PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the founding chapter of the international service organization, has announced a regional Call for Artists for Emerald Renaissance: Celebrating 80 Years of Exhibiting Excellence, a juried fine art exhibition taking place in November 2026 as part of the chapter’s 80th anniversary celebration.
Artists from Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties are invited to submit original work for consideration. Emerging, mid-career and established artists are welcome to apply, and artists from historically underrepresented and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to submit. Emerald Renaissance celebrates creativity as a catalyst for connection, leadership and community impact. Drawing on the legacy of The Links, Incorporated, the exhibition invites artists to consider how Black women, through friendship, service, the arts, education and cultural leadership, have helped uplift communities across generations.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly through personal, cultural, historical or contemporary perspectives. “The arts have been woven into the Philadelphia Chapter’s story from the very beginning. One of our co-founders, Margaret Rosell Hawkins, was an artist and educator whose own journey included studying at what is now Moore College of Art & Design,” said Zakiya Black Barnett, President of the Philadelphia (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. “Eighty years later, Emerald Renaissance gives us an opportunity to honor that legacy while opening the door for today’s artists to share their work, their perspectives and their stories. There is something very special about that connection between where we began and where we are going.” Hawkins later served as the second national president of The Links, Incorporated. The Arts remains one of the organization’s five program facets, continuing a commitment to the arts that has been part of The Links’ work since its founding in Philadelphia in 1946.
A DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF JURORS
Artwork for Emerald Renaissance will be selected by three respected leaders with deep connections to the arts and cultural community: Adrian J. Moody, co-owner of Moody Jones Gallery, is a gallerist, collector and arts advisor with more than four decades of experience in the visual arts. Rosalyn J. “Roz” McPherson, founder of The Roz Group, is an arts and cultural leader with extensive experience in museum administration, exhibition development, educational programming and cultural tourism. She previously served as Senior Vice President for the Science Center at The Franklin Institute. Shelley R. Sylva, Head of Corporate Citizenship at TD Bank, is an arts advocate and collector whose work has supported opportunities for diverse artists and cultural organizations, including partnerships with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
CALL FOR ARTISTS AT A GLANCE
Who May Apply: Artists residing in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware or Montgomery counties
Career Level: Emerging, mid-career and established artists
Eligible Media: Painting, mixed media, photography and works on paper
Artwork: Original work completed within the past three to five years and ready for installation
Entry Fee: $25 per piece
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026
Exhibition: November 2026
CALL FOR ARTISTS APPLY HERE
Artists from historically underrepresented and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. All accepted artwork must be available for acquisition. Proceeds from artwork sales will be shared equally between the artist and the Philadelphia (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Chapter proceeds support programs and initiatives in education, the arts, health, mentorship and leadership development. Complete submission requirements, artwork dimensions, sales information and application instructions are available through the Call for Artists link.
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA (PA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED
Founded in Philadelphia in 1946, the Philadelphia (PA) Chapter is the founding chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international not-for-profit organization of accomplished Black women committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry through friendship and service. The Philadelphia Chapter celebrates 80 years of friendship and service in 2026 and continues its work through programs and initiatives in the arts, education, health, youth development, international service and civic engagement.
