Surge: A Geography of Flow

October 3, 2026 - January 10, 2027

Artist Proposal Form

Exhibition Timeline

Artist/Scientist Project Proposals are due March 6, 2026.

Selection Panel Review of Proposals
March 9 — March 20, 2026

Selected Artists/Scientists contacted during the week of
March 23, 2026

Press Release announcing selection
by March 27, 2026

Exhibition Opening Date
October 3, 2026

Exhibition Dates
October 3, 2026 through January 10, 2027

Surge: A Geography of Flow seeks to expand on the past iterations of Surge that examined displacement and agency by exploring the boundaries, currents, and complex systems that drive the movement of people, plants, animals, and natural elements caused by climate change. As the climate changes and significant weather events increase, understanding the dynamic environment will be crucial for decision-makers and the broader community. Water continues to flow, but to where and how? As researchers continue to develop mapping models for the impact of large storms and rising water, communicating these possibilities remains of paramount importance. How can society learn together to adapt to these changes? What does mapping the flow of these ever-changing and complex systems look like during the time of climate crisis? 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, you may submit more than one proposal. However, only one will be accepted

  • Surge: A Geography of Flow will be on view from October 3, 2026 through January 10, 2027.

  • Artists will need to apply online, using the form on this page to submit a proposal.

  • If you would like to apply but need assistance identifying a researcher, please contact the exhibition curator, Chloe Dye Sherpe.

Jurors

Tommy Gregory

Tommy Gregory is an artist and senior art manager/curator for the Port of Seattle who is cultivating a robust visuals arts program demonstrating the dynamic work of regional and international artists. He earned his BFA from the University of Houston and his MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Gregory lives in Seattle with his wife, artist and writer Casey Arguelles Gregory, and their daughter Clementine, who enjoys blowing glass and playing basketball.

Chloe Dye Sherpe

Chloe Dye Sherpe is Curator for The Lumiere Group and an independent curator, writer, and lecturer. She oversees strategic planning, acquisitions, exhibitions, and loans, drawing on strong collaborations with artists, galleries, design firms, and construction companies. Her curatorial interests include the intersection of art and climate studies and supporting the work of Indigenous artists across the U.S. and Canada. She holds degrees from Whitworth University and the University of Florida. Previously at the Museum of Northwest Art, she exhibited over 150 artists and organized the museum’s first national traveling exhibition. An enthusiastic collaborator, Chloe lectures and consults on a variety of topics, including contemporary art, museum collecting ethics, and curatorial studies.

Christian Waguespack

Christian Waguespack was appointed MoNA’s Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Northwest Art in 2025, providing strategic leadership for MoNA’s collections, exhibitions, research, and scholarship while fostering community engagement. A native of south Louisiana, he has 15 years of experience at museums across the American Southwest, including the University of New Mexico Art Museum, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Tucson Museum of Art, Center for Creative Photography, Phoenix Art Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Art, where he served as Head of Curatorial Affairs. He holds master’s degrees in Museum Studies and Art History from UNM, specializing in Modern and Contemporary American Art.