A new year has arrived with fresh calendars, fresh hopes, and, if we’re being honest, maybe a little emotional carryover from everything we’re bringing with us. If things feel heavy right now, you’re not alone. New beginnings don’t magically erase stress, grief, or exhaustion. But they do offer us a gentle nudge forward. This is your reminder that progress doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Keep moving in small, steady ways. Rest when you need to, drink some water, step outside, say no without guilt. Self-care isn’t a luxury for later, it’s how we keep going. And that, right now, is more than enough.
McLean Project for the Arts seeks solo exhibition proposals from Mid-Atlantic contemporary artists for Spring 2026/2027. Selected artists receive a $500 honorarium; proposals reviewed by MPA curators and submitted via Submittable. Visit the website for more information. Deadline is January 20.
The Nice Art Grant is an annual $500 unrestricted award supporting emerging and mid-career artists, juried by Midwest Nice Art founders and past winners, with added promotional and future curatorial opportunities. Learn more at the website. Deadline for applications is January 20.
Salina Art Center invites submissions for the 2026 Mountain Plains Contemporary Art Biennial, a juried exhibition of art from the region, exploring identity, place, belonging, and transformation across all media. For more information, visit the website. Deadline is January 20.
Praxis Center is your partner in all things art career, whether that means pursuing new leads or sprucing up your resume and written materials – or even if what you really need right now is a reminder to unplug a little bit more and give yourself some grace. It’s all grist for the mill.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics and is currently faculty at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He has written seven books for artists, including Making it in the Art World. His seventh book, The Problems in the Art World: An Artist’s A-Z Action Guide, is available now.
Photo Credit: nice art grant