CALL FOR ART – “Patient Zero: An Exhibition”

ARTfactory – CALL FOR ENTRY
Entry Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026 by 11:59 PM
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Patient Zero: An Exhibition
at ARTfactory’s Caton Merchant Gallery
Exhibit dates: October 3 – October 31, 2026
(9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110)

This October, ARTfactory invites artists to become part of “Patient Zero: An Exhibition”, a juried group exhibition that blurs the line between fine art and immersive storytelling. Presented in conjunction with the ARTfactory’s annual Factory of Fear haunted house, this year’s terrifying theme—Outbreak—transforms the galleries into a chilling archive of mysterious events, unsettling discoveries, and the unknown.

We are seeking artwork that embraces the eerie, the haunting, and the beautifully macabre. While pieces inspired directly by this year’s zombie-themed haunted house are encouraged, artists are also invited to explore broader interpretations of darkness and mystery. Think moody landscapes swallowed by fog, anatomical studies and scientific curiosities, abandoned laboratories, supernatural figures, ghostly portraits, dystopian visions, folklore, decay, the ethereal, or the undead. Whether psychological, gothic, surreal, or horror-inspired, we welcome work that evokes suspense, wonder, or unease.

“Patient Zero: An Exhibition” offers a unique opportunity for artists to have their work experienced as part of one of the region’s most anticipated Halloween attractions. During the event, the building will be transformed, with each floor featuring a unique and terrifying theme for visitors to explore. The first-floor art gallery will become AF Laboratories, where the exhibition will be integrated into the immersive environment of Factory of Fear. This annual exhibition celebrates the incredible creativity of our artistic community while adding another layer of storytelling to ARTfactory’s signature October event.

About the Factory of Fear Event:
Factory of Fear returns in 2026 with an all-new immersive theme, Outbreak, transforming all four floors of the ARTfactory into a terrifying world of infection, quarantine, and survival. Guests will encounter brand-new sets, characters, special effects, and scares as they navigate deeper into the heart of a mysterious catastrophe. Each floor reveals a different stage of the outbreak, creating a larger, more immersive experience than ever before. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time visitor, you’ll discover an entirely new nightmare waiting behind every door.

Please note that “Patient Zero: An Exhibition” will be open for regular public gallery viewing from October 3–10. During the haunted house run (October 11–24), the exhibition will be incorporated into the Factory of Fear attraction and will not be available for standard gallery visitation. The exhibition will reopen for regular public viewing beginning Sunday, October 25, and remain on display through October 31.

Questions? Contact Gallery Director/Curator Jordan Exum ([email protected])

Entry Details:
– Submission Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026, by 11:59 PM
– Entry to this exhibit is by online submission.
– Each artist may enter up to 4 works in any medium suitable for hanging on a wall.
– The entry fee is $25 per artist. Entry fees are due upon submission and are non-refundable.
– Each artist must provide one photo for each entry. Acceptable file types include jpg, jpeg and png; up to 5MB in file size. Please do not submit images in HEIC format. Files should be named in the following format: “LastName_FirstName_ArtworkTitle_Dimensions”. If you choose to add an additional photo per entry, add a”-2” to the end. For example: “LastName_FirstName_ArtworkTitle_Dimensions_2”.
– Any image submitted may be used for marketing and promotional purposes related to the “Patient Zero: An Exhibition” exhibit and the “Factory of Fear” event.

Requirements:
– Artwork acceptance is at the Gallery Director/Curator’s discretion.
– Maximum size: 24”x36” width (framed)
– All artwork submissions must be original work and not a digital reproduction print. Photography, hand-printed fine art prints (woodcuts, block prints, etc.), and digital art are welcome.
– The artwork must be for sale.
– All accepted exhibitors must sign an exhibition contract.

Presentation:
– Artwork must be dry and ready to hang or display with D-rings, framed, matted, or with finished/painted edges. ARTfactory’s hanging system works primarily with d-rings/strap hangers instead of wire, and wire is NOT required for display. No saw-tooth hangers.
See framing example below:

If you have any questions about framing/hanging hardware, please contact the Gallery Director/Curator.
– The Gallery Director/Curator reserves the right to refuse any work that does not meet these standards or does not match the description on the entry form.
– Label the back of the work with your name, contact info (email and cell), title of work, media, and price. (ARTfactory will create wall labels for display).

Commission:
– ARTfactory will process all gallery sales AND sales tax to be reported to the state of Virginia.
– ARTfactory will retain a 30% commission on all gallery sales.

Important Dates:
– Artists will be notified of artwork acceptance by end of business on Friday, September 4, 2026.
– All exhibiting artwork must be dropped off on Sunday, September 27, 1-4 pm. No appointment required.
– All unsold artwork must be picked up on Sunday, November 1, 1-4 pm. No appointment required. ARTfactory cannot be held responsible for any artwork left after the pickup deadline.
– The Opening Reception is Saturday, October 3 from 6-8 pm.
– The exhibit runs October 3-October 31, 2026 (last day for viewing and sales). Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-5 pm.

For additional information, please visit the ARTfactory or contact the gallery for exhibition details.

Press Inquiries
Jordan Exum, Gallery Director
ARTfactory | Caton Merchant Gallery
703.330.2787 | [email protected]
https://virginiaartfactory.org/
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday, 12-5 pm