Cats, Dogs, And Stories: Entries Received So Far For Our Latest Virtual Exhibition
At Women in Arts Network, virtual exhibitions have become such an integral part of who we are. They bring artists together across countries, cultures, and creative practices, giving their work a space to be seen and their stories a chance to reach new audiences. Over the years, we have had the joy of presenting more than 800 women artists through 15+ virtual exhibitions, and every new edition brings something different to our growing creative community.
Our latest exhibition, Cats, Dogs and Stories, is especially close to the heart. There is something wonderful about the way animals find their way into our lives and, eventually, into our art. Sometimes, it is a playful little moment with a beloved pet. Other times, it is a memory, a familiar face, or a feeling that is difficult to put into words but somehow finds its way onto a canvas, into a photograph, or through the pages of a sketchbook.
With submissions now open, we have already begun receiving artwork from artists who are bringing their own perspectives and creative voices to this theme. And we could not be happier to see the different ways these stories are taking shape.
About The Exhibition
Cats, Dogs and Stories is a juried virtual exhibition by Women in Arts Network, celebrating the many ways cats and dogs become part of our lives, memories, cultures, and creative practices.
We want to make room for all kinds of interpretations. Perhaps you create expressive pet portraits, capture the everyday antics of your furry companions through photography, or explore the deeper emotions associated with love, companionship, and remembrance. Maybe animals appear in your work as symbols, characters, or part of a much larger story.
Whatever your approach, we want to see it. Open to women and non-binary artists aged 18 and above from anywhere in the world, this exhibition welcomes artists at every stage of their journey. From those preparing for their first exhibition to established artists with years of experience, we believe every artist has a perspective worth sharing.
And if your work does not look like a traditional pet portrait, that is perfectly fine, too. Painting, drawing, illustration, photography, sculpture, ceramics, collage, digital art, textiles, mixed media, and experimental practices are all welcome, provided the work responds meaningfully to the theme.
A First Look At The Submissions We’ve Received So Far
One of the loveliest parts of opening a new exhibition is seeing how artists begin to interpret a shared theme in their own ways. No two creative journeys are quite alike, and even when artists find inspiration in the same subject, the stories they tell can be wonderfully different.
We have started receiving submissions for Cats, Dogs and Stories, and we are excited to share a few that have already caught our eye. Each offers a little glimpse into the many directions this theme can take, reminding us that the connection between art and animals can be as playful, tender, imaginative, or personal as the artist chooses to make it.
Here are a few of the submissions received so far.
1. What’s for Dinner? by Mia Baila
2. Mother & Son by Bernette Derpaulian
3. Creature Comforts by Victoria Nicola
4. Bode by Kali Katz
5. Winter Sun by Rebecca Deans-Rowe
6. Cuddles by Samantha Madgwick
7. Harry by Birute Paplauskaite
8. Coming Home by Alex Howlett
9. Maverick by Elisabeth Bunker
10. I Still Miss You Baby by Christina Lum
We are so grateful to every artist who has already taken the time to share their work with us. And if you have been thinking about submitting, there is still time to join this growing collection of stories.
How To Apply For Cats, Dogs & Stories
Have an artwork that you would love to share with us? We would be delighted to see it. Applying is simple, and artists can submit up to three original artworks through our official application page.
Here is what you need to do:
- Choose Your Artwork: Select up to three original pieces that respond to the theme. Your work can explore a beloved pet, an animal-related memory, a playful everyday moment, or a more imaginative interpretation.
- Prepare Your Images: Upload clear images of your artwork in JPG or PNG format, with each image under 5 MB.
- Gather Your Details: Have your artwork titles, mediums, dimensions, and years of creation ready, along with your artist bio, professional headshot, contact details, and postal address.
- Complete The Application: Visit the official submission page, fill in the required information, upload your artwork, and select your preferred participation option.
- Submit Before The Deadline: Review the Artist Publishing Agreement carefully and complete your application with the relevant fee before submissions close.
You can apply for the virtual exhibition on its own or choose the optional Artist Interview Feature if you would also like to share more about your artistic journey, inspirations, and creative process.
What’s In It For Artists?
We believe an exhibition should be more than a place to display artwork. It should also be an opportunity to connect, grow, and let new audiences discover what you do.
Artists selected for Cats, Dogs and Stories will receive:
- A Place In A Curated Virtual Exhibition: Showcase your work alongside selected artists from around the world in our online gallery.
- Professional Artwork Presentation: Have your selected artwork presented with appropriate artist credit.
- An Opportunity To Reach New Audiences: Introduce your work to art enthusiasts, fellow artists, curators, collectors, and visitors.
- Exhibition Recognition: Add this experience to your artist CV, website, portfolio, and exhibition history.
- A Digital Certificate Of Participation: Receive a certificate if your work is selected.
- Promotion Across Our Digital Platforms: Give your artwork further opportunities to be seen and shared.
- An Optional Artist Interview: Share the story behind your practice through a dedicated interview on the Women in Arts Network website, with promotion across our digital platforms.
Whether this is your first exhibition or another meaningful step in your artistic journey, we hope this opportunity gives your work a little more room to travel and your story a few more people to reach.
Please note that applications are reviewed by a selection panel, and submitting your work does not guarantee selection. Artists retain ownership and copyright of their work, subject to the terms of the publishing agreement.
The Clock Is Ticking: Two Weeks Left To Submit!
If Cats, Dogs and Stories has been on your mind, consider this your little reminder to make some time for it. Submissions close on November 9, 2026, so there are just over two weeks left to send us your work as of October 24.
You do not need to have a long exhibition history or a perfectly planned-out series to take part. Perhaps there is a painting you have been meaning to share, a photograph that captures the personality of an animal, or an idea you have been waiting for the right opportunity to explore. If it connects with the theme, we would love for you to consider submitting it.
We cannot wait to see the different stories artists bring to this exhibition, and we hope yours will be among them.
Ready to be part of Cats, Dogs & Stories?
We look forward to seeing your work and welcoming more artists into our growing Women in Arts Network community.
