Echoes of Innovation: Call for Wearable Art Inspired by Tissue Stains & Histology

Posted

Echoes of Innovation – Featured Gallery Exhibition

Call for Wearable Art Inspired by Tissue Stains & Histology

Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025

Exhibition Dates: September 2025 – January 2026

Exhibition Location: Ventana Gallery at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Oro Valley, AZ

SAACA is partnering with Roche Tissue Diagnostics to celebrate 40 years of groundbreaking advancements in cancer diagnostics, Echoes of Innovation invites artists to explore the intersection of science and creativity through wearable art inspired by the vibrant and intricate world of histology stains.

Wearable Art Gallery Exhibition (This Call for Art)

This call is for artists to submit wearable art pieces—such as scarves, hats, dresses, and jewelry—that interpret the beauty of tissue stains. Selected works will be displayed in the Echoes of Innovation gallery exhibition.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Artists may submit up to 5 works.
  • Accepted mediums are listed below.
  • No commission collected on artwork sales. Artist are connected directly with interested buyers and receive full value of artwork.
  • Artwork displayed throughout Roche Tissue Diagnostics hallways and public areas.

Opening Reception & Public Viewing

The exhibition will open with a ticketed reception, featuring food, beverages, and a live Stain-Inspired Fashion Show. Guests will have the opportunity to view the gallery exhibition and celebrate the collaboration of art and science. After the opening night, the exhibition will be available for public viewing by appointment only for the duration of its run.

The exhibition will include:

  • A curated gallery display featuring professional photographs of selected wearable art submissions.
  • A live runway show at the opening reception (separate from this call) exclusively showcasing fashion pieces created through community partnerships.

Important Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025 by 11:59 PM MST
  • Jury Decisions: August 25, 2025
  • Exhibition Duration: September 10 thru mid-January 2026
  • Artwork Drop-Off: September 10, from 9am-11am at Roche Tissue Diagnostics*
  • Opening Reception: Tuesday, January 28, 2026 from 5pm-7pm

*If artists cannot make it on the designated drop-off date and location, arrangements can be made at the SAACA office.

Awards

1st Prize: $300

2nd Prize: $200

3rd Prize: $100

Honorable Mention (x3): $50 each

Eligible Techniques

Wearable art techniques sought for in this exhibition:

  • Garment Making – Handcrafted dresses, jackets, or shirts incorporating histology-inspired patterns or textures.
  • Felting – Wool felted accessories or garments mimicking organic tissue structures.
  • Embroidery – Hand-stitched details inspired by microscopic tissue patterns.
  • Crochet & Knitting – Textured scarves, shawls, or wearable pieces resembling cellular formations.
  • Marbling & Dyeing – Silk scarves or fabric-dyed pieces reflecting histology stain colors and patterns.
  • Textile Painting – Hand-painted clothing or accessories with scientific motifs.
  • Beadwork & Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, or brooches incorporating colors and textures from tissue imaging.
  • Quilting & Appliqué – Layered textile designs that translate histological slides into fabric compositions.
  • Laser Cutting & Fabric Manipulation – Cut-out designs or structured pieces inspired by microscopic patterns.
  • Mixed-Media Wearables – Combining multiple techniques to create a unique, science-inspired fashion statement, including hats, shoes, purses or other fashion related items.

Important Note: This Call Does Not Include the Fashion Show

In addition to the gallery exhibition, Echoes of Innovation will feature a Stain-Inspired Fashion Show at the opening reception. This runway show will exclusively feature designs created through pre-established partnerships with local universities, collectives, and fashion programs. Artists submitting through this call will not have their work featured in the live fashion show but will be part of the gallery exhibition. Artists juried into the exhibition will receive a complimentary ticket for them and a guest.

About the Gallery

Roche Tissue Diagnostics, a world leader and innovator of tissue-based cancer diagnostic solutions for patients worldwide, is committed to its mission to improve the lives of all patients afflicted with cancer. In 2004, the company first made a commitment to the arts in Oro Valley with the establishment of a community gallery housed within their Oro Valley campus. Through a progressive partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, arts have been part of the daily work experience through quarterly gallery exhibitions featuring local to world-renowned artists.

All artwork will be showcased on the walls within Roche Tissue Diagnostics hallways and entrance areas. It will also be featured in high-security spaces and highly trafficked walkways for clients and Roche Tissue Diagnostics staff. This is a limited-access facility with two scheduled monthly tours. Although artwork sales do take place, it is not the primary focus of this exhibition. The artwork is developed and implemented for the overall benefit of the community, and the mission of Roche Tissue Diagnostics.

Ventana Gallery Roche Tissues Diagnostics 1910 E. Innovation Park Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755

How to Apply

Apply at https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/echoes_of_innovation_2025_gallery_exhibition_ventana_gallery


Details

Organization/Company: Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA)
Website: https://www.saaca.org
Location: Oro Valley, AZ
Deadline: August 15, 2025
How to Apply: https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/echoes_of_innovation_2025_gallery_exhibition_ventana_gallery