Photo by: Maxwell Voltz
Curator’s Statement:
Filipinos, with a heritage woven from Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and indigenous influences, have cultivated a rich cultural tapestry. As immigrants, Filipino Americans have further diversified this vibrant heritage, creating a natural predisposition to adaptation, fluidity, and an appreciation of inter-cultural exchange. Filipino Americans often find themselves at a crossroads, negotiating change with maintaining deep-rooted cultural connections. This experience provides fertile ground for artistic exploration.
Now in its third year, the Lumpia series celebrates Filipino American History Month with “Lumpia Fusion: Filipino Americans at a Crossroads.” The name “lumpia,” itself a testament to cultural fusion—an adaptation of Chinese spring rolls to the Filipino palate—mirrors the exhibition’s focus on the interplay of diverse influences. This exhibition provides a platform for Filipino American artists to navigate this crossroads and transcend stereotypical representations that may limit their art to specific themes or aesthetics. Through bold experimentation and unexpected pairings, the artists are encouraged to explore the boundaries of their practice. What new forms emerge when sound intertwine with fabric? What groundbreaking creations can arise from a collaboration between a visual artist and a scientist? How can traditional techniques be reimagined through the lens of contemporary art?
By embracing a wider range of inspirations—materials, art forms, cultures, and collaborations—”Lumpia Fusion” aims to fuel creative synergies, inspiring new dialogues for a deeper understanding of the Filipino American experience.
– Zarina N Docken
If you are ready to submit, click below. Otherwise, please read the Entry Guidelines.
Entry Guidelines
Eligibility:
- Entry is open to Filipino American artists 18 years of age and older, at all stages in their careers. This year, we also welcome collaborations that include at least one Filipino American artist.
- 2D and 3D mediums are accepted.
- Artists may submit up to three works for the consideration in the main exhibition.
- Artists may submit up to two small works for the consideration in the sari-sari store, a special section for smaller artwork.
- Artwork must not have been exhibited at previous Lumpia exhibitions.
- AI-generated art will not be considered.
Submission Fee:
To ensure accessibility, there are no submission fees.
2D Guidelines:
- You can submit original 2D works such as paintings, drawings, photography, and mixed media.
- No videos.
- Max dimension: 3600 square inches, with the longest side ~ 8 ft.
- Max weight: 40 lbs.
- Artwork must be professionally presented. 2D work must be ready to hang with a hanging wire within the top 1/3 of the artwork. No sawtooth hangers will be accepted. Work that is not gallery ready with a hanging wire will not be accepted.
- Pieces may not be hung from the ceiling.
3D Guidelines:
- Should remain under 48 inches in any dimension. To ensure space for all participating artists in this group show, we will only accept 1-2 pieces that approach this maximum size.
- Pieces may not be hung from the ceiling.
- Sculptural works must be displayed on a roller-equipped pedestal or similar mobile base. This is necessary to accommodate potential gallery events that may require repositioning sculptures during the exhibition.
Sari-sari Store Guidelines:
- Limit size to 144 square inches (e.g. 12×12 in), and prepared for wall hanging.
- Must be priced under $800
- Pedestals will not be provided or permitted in the sari-sari store.
Entry Images:
- Entry images must be high resolution – 300dpi.
- Submit a photograph of the artwork only, without any surrounding environment or the artist. If the frame is an integral part of the artwork’s presentation, it may be included in the photograph.
- Please name submitted files as follows: ARTISTLASTNAME_ARTISTFIRSTNAME_ARTWORKTITLE
- Acceptable file format: .jpg, .png
- Selected artwork must match photo submission. Artwork will be inspected at drop-off.
Shipping:
We cannot accept shipped artwork. You must arrange for in-person delivery and pickup. You may designate someone to handle this, provided they are fully aware of all instructions. Please inform the curator and Epiphany Center for the Arts of the designated individual’s details prior to delivery and pickup.
Terms:
All artists must complete and sign Epiphany’s Consignment Agreement and bring this document with them for the drop off.
Artwork will be insured while on exhibit.
Art sales: Epiphany Center for the Arts shall receive a 30% commission of art sales, and pay 60% of the purchase price to the Artist and 10% to the curator.
Checklist:
Here’s a checklist of what you will need for your submission:
- A brief statement describing how your artwork fits the theme (max 150 words).
- Artist short bio (max 150 words)
- High res images of your artwork
- Title, medium, size, year created, and price of your artwork
- Special instructions for installation (if any)
Venue & Important Dates
Location:
The Catacombs Gallery at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607.
Submission deadline:
August 15, 2025
Notification:
August 22, 2025
Artist drop-off:
Accepted work must be hand-delivered on September 14 (12-5pm) and
September 15 (2-7pm). NO SHIPPED WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Exhibition dates:
September 19 – November 7, 2025
Artist OPENING reception:
September 19, 2025 (6-9pm)
Artist CLOSING reception (tentative):
Friday, November 7, 2025 (6-9pm)
Artist pick-up (tentative):
November 9 (12-5pm) and November 10 & 11 (2-7pm)
FAQ
Q: What is the Lumpia art series?
The inaugural exhibition, ‘More than Lumpia,’ was a collaboration between Conde Art Project and Epiphany Center for the Arts. Curated by Filipino American artist and activist Cesar Conde, it addressed the critical issue of underrepresentation of Filipino Americans in the art world. Its success fueled ‘Unwrapping Lumpia,’ which expanded our network of community partners (Likhaya, Sinag, and Circa-Pintig) and broadened our artistic scope to include music, spoken word, and other creative expressions. For its third year, curator Zarina N Docken commits to further amplifying the exhibition’s impact through new and vibrant collaborations.
Q: What kind of art can I submit?
We welcome a wide range of artistic expressions. You can submit original 2D works such as paintings, drawings, photography, and mixed media. We also accept 3D works including sculptures, ceramics, and more.
Q: How many pieces can I submit?
The exhibition is divided into two distinct areas: the main exhibition and the sari-sari store. Artists are invited to submit up to three artworks for consideration in the main exhibition and up to two additional small works for the sari-sari store. Please note that in some cases, a piece originally submitted for the main exhibition may be selected for inclusion in the sari-sari store, and artists will be informed if this occurs.
Q: What is the sari-sari store?
The sari-sari store is a special area within the exhibition showcasing smaller artworks offered at accessible price points. This initiative began with Unwrapping Lumpia to make it easier for people to begin or expand their collection of Fil-Am art.
Q: Do I need to submit for both the main and the sari-sari store?
No, you can choose to submit to either one or both.
Q: What are the size constraints for my submissions?
While we welcome different artwork sizes, this group exhibition requires pieces to allow for adequate spacing and visibility. Please see the guidelines above for for 2D, 3D and sari-sari store. To ensure space for all participating artists in this group show, we will only accept 1-2 pieces that approach the maximum sizes.
These are flexible guidelines, subject to adjustment based on submitted works.
Q: How will the artwork be installed?
For ease of installation, all 2D artwork must be prepared for immediate hanging and include appropriate hanging hardware. Pieces may not be hung from the ceiling. Sculptural works must be displayed on a roller-equipped pedestal or similar mobile base. This is necessary to accommodate potential gallery events that may require repositioning sculptures during the exhibition.
Q: Can I ship my artwork?
No, we cannot accept shipped artwork. You must arrange for in-person delivery and pickup. You may designate someone to handle this, provided they are fully aware of all instructions. Please inform me and Epiphany Center for the Arts of the designated individual’s details prior to delivery and pickup.
Q. Will artwork be for sale during the exhibition?
Yes. We will send a consignment form upon acceptance that details the gallery’s commission, payment procedures, and other sales-related information. You may also mark your main exhibition piece “Not For Sale.” Sari-sari store pieces must be for sale.
Q: How will submitted artwork be selected?
Artwork will be selected based on artistic merit, relevance to the exhibition theme, and overall cohesion of the show.
Q: How will artists be notified of their selection?
Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent via email, which details the artwork selected for both the main exhibition and the sari-sari store. Selected artists will then receive a follow-up email with a consignment form and further exhibition details.
Q: Will there be an opening reception or other events during the exhibition?
Yes, we are planning an opening reception and potentially other events throughout the exhibition period. Details regarding dates, times, and activities will be shared closer to the exhibition opening. Be sure to follow our updates!
Q: Will there be awards given during the Lumpia Fusion exhibition?
Yes, there will be awards! At this point, Blick Art Materials is sponsoring a $100 gift card to be awarded for Artistic Excellence.
Photo by: Maxwell Voltz
Photo by: Maxwell Voltz
About the Curator:
US-based artist Zarina Natividad Docken’s diverse experiences in mathematics, theater, technology, and design inform her unique artistic perspective. Born in Manila, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of the Philippines, where she also cultivated her passion for theater as a playwright, designer, and actor. After immigrating to Chicago in the early 1990s and establishing a career in technology, she pursued a Master’s in Design from IIT Institute of Design.
Watercolors became her entry point back into the world of art in 2019. This seemingly simple medium captured her imagination, fueled by the inspiration and guidance of renowned artists like Marc Folly, Eudes Correia, Alvaro Castagnet, Keiko Tanabe, and Patricia Guzman.
In 2024, alongside her husband, Zarina co-founded Likhaya, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering artists through
Special thanks to:
