Expressions of MERCI
MERCI Clinic is a nonprofit organization that offers free, compassionate healthcare to individuals with limited means who reside in New Bern, Craven County and the surrounding eastern North Carolina. Services include primary care, specialty care, dental care, pharmacy and lab services, referrals and patient access coordination, free of charge to the patient.
Founded in 1996, MERCI clinic is celebrating 30th years of service in 2026. As part of the celebration, MERCI is seeking artwork to feature on greeting cards, totes bags, and other printed and digital media. These will be used to thank donors, volunteers, and patrons. MERCI is seeking original artwork from artists in eastern North Carolina to feature on these products. Selected artists will receive an honorarium in exchange for granting a use copyright to MERCI Clinic, as well as the opportunity to have their artwork featured on physical products, MERCI’s website, and for a limited exhibition in their space April – June of 2026
In support of our local nonprofits, and our efforts to connect local artists with unique opportunities, this Call for Art is being operated by Craven Arts Council & Gallery, the local arts agency for Craven County. Craven Arts Council and Gallery is a 501c3 organization who mission is to promote the arts and culture within our region.
Expressions of Merci Prospectus
Important Dates:
Call Opens: January 1, 2026
Call Closes: April 1, 2026
Artist Notification: April 30th, 2026
Prizes:
Grand Prize (image used for tote bags, cards, calendar): $225
Card Winners (3): $75
Artists should read the full prospectus above, and can submit using the button to the form.
Expressions of MERCI Terms and Conditions
-All works are the Artist’s original creations and unencumbered original intellectual property. The Artist is posses the full rights to the copyrights for the piece, and agrees to grant rights to MERCI Clinic and Craven Arts if their piece is selected. The Artist understands they will enter a contract with MERCI Clinic and Craven Arts if their piece is selected.
-Artists must reside within or have significant ties to eastern North Carolina. For this call, this will include Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, and Pamlico counties.
-In accordance with Craven Arts Council & Gallery's AI Policy, no artworks created by AI ("Artifical Intelligence") will be accepted. This includes text to image generators, and compilers or generators that use the work of other artists' images without their express permission. CAC&G's full statement and policy on AI is available on their website at www.cravenarts.org/ai.
