Sometimes life hands us curveballs. A careful plan unravels, a project takes a sharp left turn, or an ordinary day suddenly asks more of us than we thought we had to give. These moments can feel jarring, even unfair, but they also often have a quiet lesson if we’re willing to listen. In the friction of the unexpected, something artists know all about, we can discover untapped creativity and reserves of strength. Here are a few upcoming deadlines to help you build the resilience to face whatever challenges stand in your artistic path.
MFA invites artists from the US, Canada, and Mexico to submit original 2D/3D works under 11 inches for the 22nd Small Wonders exhibition, November 26–December 21, 2025. For details and to submit your work, visit the website. Deadline is October 1.
Squeaky Wheel’s Workspace Residency offers media artists nationwide resources, facilities, mentorship, and community engagement in Buffalo, supporting new or ongoing projects and fostering lasting relationships through public programs and collaborations. Visit the website for more information. Deadline is October 3.
Visual AIDS’ Research Fellowship supports four writers with stipends and editorial guidance to research and publish work on artists lost to AIDS, including a dedicated fellowship on painter Garland Eliason-French. Details at the website. Deadline is October 5.
Praxis Center is a one-stop business incubator for artists at every stage of their careers. We gather resources and experts from around the art world so you don’t have to. With the understanding that taking on an artistic practice as a career is an intimidating prospect, we are here to guide you along the way. Give Praxis a try today and see how far it can take you.
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: Maryland Federation of Art; from Distractions on Black, Series, No. 8, mixed media: color pencil and gel pen, Sandra Emme from Small Wonders 2024