We are excited to announce our inaugural spring season exhibit!
Group Exhibition — "ROOTED"
An Exhibition at Kota Alliance | Harlem, NYC
Registration Deadline: March 16th 2026
Exhibition Opens: May 7th 2026 at Kota Alliance, Harlem, NYC
Ruthy Valdez and The Kota Alliance are proud to present ROOTED - a group exhibition exploring the visible and invisible roots that shape who we are — and the ones we choose to plant in the world.
We’re calling on women-identifying adult and teen (ages 13-19) artists from Harlem to submit artwork that speaks to the deep, layered theme of ROOTS — where you come from, what grounds you, and how you grow.
What does it mean to be rooted?
This can be cultural, ancestral, personal, spiritual, or even imagined. Your roots might live in stories passed down, traditions you’re reclaiming, or in bold new seeds you’re planting in your art, family, or community.
We welcome artworks that explore themes like:
Family lineage and ancestral memory
Spiritual or cultural practices that ground you
Identity, migration, and belonging
The beauty of home — or the search for it
Seeds of love, resistance, or change you’re planting today
Symbols of growth: trees, soil, hair, maps, fabric, food, language
Rooted is part of our Spring 2026 programming — a season centered on heritage, storytelling, and rising from strong foundations. Let your roots speak. We can’t wait to see what grows from them.
All visual mediums are welcome: painting, photography, textile, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, etc
Submission Requirements:
Up to 3 images, videos, or documents of your work
Title, medium, dimensions, and year for each piece
A short artist bio (100 words max)
2–3 sentences on how your work connects to the theme
For teens: Include parent/guardian contact if under 18
The exhibition is curated by Ruthy Valdez.
Please email: info@kota-alliance.org if you have any issues with the form or other questions.
This program is made possible with the generous support of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA).