The Wellspring of 1000 Eyes

Description

Welcome to the Wellspring of 1000 Eyes
An exhibition to celebrate one year of The Art Department's new home.
A Painted, Stained Glass and mixed media project to hang in the windows of the former Argos building to light up and announce the arrival of our new space.
Inspired by our new home at 9-11 Causeyside St ( a former Argos store) and the Greek God “Argos Panoptes” The earthborn son of Gaia he was a giant with 100 eyes.

“And set a watcher upon her, great and strong Argos, who with four eyes looks every way. And the goddess stirred in him unwearying strength: sleep never fell upon his eyes; but he kept sure watch always.”

His great service to the Olympian pantheon was to slay the chthonic serpent-legged monster Echidna as she slept in her cave. Hera's defining task for Argos was to guard the white heifer Io from Zeus, She required someone who had at least a hundred eyes spread out, always watching in all directions, someone who would stay awake despite being asleep.
Argos was meant to be the perfect guardian.
Calling all artists!  The Art Department, Paisley Ltd is announcing a CALL FOR ENTRIES for THE WELLSPRING OF 1000 EYES. Taking place at The Art Department, Paisley.  The show will open on 1st December 2026 and run until 31st January 2027 at our new permanent home and gallery space at 9-11 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1UW.
The organisers are looking for entries which includes STAINED GLASS, PAINTED GLASS, TEXTILES, PRINTS, SCULPTURE, MIXED MEDIA , CERAMICS, INSTALLATION, DIGITAL, FILM, VIDEO. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2026. There is NO hanging fee for this show.  The project is supported by Renfrewshire Council's Culture, Heritage & Events Fund.Artists can submit a maximum of SIX art works. All submissions must be made online via this site.

Sales proceeds benefit the charity and contribute to organisation, hanging and marketing costs.  Sales Commission is 30% with VAT @ 20% on the sales commission element only.  Remittance to artists will be by 31st March 2027Please note we expect the majority of work submitted to be for sale.
Key Dates 
Call for Entries CLOSES 31ST OCTOBER 2026Artists Notification 8th November 2026Hand-in of artwork 16th-30th November 2026Exhibition Opening 1st December 2026Show ends 31st January 2027Exhibition Opening Hours Tues-Sat 10am-4pmHand-Back 1-6th February 2027Remittance of sales by 31st March 2027Any enquiries should be directed to The Art Department, Paisley team as the main exhibition organisers.The Art Department, Paisley Ltd9-11 Causeyside Street, PAISLEY PA1 1UWTel 0141 847 1122 (office hours Tue-Sat 10am-4pm (closed Sun/Mon)Email contact@art-department.orgPROJECT THEMESParticipants are invited to respond these broad themesPOWER & GUARDIANSHIPTHE ALL SEEING EYETHE EYES OF THE TRUTHTHE THIRD EYETHE PUBLIC EYEPRIVATE EYEThe Eyes are the Windows to the SoulTHE IRIS OF THE EYE & VISIONS OF THE COSMOSTATTOO ARTEASTERN EYESTHE EYE OF RAFURTHER READING: Eyes in Art: A History of Representation and Symbolism - Kickstand ProjectThe All-Seeing Eye: Exploring the Symbolism of Eyes in Art Through the Ages — Human in Design™The Eye as Art: Anatomy and Vision in the 18th Century - Dittrick Medical History CenterDecoding Symbolism: The Eye's Hidden Meaning In Art Explained | CyPaint