Sweetwater’s gallery is located on the mezzanine level of Sweetwater’s Community Room with wood floors and natural lighting. The gallery has about 85 feet of wall space and has a height limitation of 7.5 feet on 2D work. Sweetwater retains 40% of gallery sales and holds the artist responsible for transport/shipment of artwork. All submission fees are non-refundable. Sweetwater’s gallery is currently not wheelchair accessible.
Rooted in Grit, Held in Grace: 30th Anniversary Mavuno Exhibition
On display: Sept. 25 - Nov. 13, 2026
Opening reception: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 6-8 PM
Apply by: July 31, 2026
Artist notification: August 14, 2026
Work drop-off: Friday, Sept. 11
For three decades, the Mavuno Festival has celebrated the creativity, leadership, and cultural contributions of Black artists and educators in the Sewickley region. The word Mavuno, meaning harvest in Swahili, reflects the gathering of community, culture, and artistic expression that has grown from seeds planted 30 years ago.
Sweetwater invites Black and BIPOC to reflect on the themes of grit, grace, and gratitude – the qualities that nurture creativity, sustain community, and allow artistic voices to flourish. The exhibition seeks work that explores perseverance, cultural identity, community impact, personal narratives, and the beauty that emerges through challenge and growth.
Grit – perseverance, resilience, and determination in creative practice and in life
Grace – beauty, dignity, cultural strength, and artistic excellence
Gratitude – honoring community, mentorship, legacy, and those who paved the way
Through a wide range of media and perspectives, Rooted in Grit, Held in Grace celebrates the brilliance, strength, and creativity of artists whose work continues to shape the cultural landscape of our region.
The Mezzanine Gallery is a balcony-style exhibition space featuring:
- Three wall sections measuring approximately 24 ft, 46 ft, and 9 ft
- Pedestals available for three-dimensional artwork
- *Please note this gallery is only currently accessible by stairs.
Eligibility:
Open to all media
Open to local, regional, & national artists
Artists 18+
*Participating artists will receive a $125 stipend in exchange for the following:
*Gallery receives 40% commission on any sales, with the remaining 60% going to the artist.
*Artists are responsible for all shipping and return shipping expenses. If mailing, a return shipping label must be included.
*All artwork must be gallery ready, framed and ready to hang or display.
$5 application fee, paper applications available on request.
