Exhibit Dates: September 10th - November 12th, 2026

923 S. Ruth St. Sulphur, LA

Hours: Monday through Friday
10 am - 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm

Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm

Curators: Thom Trahan, Kat Godsey & Ashley Royer

For questions, call 337-527-0357 or email [email protected]

cha·os the·o·ry - Chaos theory explains that within the visible randomness of complex, chaotic systems, there are inherent repetition, patterns, self-organization, interconnectedness, self-similarity, and constant feedback loops.

APPLICATION LINK -- CLICK HERE!

WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR — READ THIS FIRST

If you've submitted to Chaos Theory before, three things are different in 2026:

1. Size rules have changed. Prints now have a strict range (Minimum: 11x14 Maximum: up to 48" on a side). Original works allow micro-art. Framed pieces under 8x10 now require a mat, and frames smaller than 9x12 are no longer allowed at all.
2. Framing rules have changed. No poster frames, no plexiglass. This is stricter than in past years.
3. Grant funding now works as reimbursement, not upfront purchase. We are not buying frames for artists this year. Instead, you pay for framing and submit for reimbursement through the grant. (Custom framing from art stores may not qualify — see the Grant Funding section below.) We highly recommend purchasing your frames from craft stores and taking advantage of weekly sales. 

Everything else — no fees, no commissions, open theme — works the same as always.

THE THEME: Larger Than Life

Go bigger, bolder, and louder than you normally would — big monsters, big ideas, big concepts, the whole shebang. We're also accepting micro-art this year. Playing with scale is the point: don't just make your canvas bigger, think outside the box entirely.

As always, "chaos" is the umbrella theme. Any work can fit, but we especially want to see: pop culture, nostalgia, animation, gaming, and beyond.

Since 2008, the Brimstone has hosted Chaos Theory, celebrating the loud, nostalgic, pop-culture chaos of our creative community — an open invitation to geeks, gamers, cosplayers, and weird, wonderful artists of every background.

KEY DATES

Application Deadline: August 7th
Framing Workshop: August 15th, 10 AM – 2 PM
Final Drop-Off Day: August 15th
Exhibit Runs: September 10th – November 12th
Opening Reception: September 17th, 5 – 8 PM

Do not wait until August 7th to submit! We curate as applications come in — early submissions have a real advantage. If your piece isn't finished yet, submit anyway with work-in-progress photos plus examples of your past work.

GALLERY HOURS
Mon–Fri: 10 AM – 12 PM & 1 PM – 5 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 2 PM

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Artwork must meet every standard below, or it will not be exhibited.

Age limit: None — all ages welcome to submit.
Size limits — prints: 11" x 14" minimum, up to 48" on either side maximum.
Size limits — original works: Micro-art allowed (fits the scale theme). For upper limit, please send a photo, project, or artwork proposal via email to [email protected]

We can reimburse artwork created or framed from this show, but your work must be accepted into the show first.

Framing size rules:

• Any framed piece smaller than 8x10 must have a mat.
• Frames smaller than 9x12 are not allowed, regardless of mat.

Framing material rules:

• No poster frames
• No plexiglass
• No thin plastic frames

Content restrictions — will not be accepted:

Have these ready when you apply:

1. A clear photo of each piece
2. Title, size, medium, and price for each work

Submission limits:

DROP-OFF

In-person only — no mail-ins accepted.
Final drop-off day: August 15th.

You'll get an email confirming acceptance, and every artist must schedule an individual drop-off time. Please do not bring us artwork without an appointment.

GRANT FUNDING — HOW IT WORKS THIS YEAR

This exhibit is supported by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury through the Arts Council of SWLA. Using grant funds, the Brimstone Historical Society are able to help artists with:

• Framing
• Printing or art supplies
• Project support
• Installation/labor assistance
  
  

The big change: we are not purchasing frames for artists this year. Instead:

• Framing is your responsibility up front
• Accepted works are eligible for reimbursement of framing costs. Please save your receipt for reimbursement.
• Please note: custom framing from art stores may not be covered — check with us before you spend.

Indicate on your application if you need assistance — funding is there to support you, but you have to let us know.

Framing Workshop
If you need help framing or installing a wire, come learn the process alongside our helpers.
August 15th, 10 AM – 2 PM

WE'RE ALSO HIRING

• Social media assistants
• Gallery install/take-down crew
  
  

NO FEES — COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
This is a free, inclusive show:

• No entry fees
• No commission on sales
• No prerequisites
  
  

OPENING RECEPTION
September 17th, 5–8 PM — free admission, open to the public.

RETURNING ARTISTS — PLEASE NOTE
If you had work in Curioddities 2026 or Chaos Theory 2025, please arrange to pick it up as soon as possible.

QUESTIONS?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 337-527-0357

Grant funding is provided by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Hosted by the Brimstone Historical Society and Sulphur Parks & Recreation.

Images from previous Chaos Theory exhibits