May 20, 2026
Bonnie Kate Community Theatre invites artists, makersand poets of all ages and skill levels from the Appalachian Highlands, Blue Ridge North Carolina, and surrounding regions to submit original work inspired by Steel Magnolias for display during the theater's June production at the Bonnie Kate Theater in Elizabethton, Tennessee.They are seeking work that answers not only the title of the play, but its emotional weather: grace under pressure, laughter sharpened by grief, the bond between mothers and daughters, the bonds of family, the bonds of friendshipand the fierce beauty of people who carry one another through hard seasons.
Though this display is presented in the Appalachian Highlands, "Steel Magnolias" grows out of Southern Louisiana culture—its wit, warmth, pride, ritual, vulnerabilityand hard-won tenderness. Theyinvite artists from the Appalachian Highlands, Blue Ridge North Carolina, and surrounding regions to answer that world in their own regional voice.
This call is open to artists and makers of all ages and all skill levels. Whether your work is polished, homespun, traditional, experimental, or somewhere gloriously in between, theywant to see what this play stirs in you.
They welcome original, handmade, artist-created work across media, including visual art, poetry, textile and fiber work, woodworking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, paper arts, jewelryand other handcrafted forms.
Creative direction
Work may be inspired by the title, content, atmosphereand themes of "Steel Magnolias," including Southern Louisiana culture, resilience, emotional enduranceand the bonds between mothers and daughters, familyand friendship. Interpretive and symbolic responses are welcome; work does not need to literally depict the play.
•Submitted work must be original to the artist. Preference will be given to handmade, artist-created work.
•Mass-produced items and AI-generated work will not be accepted.
•If work is available for sale, include the sale price in submission. Sales will be handled by the artist after the production, and Bonnie Kate Community Theatre takes no commission.
•Basic display arrangements are determined based on the needs of accepted work. Artists may be asked to provide stands, easels, supportsor other specialty display materials. There is no hard size limit, but artists with especially large pieces should email in advance.
EmailThomasTownsend@bonniekatetheater.orgwith your name, contact information, title of the piece, medium, dimensions, 1 to 3 photographs if available, a short statement on how the piece connects to "Steel Magnolias," and whether the piece is display only or available for sale after the production. Accepted artists will receive delivery, installation, and pickup details. The deadline for application is May 20.
Category: Call for Entries