Threshold considers submissions from undergraduate writers at Yavapai College, affiliates of the college, and Arizona residents. To have your work considered for the Spring 2027 issue, submit before December 1, 2026. We accept digital submissions only, via our Submittable page.    

For poetry: Submit up to five poems in separate files, with the title of each piece at the top of the page. Please use your last name, the title of the piece, and the genre as the file name. For example: Merchant, "The End of August," Poem.    

For prose: Submit up to fifteen double-spaced pages in a single document, with the title of the piece at the top of the page. Please use your last name, the title of the piece, and the genre as the file name. For example: Merchant, "Moon Song," Fiction.   

All work must be previously unpublished. Please submit work as a Microsoft Word file.    

We will be curating a selection of poetry, prose, and visual art for the issue. Please note that not all submissions will be accepted. We encourage you to resubmit in fall 2027!    

We do consider simultaneous submissions. However, if part or all of your submission is accepted elsewhere, please let us know right away by leaving a message in the Messages tab in Submittable.    

Guidelines:    Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format.

AI Statement: Threshold does not accept work generated by AI. Submissions including work generated by AI will be rejected. If accepted work is found to be written by generative AI, the publication contract will be terminated immediately.

- Poetry: up to 5 poems in separate files.  

- Fiction: up to 15 pages, double-spaced. We will consider one longer story of 15 pages or a few flash pieces not exceeding 15 pages. If submitting multiple short pieces, please send them as separate files.  

- Nonfiction: up to 15 double-spaced pages. We will consider one longer essay of 15 pages or a few flash pieces not exceeding 15 pages. If submitting multiple short pieces, please send them as individual files.    

Submission Format  

 - Numbered pages 

 - Standard font, such as Times New Roman or Garamond  

- Include your name and email on the first page 

 - Include a short cover letter that tells us a bit about yourself    

Example Cover Letter 

Dear Editors,    

Enclosed are my poems, "[Title]," "[Title]," and "[Title]."   I am a second-year student at Yavapai College studying psychology. I wrote some of these pieces in Intro to Poetry. [If you have previous publications, you may mention them here. If you are involved in the arts in any way, you may mention that as well.]    

Thank you for considering my work for publication in Threshold.   

 Sincerely,    [Name]

Call for Art: HeART of America 

October 1st - October 29th, 2026 

HeART of America is a juried exhibition at the Patty McMullen-Mikles Art Gallery exploring the symbols, icons, and stories that have shaped the American experience. From the American flag and the Statue of Liberty to historic landmarks, cultural traditions, and everyday objects that define life in the United States, the exhibition highlights the diverse ways artists interpret the nation’s identity. Celebrating America 250, HeART of America invites visitors to reflect and connect with the symbols and iconography that continues to define what it means to be American.

HeART of America | October 1st - October 29th, 2026 

Opening Reception: October 1st from 5pm - 7pm 

601 Black Hills Drive, Bldg F, Clarkdale, AZ

Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am – 3pm

What Artwork fits this exhibition?

National Symbols: American flag, Bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, White House, U.S. Capitol dome, Mount Rushmore, The Great Seal of the United States, The Pledge of Allegiance text, The Constitution, Declaration of Independence, The Star-Spangled Banner, Lady Liberty torch, Red, white, and blue color scheme

Americana & Road Culture: Route 66 sign, Classic diners, Neon motel signs, Drive-in theaters, Gas station pumps (vintage), Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Pickup trucks, Muscle cars, Cadillac tail-fins, Airstream trailers, Barns with flag murals, Grain silos, Roadside attractions (giant statues), Desert highways

Pop Culture Icons: Hollywood sign, Mickey Mouse, Superman “S” shield, Captain America shield, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola logo, McDonald’s golden arches, Apple logo, Nike swoosh, Blue jeans (Levi’s 501s), Baseball cap, Converse Chuck Taylors, Barbie doll, The Oscars statuette

Sports Symbols: Baseball and bat, MLB logo silhouette, NFL shield, Super Bowl trophy, NBA logo, College football helmets, Tailgating imagery

Western & Frontier Imagery: Cowboy hat, Cowboy boots, Spurs, Horseshoe, Rodeo rider, Lasso, Longhorn skull, Covered wagon, Log cabin, Sheriff’s star badge, Saloon doors, Prairie landscape

Holiday & Seasonal Americana: Fourth of July fireworks, Uncle Sam hats, Thanksgiving turkey, Pilgrim hat, Cornucopia, Pumpkin pie, Christmas small-town Main Street

Architectural & Landmark Symbols: Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Gateway Arch, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square billboards, Las Vegas neon sign, Southern plantation columns, New England lighthouse, Midwestern water tower

Folk Art & Visual Motifs: Barn stars, Quilts, Weather vanes, Whirligigs, Americana typography (script signage), Vintage hand-painted signs, Patriotic bunting, Checkerboard picnic cloth

Music & Cultural Motifs: Electric guitar, Blues harmonica, Banjo, Jazz trumpet, Nashville skyline, Vinyl records, Jukebox, Boom box, Hip-hop graffiti

Food & Everyday Icons: Apple pie, Hot dog, Hamburger, BBQ smoker, Milkshake glass, Red-and-white checkered basket, Corn dog, Thanksgiving table, Diner coffee mug

Submission Guidelines

·  Eligible media: all media; including Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Digital, Metal, Wood, Glass, Printmaking, Sculpture, Fiber, Photography, etc

·  Deadline:  September 1st, 2026

·  Mailed artwork will be accepted. Yavapai College does not pay for shipping or insurance. 

·  Include with submission: artist name, title, medium, dimensions, price, and brief statement (optional)

·  $10 entry free per piece of artwork raises funds for monetary awards. 

·  Max 5 entries per Artist 

·  Art must be adequately framed, wired, and ready to hang (no saw tooth or loop hangers). Gallery wraps are acceptable provided they are at least 1/2 inch deep and are painted on all four sides. Three-dimensional work is not to exceed 40 lbs. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 48-inches in width and 48-inches height.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2026

Artist Notification: September 5th, 2026

Gallery Drop off Date: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 1st, 2026 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Artwork Pickup: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

Juror: Robyn Prud'homme-Bauer, Clarkdale Mayor

Terms and Conditions

Artists will need to deliver artwork to the gallery on the specified date. If delivery cannot be made on drop off date, prior arrangements must be made with gallery manager. Mailed Art will be accepted with prior arrangement with gallery manager. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs, insurance and providing a return label. All artwork selected for the exhibition will be photographed by the college. The YC Art Gallery retains a 25% commission on all works sold. Sold work remains in gallery during the entire exhibition. Payments are made to artists at the close of the exhibition. Works to be included and their installation will be at the discretion of the Gallery Manager. YC reserves the right to reject works that were not properly prepared for instillation. YC reserves the right to reject work that is deemed fragile or unstable. ** All Artwork must be labeled clearly with artist name on the back or bottom. *

Questions? Contact Verde Gallery Manager Molly Borsom @ molly.borsom@yc.edu

Call for Art: In the Kiln

February 25th - April 1st, 2027 

Join us for In the Kiln, a juried group exhibition of ceramic arts at the Patty McMullen-Mikles Art Gallery. We invite artists working in all styles and techniques of ceramics to submit their work, from functional pottery to sculptural pieces and everything in between. This exhibition is an opportunity to share your work alongside fellow ceramic artists and showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and diversity of ceramic art. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established maker, we'd love to see what you've been creating. Yavapai College is excited to welcome guest juror Mary-Beth Buesgen, Lead Curator at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. Mary-Beth brings expansive knowledge of ceramic arts, previously serving as curator at ASU's Ceramic Research Center. 

In the Kiln | February 25th - April 1st, 2027

Opening Reception: February 25th from 5pm - 7pm 

601 Black Hills Drive, Bldg F, Clarkdale, AZ

Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am – 3pm

Submission Guidelines

·  Eligible media: Ceramic and mixed media work that is primarily ceramic

·  Deadline:  January 15th, 2027

·  Mailed artwork will be accepted. Yavapai College does not pay for shipping or insurance. 

·  Include with submission: artist name, title, medium, dimensions, price, and brief statement (optional)

·  $10 entry free per piece of artwork raises funds for monetary awards. 

·  Max 5 entries per Artist 

·  Artwork is not to exceed 30 lbs. Two-dimensional work must have heavy duty hook for hanging. 

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: January 15th, 2027

Artist Notification: February 1st, 2027

Gallery Drop off Date: Tuesday, February 16th, 2027 | 10 am – 3 pm

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 25th, 2027 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Artwork Pickup: Tuesday, April 6th 2027 | 10 am – 3 pm

Juror: Mary-Beth Buesgen, Lead Curator at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum 

Terms and Conditions

Artists will need to deliver artwork to the gallery on the specified date. If delivery cannot be made on drop off date, prior arrangements must be made with gallery manager. Mailed Art will be accepted with prior arrangement with gallery manager. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs, insurance and providing a return label. All artwork selected for the exhibition will be photographed by the college. The YC Art Gallery retains a 25% commission on all works sold. Sold work remains in gallery during the entire exhibition. Payments are made to artists at the close of the exhibition. Works to be included and their installation will be at the discretion of the Gallery Manager. YC reserves the right to reject works that were not properly prepared for instillation. YC reserves the right to reject work that is deemed fragile or unstable. ** All Artwork must be labeled clearly with artist name on the back or bottom. *

Questions? Contact Verde Gallery Manager Molly Borsom @ molly.borsom@yc.edu

Forgotten Artists: Homage to the Past

July 28 – Aug 24, 2027

@ YC Art Gallery, Prescott, AZ

Submissions Close: May 15, 2027

Artist Notification: June 5, 2027

Juror: TBA

Exhibition Concept Forgotten Artists is a research-driven exhibition that brings visibility to artists whose contributions have been historically overlooked, marginalized, or lost over time or not taught in art history. By reintroducing these figures into contemporary dialogue, the exhibition seeks to expand and challenge dominant narratives within art history.

Participating artists are invited to research and select a “forgotten” artist—one whose work, influence, or cultural significance has faded from public recognition—and create new work in response to that artist’s legacy. The selected artist may come from any culture and must be from a historical period between the 1700s and 1970. These contemporary interpretations act as both homage and critical inquiry, bridging past and present through creative reinterpretation.

Media & Artistic Approach   The exhibition will feature a diverse range of media, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art practices. Works may include:

· 2D media: painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and mixed media

· 3D media: jewelry, ceramics, sculpture (including welded and assemblage), woodworking, and installation

Artists are encouraged to engage deeply with both the formal qualities and conceptual frameworks of their chosen figure, translating historical influence into a contemporary visual language.

Research & Interpretation Component   A key element of Forgotten Artists' emphasis is on research and education. Each participating artist will submit a concise written statement (approximately 50–100 words) to accompany their work. This statement will:

· Identify the “forgotten” artist being referenced

· Provide relevant historical and cultural context

· Explain how this research informed the artist’s art style

· Why did the participating artist choose “forgotten” artist work

These texts will be displayed alongside the artwork, reinforcing the educational mission of the Yavapai College Art Gallery and fostering deeper engagement among viewers, artists, and art history.

 Example:   Sarah Biffin, born without arms and vestigial legs, painted using her mouth. She received a medal from the Society of Arts in 1821 and was known for her miniature portraits, still life, and calligraphy.

Questions?

Contact Edd Mastion, YC Prescott Art Gallery

928/776-2031

Edward.Mastion@yc.edu

Threshold is a print and digital journal of literature and creative visual works published in Northern Arizona. 

Threshold considers submissions of fine art, photography, illustration, and visual design, including stills of digital design, for print publication.

Please note that not all submissions will be accepted for publication.

We consider simultaneous submissions. However, if part or all of your submission is accepted elsewhere, please let us know right away by emailing Creative Director Lindsay Masten at lindsay.masten@yc.edu

Guidelines

• Submission file(s) must be suitable for printing, with images of a high resolution: minimum file edge = 7 inches at 300 ppi or vector-based media
• File types: JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PSD, and/or PDF 
• PDFs of design work may be multipage