at Pittsburgh International Airport, to curating “Honest Work 4” at PNC Park, Burton has brought bold, community-driven creative vision to some of Pittsburgh’s most prominent public venues. In 2024, Burton represented the field as a panel speaker at the Communicating the Arts Conference in Sydney, Australia--a testament to a growing national and international reputation. 

Recognized as a 2024 “30 Under 30” honoree in Communicating the Arts, Burton is a trusted voice in the arts community--serving on the Pittsburgh International Airport Arts Advisory Committee and advocating for community principles across every program and initiative. Rooted in a deep committment to uplifting underrepresented voices, Burton is not just producing events--but reshaping the infrastructure of who gets to make, show, and be celebrated in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape.

Submission Details: 

Artists are asked to submit 2-5 artworks. All submitted artwork must be available to exhibit for the entirety of the exhibition. No substitutions will be permitted. If the artwork becomes unavailable for display prior to the opening, the artwork and artist will not be included in the exhibition. With the exception of video, performance, or other mediums not generally suited for sale, the Tomayko Foundation will make its best efforts to facilitate art sales. Artists commission from any sale is 60% of the list price.

For each artwork submission, artists must include the title, date, medium, dimensions, and price of the work. The following materials are restricted from entry: live or dead plant material, organic materials such as food products that will decompose during the exhibition, any material that shows evidence of insect infestation or mold growth, and toxic or hazerdous materials. Any special installation needs must be mentioned in the application.

2-D and 3-D artwork: selected work must be gallery ready, including ready to hang or display, and/or provide installation details, as needed. Works do not need to be framed, but hanging methods must be provided or noted.

For video work: include a link for the work with the necessary details (title, date, medium, length). Artists may be asked to provide the necessary equipment needed to view or experience the piece throughout the duration of the exhibition.