A food-themed FREE resource site for ARTISTS.

Category: Artist Opportunity

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Low Tech Photo Show

Posted on July 3, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

You know I have a sugary-soft spot for photography (and photographers as it turns out), but more than my love for the technical quality of the image is my love for the complexity of results available with older technology.

As artists, many of us have been very concerned about the future of photography due to the inexpensive availability of digital cameras…

Who knew digital cameras would create a whole new audience for the classics like Polaroid and pinhole?

Here’a a great call for those Low Tech processes from
The Center for Fine Art Photography

Call For Entries: LOW TECH

The Center for Fine Art Photography is currently celebrating the low-tech processes and is interested in exhibiting the best low-tech images that photographers are producing. This call is open to all subjects and styles of photography that include a low tech means of image making or printing. This includes, but is not limited to; toy, Holga and Diana cameras, Pinhole, Wet Plate Collodian, Photograms, Callotypes, Cyanotypes, Polaroid and other traditional processes.

JUROR: Crista Dix

Crista Dix is the Founder and Director of wall space gallery in Seattle and Santa Barbara. Starting in this creative field as a photographer, collector and lover of the visual image, Crista decided to put down her camera and utilize her years of business management to help promote photographers and photography. With a background in science, business and creative arts, she has created a gallery space that celebrates artists’ vision. She has been a member of numerous panels and discussions, juried creative competitions and has participated in major portfolio reviews across the country.

EXHIBITION AND AWARDS:

With selection for this exhibition, featured artist’s work will be seen by an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and other advocates of fine art photography. Each participant will be included in the Center’s Main Gallery exhibition and Online Gallery exhibition.
liveBooks Website Award: Valued at $399 each, two artists will receive a one year subscription for a website from liveBooks.com
Juror’s Selection Award: $300 and a Blurb book award from Blurb.com
Director’s Selection Award: $200 and a Blurb book award from Blurb.com
Honorable Mention Award: $100
All exhibitors are included in the Center’s online gallery

Eligibility: The exhibition is open to all photographers world wide, both amateur and professional. The Center invites photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in its exhibitions.

Exhibit Prints: All accepted images submitted for exhibition must be printed and framed or mounted professionally. The Center recognizes that some work is non traditional and incorporates the framing as an integral part of the presentation. To encourage participation by photographers from around the world, the Center offers optional economical printing and framing services. Additional details will be provided upon request.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Entries due: July 13, 2010
Notice of acceptance: July 23, 2010
Exhibition dates: Oct 1 – 30, 2010
Public / Artists’ Reception: Oct 1 from 6-9pm

ENTRY FEE:

Members: $20 for the first five images.

Non-Members: $35 for the first five images.

Additional images may be submitted for $10 each. There is no limit to the number of images that may be submitted.

Applicants signing up for membership at the time they submit their work for jurying may become a member and meet the entry fee for a total of $77.00 USD.

Note: Images selected by jurors for exhibition at the Center in the previous 12 months are NOT eligible. Images previously submitted but not yet selected for exhibition may be resubmitted as often as you wish.

QUESTIONS?

Visit: http://www.c4fap.org
Email: exhibitions@c4fap.org
Call: 970.224.1010

FEATURED: $2 Art Contest

Posted on July 1, 2010July 9, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

What is the $2 Art Contest?

First…Please know that I am not a big fan of online exhibits. I enter one occasionally, but usually they just seem like scams to get my entry fee. Now, how is it that I am supposed to not be a “starving artist” when I am throwing $35 after $50 toward meaningless shows with no history, no academic recognition, and no shot of selling my work?

Show me tangible benefits please.

Second…ArtAndArtDeadlines.com has always been intended to be a FREE resource, and that isn’t changing. But, I made the decision to remove Google Ads from this site by our one-year anniversary (September 2010) and replace them with well-placed, aesthetically pleasing, non-flash ads for artists and art resources that my readers will find helpful and valuable to them.

Yes…I’m coming to the point…

Third…I receive a good number of submissions to be a FEATURED ARTIST on ArtAndArtDeadlines.com, and I usually write a feature post every couple of months. Take a look at our Recently Featured Artists Catherine Roach, Celine Eimann, Shane Watt, and Kris Wlodarski. These posts do really well for MONTHS after they are posted because people want to see good art.

Finally…
Best of Show…
All of the meandering above was leading to this point…

Each month I will feature an artist of the month from submissions received the previous month.

There will be a fee of $2 to enter–payable by PayPal to submitart@artandartdeadlines.com .

You can’t buy your way onto ArtAndArtDeadlines.com, but here are the tangible benefits to you for your $2 if you are chosen for a feature post.

Benefits of Entering the $2 Art Contest:

The distinct honor of being a FEATURED ARTIST of the MONTH on ArtAndArtDeadlines.com . 🙂
A permanent inbound link from the post to multiple pages on your website (if you have one) from this site which has a Google Page Rank of 4 (as of 07/01/2010) which helps your website’s visibility on the web.
Additional permanent inbound links from a new Featured Artist page to your website (if you have one) from this site which has a Google Page Rank of 4 (as of 07/01/2010) which helps your website’s visibility on the web.
A 300×300 pixel ad (created by me) for occasional use in other blog posts throughout the month in which you are featured (and beyond–at my discretion)

I hope you agree…It could be the best $2 you ever spend.

Why $2? I’m not trying to get rich off the artwork of my readers by producing ArtAndArtDeadlines.com, but it would be nice to pay the hosting fees and software occasionally. $2 is a ridiculously low fee FOR ANYTHING. You see a benefit, and ArtAndArtDeadlines.com gets to promote great art and great artists. Simple.

The $2 Art Contest Guidelines are easy:

FEE: Send $2 to submitart@artandartdeadlines.com via PayPal.com and record the transaction # when you’re finished. Don’t worry…it is part of the confirmation email they send you.

SUBMISSION: Email me the PayPal transaction #, a handful of pics, a bio and whatever you think I need to form an accurate opinion of your work. If all of the information I need is on your website, just send me the link to the site. There are no restrictions…You can win EVERY month, so just keep entering.

DEADLINE: The deadline is the last day of each month. The artist chosen will be notified by the 7th of each month, and the FEATURED ARTIST of the MONTH blog will be posted by the 15th of each month.

DISCLAIMERS: ArtAndArtDeadlines.com reserves the right to publish work of artists whose work we love–entry fee or not; however, a winner will be chosen each month from paid entries. Additional posts are at my discretion. P.S. Don’t expect to get a ribbon in the mail.

The permanent $2 Art Contest Page is accessible through the top and side navigation areas so that you can find it again and again.

Email me if you have any questions.

CALL for PROPOSALS: Times Square

Posted on June 30, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

LOOKING FOR
AN ART SHOW IN NYC?

When you think about your dream gallery show, how many of you think of New York City? I think of Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles, London…and New York City, of course. Tell me–What is more New York City than Times Square itself? Thanks to the Times Square Alliance, you may just have an opportunity to see your work in Times Square.

Check out this
Call for Submissions
from the Times Square Alliance:

Times Square is one of the world’s most renowned urban destinations. Its dazzling lights and teeming crowds offer an overwhelming sense of possibility. Having helped to make Times Square clean and safe, the Times Square Alliance is now working to nurture the creativity, energy and edge that are the essence of Times Square.

For that reason, they are working with a variety of arts-based curatorial groups to bring public art projects to Times Square. Times Square Arts, their pilot public art program, will incorporate diverse art elements into Times Square’s streetscape, thereby expressing the area’s uniqueness and enriching the pedestrian experience.

The Times Square Alliance seeks letters of interest from arts organizations and artists across disciplines to present contemporary art projects and art events in the public spaces in and around Times Square.

In a one-page letter, applicants should propose a single project or series for anytime between September 2010 and December 2012.

Artists and arts organizations are encouraged to propose projects that address the unique nature and rich history of Times Square. Projects should be able to have an impact in a space defined by dynamic activity and continuous, competing visual stimuli.

Organizations, curators and artists are encouraged to consider how their projects will change or effect the space during the presentation and how the 350,000 people here every day (as well millions of virtual viewers) will interact with the presentation.

Public spaces to consider as locations for art projects and events include the new Broadway plazas and Duffy Square in Times Square and other public and private spaces throughout the Theater District, 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.

Through its Public Art Program, the Times Square Alliance brings temporary high-quality, cutting-edge art and performance to Times Square’s public spaces, so that it is known globally as a place where ordinary people encounter authentic, ever-changing urban art in multiple forms and media.

For complete details on the application process and please visit www.timessquarenyc.org/arts/opencall

ART PUBLICATION: The Flaneur

Posted on June 29, 2010June 29, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

URGENT CALL!

This is the second time in under a week that I have double posted…I’m on a roll folks–lookout!

I came across this Call for Submissions for The Flaneur, an Independent Art & Culture Newspaper and the deadline is TOMORROW.

Due to the haste with which this needs to be posted, I am going to skip the customary lecture about all the reasons to pursue art publication.

I submitted my work via their web page, but when I requested additional information from the editor, he said submissions could be emailed directly to him. See Below.

Here’s the call…HURRY!

Final Call for Arts and Writing magazine submissions

The next issue of The Flaneur (click here for the name origin) is publishing as a newspaper and as an iPhone app.

If you are a writer or artist and are interested in being a part of this project please submit reviews, short fiction, flash art, cartoons, articles, poetry, short fiction.

They are interested in anything cultural. Take a look at their What We Publish Page if you have questions.

Please email your work to editor@flaneur.me.uk with ‘Flaneur submission’ in the title.

Please note that contributors are not currently paid.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: small work BIG STATEMENT

Posted on June 29, 2010June 29, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

Do YOU have a lot to say?

I have never met a good artist that didn’t have a mouthful of opinion and point-of-view. And while a lot of you have taken to working in enormous sizes, a few of you still appreciate working compact.

For years I worked in 12″x12″ for ease of shipping…nothing larger than dinner plate sized, ha. Having a lot to say doesn’t necessarily mean you need a lot of space to say it in.

Here’s a great Call for Entries for works
12″x12″ and smaller.

17th Annual Small Matters of Great Importance
Submission Deadline: August 20, 2010
Exhibition Dates: October 16-November 28, 2010

Edward Hopper House Art Center welcomes applicants to its 17th annual Small Matters of Great Importance national juried exhibition, held in three gallery rooms of Edward Hopper’s birthplace and childhood home, now a not-for-profit art center listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Juror:

Clare Bell, Program Manager, Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.

Clare Bell began her career at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and has been a curator since 1987. She has served as Deputy Director of the Museum of the City of New York and as Director of Exhibitions at Pace Wildenstein Gallery. She has written essays on numerous artists, including Jim Dine, Jenny Holzer, Ellsworth Kelly, and Roy Lichtenstein, and on various other topics in 20th century art. Ms. Bell was an instructor at the School of Visual Arts for many years and since 2002 has been Program Manger at The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.

The exhibit celebrates work in all styles and media that makes a big statement—through message, technique, or execution–despite its size.

Eligibility:

Open to all artists 18 and over and all media, including drawing, painting, photography, prints, mixed media, collage, computer art, video, wall relief, and sculpture.

All subjects and styles will be considered.

Artwork must not exceed 12″ x 12″ including frame; wall relief and sculpture limited to 6″ x 12″. All work submitted must have been executive within the past two years and not previously shown at Hopper House.

Judging Criteria:

Selections will be made per artist (rather than by individual works of art), so all entries should be cohesive and express a discernable creative sensibility specific to that artist. Selections will be made based on execution, technique, and originality.

Submissions:

Each artist may submit at least three, but no more than 5 entries. Only on-line entries through Online Juried Shows will be accepted.

Please submit all entries to www.OnlineJuriedShows.com (on the homepage look for Edward Hopper House Art Center, Small Matters of Great Importance and click “enter this show”).

Submission deadline is August 20, 2010. Call Erich Neubert from Online Juried Shows at 949-388-3407 if you need help with the submission process.

After you have submitted your entry please mail your check to Edward Hopper House, 82 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960 or pay via paypal through our website http://www.hopperhouse.org/ (reference SMGI ). Artists will be notified of their status via e-mail.

Fees:
(fees are non-refundable)

Hopper House members: $30 for first THREE entries, $5.00 for each additional entry (maximum 5 entries total).

Non-members: $35.00 for first THREE entries; $5.00 for each additional entry (up to 5 entries total)

Awards:

$500 Award for Excellence plus additional cash prizes to be awarded.

Hopper House will observe every care and precaution, but cannot be responsible for loss or damage of accepted artworks. Accepted artists must contract with Hopper House agreeing to exhibition terms including, but not limited to, installation schedule and liability waiver.

Curator reserves the right to reject work not satisfactorily represented by the images submitted or artwork that arrives in a condition not suitable for hanging. Artists are responsible for Shipping/Delivery. Instructions will be included with acceptance letters.

The Hopper House shall receive 35% commission on any art sold from the premises.

Calendar:

Submission deadline: Aug 20, 2010
Notification to artists: Sept 10
Delivery of work: Oct 10, 3 – 5 pm & Oct 12, 12 – 5 pm
Opening reception: Oct 16, 5-7 pm
Work pickup: Nov 28, 3-5 pm & Nov 29, 12-5 pm

To download the prospectus, click the link below:

http://onlinejuriedshows.com/PDF/21HopperHouseProspectus.pdf

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Functional Art

Posted on June 28, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

I know a large number of artists that take great pride in the fact that their work is not “retail art,” and I know quite a handful of artists are proud to have their work sell in retail galleries because they can make a living doing what they love. If you are looking for a way to bridge the gap between fine art and the retail world, consider functional art as an option. Here’s a great call for functional art:

Call for entries

The Art of Applied Design is open to all applied artists age 18 or above, working in the U.S. and abroad. There is no limit on the number of objects that may be entered. Entries must be original one-of-a-kind works of the submitter, completed within the preceding three years (2007 to 2010), and be represented by high quality digital images.

Evaluation will be based upon the creative uniqueness and originality of the work, evidence of excellence in craftsmanship, and quality of the photographic images provided by the artist/designer.

Exhibition of accepted work will include notation of the artist’s name, country of residence, and e-mail address to facilitate the independent sales of exhibited work.

One entry in each material category will be selected for recognition as Best of Show for that category.

Eligibility:

All submitted works must be functional objects typically used within interior spaces that also exhibit unique, innovative, inspirational, creative artistry. Submitters must identify the primary material from which a work is constructed. Entries will be evaluated against others made from that same material.

Acceptable material categories are fiber (including paper), wood, metal, clay, and glass/plastic. Examples of appropriate objects include furnishings (hard and soft), utensils, containers, fixtures, and other objects that enhance function and physical comfort within interior spaces. Works selected for display within the DHM Digital Gallery will exhibit nontraditional, innovative design.

Not eligible for submission are the fine arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.); objects that are purely decorative; works that are representative of functional objects but are not, themselves, functional; photography; video; architecture or architectural drawings; graphic designs; lighting designs (i.e., the projection of illumination in space); or functional objects not typically used within interior spaces.

Images:

Only high quality digital jpg images will be accepted. We recommend at least 300 dpi, with no more than 2048 pixels (and no less than 900 pixels). Only one image per submission, illustrating the total object, should be submitted. Additional images of any one submitted object will not be viewed.

The DHM Digital Gallery will retain and modify the submitted images of accepted artwork for the purpose of using those images in publications and gallery publicity. Submission of images to this exhibit constitutes permission for future use (and modification, when necessary) of those images by the DHM Digital Gallery for the above stated purposes.

CD submissions will not be returned. Each digital image should be identified in the following manner:

lastname.firstname.abbreviatedtitle.numberonentryform

Example: Smith.Jane.HeartfeltSong.6.jpg

Entry Rules:

All entered works must be one-of-a-kind original creations by the artist, produced in the year 2007 or later. Entry may be made via the mailing of digital images on a CD, or submission of digital images to the provided e-mail address. The entry form accompanying this prospectus may be submitted as an e-mail attachment, or printed and mailed.

All submissions must be accompanied by an entry fee of $25 (U.S. dollars) for the first two objects submitted for consideration, and $10 for each additional object. The entry fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to DHM Digital Gallery, or by credit card via the link at the end of the online entry form.

If submitting an entry by e-mail attachment, the entry form and all digital images must be attached to the same e-mail transmission.

Juror:

June Gilliam Worthington, with degrees focused on Business and Interior Design, has worked with architects, builders, interior designers, landscape architects, technical consultants and artists for more than 35 years to carry out her belief that through creative effort all things are possible.

For nearly 20 of those years, she also owned and operated the es Posible Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in one of a kind art, accessories and functional art furnishings. The Galleries featured the works of numerous artists and craftspeople in addition to creations by her design associates.

June Gilliam Worthington has taught at universities, jurored art shows, and mentored many in search of expressing their creativity. Her clients and customers are from across the United States and many countries abroad. In recognition of this outstanding career in the arts, June Gilliam Worthington is a recipient of the Hall of Fame Award from Oklahoma State University.

Calendar:

July 15, 2010: Entries must be received by the DHM Digital Gallery
August 15, 2010: Notification of the juror’s decisions sent to artists by e-mail messaging
September 15, 2010: The Art of Applied Design exhibit opening
December 1, 2010: Closing of the exhibit

Entry Checklist:

If paying the entry fee by on-line credit card, click on the payment button below and enter the needed transaction information, after which you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions about how to proceed with the entry process. If paying by check and postal mail, click on the entry form, below, and print the entry form for submission with a check or money order and a CD of images by mail.

Completed entry form (submission via e-mail attachment is highly preferred). To save the entry form on your computer, right click on this link, and click “Save As”.
Check, money order (payable to DHM Digital Gallery) or credit card fee. Click here for online credit card payment.
Digital images formatted and labeled as directed (e-mail attachment or mailed CD). Detailed instructions can be found on the entry form.

For the full Applied Art Call for Entries,
please visit the DHM Digital Gallery Website.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Wearable Art

Posted on June 27, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

All of you know that I have a food “thing”–which, in theory, explains why this art blog is food themed. However, my Sunday morning confession is…I have a shoe and hat “thing” too. I love them and all fashion. And, I am willing to suffer to wear them. Art is art whether you can wear it or whether you have to keep it in a climate-controlled museum-like environment. To that end, here’s s great call for Wearable Art:

CALL FOR WEARABLE ART SUBMISSIONS

The 2011 Wearable Art Awards invites artists and designers to submit application packages for original garments to be included in the event’s performances and exhibition.

$5,000 CDN in prize money will be awarded. Presented by the Port Moody Arts Centre Society, the Wearable Art Awards encourage artists of all mediums to submit evocative, imaginative and thought provoking creations for the human body.

Entry Information

To participate in the 2011 Wearable Art Awards, the artist’s application package must be submitted electronically at wearableartawards.com/apply no later than 5 pm on December 10, 2010. This application contains:

Artist contact information;
Information related to each entry to be entered into the competition (an artist can submit up to three) stating the entry’s title, materials/media used, garment size, and a 150 word statement; and
Three photos of each entry to be entered into the competition (front, back, and a “bonus” photo of the artist’s choosing).

There is a $30.00 entry fee for each entry submitted in an application. The artist must also deliver payment of the applicable entry fees either by cheque or credit card no later than December 10, 2010.

A jury panel will review the application packages received and select those entries that will be part of the Wearable Art performances and exhibition. Artists whose entries are chosen will be notified during the week of December 13, 2010 through email and will then be required to deliver the following to the Port Moody Arts Centre from January 4, 2011 through January 16, 2011:

Clearly labeled entries (the actual garments);
Completed and signed entry information form for each accepted entry;
CD of high res photos of entries;
Appraisal for each accepted entry (if entry is valued at more than $1,000 CDN);
Student Award info (if applicable);
RSVP card for complimentary performance ticket;
Shipping related requirements (if applicable):
- Pre-paid return shipping (i.e. completed courier forms); and
- Return shipping labels with name and address.

Packaging used to deliver this material should be permanently labeled to include the artist’s name and entry titles.

Artists with selected entries will be provided a checklist of items to provide.

Further details—including a must-read FAQ document and copies of the various forms—are located on their web site at www.wearableartawards.com/artists.

Guidelines

The Wearable Art Awards is not a fashion show, it is a multi-media performance where the human body becomes a living, breathing, moving canvas. They are looking for more than a “pretty dress.” They are asking you to go deep into your imagination to create a wearable piece of art that challenges what most consider to be wearable, or everyday fashion.

The Wearable Art Awards is committed to challenging artists of all mediums to push their imaginations to create evocative, imaginative and thought provoking sculpture for the human body.

Important Notes

All entries must be wearable (but do not need to be practical in any way—in fact, the wilder the better!). However, please keep in mind that the entries will be presented on a red carpet and need to withstand being taken on and off for multiple photo shoots and fittings.
All accepted entries will be included in the awards performance as well as a static five week long exhibition held at Port Moody Arts Centre.
Work must not have been previously exhibited in the Tri-Cities area.
Artists should familiarize themselves with the contract included in this pamphlet. Artists will be required to sign this contract for each of their selected entries.
Artists are responsible for all shipping costs—including return shipping and shipping insurance. Must-read shipping info and tips can be found at wearableartawards.com/artists.
More detailed information and related resources can be found on our website at wearableartawards.com/artists. Our team is available to answer questions and can be reached at info@wearableartawards.com.

Jurying

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria weighted in favour of “wow” factor and conceptual message:

1. All entries must be wearable (but not necessarily practical);
2. Creativity and originality (not streetwear);
3. Design and the use of multiple elements and techniques;
4. Quality of workmanship and construction;
5. Overall presentation focused on “wow” factor; and
6. Conceptual meaning and impact.

Please visit their FAQ document to learn more about jurying.

Special Awards

In addition to competing for a category win, entries will also be eligible for the following cash prize awards as determined by the jury.

Second Life
Best in Show
Material of the Year (Paper is the 2011 Material of the Year)
Student‡
Technology
Ethnic Expression
People’s Choice

Please visit their FAQ document to learn more about categories and awards.

‡ To be eligible for the Student Award an artist must be returning to either full time or part time post secondary studies in fall 2011, or is a recent graduate from a post secondary program (within one year prior of the 2011 Wearable Art Awards application package deadline—The 2011 deadline is December 10, 2010).

Important Dates

Application Package Deadline
December 10th, 2010
The application package and applicable entry fees must be received by the Port Moody Arts Centre no later than 5pm on December 10, 2010. (Theywill not be accepting the actual garments at this point).

Notification of Successful Entries
Week of December 13th, 2010
Artists will be notified by email as to whether their entries have been accepted for inclusion in the performance and exhibition.

Delivery of Successful Entries
January 4, 2011—January 16th, 2011
Selected entries, entry information forms, appraisals, ticket RSVP cards, and the related shipping materials must be delivered to the Port Moody Arts Centre during this time.

Entries can be hand delivered or mailed to:

Wearable Art Awards
c/o Port Moody Arts Centre
2425 St Johns Street
Port Moody, British Columbia, CANADA
V3H 2B2

Prizes

$5,000 in prize money will be awarded. Amount and number of prizes within categories will be dependent on the number of entries received and subject to the jury’s discretion. Maximum amount of a single prize to be awarded will be $500.

To see the full call, please visit: http://www.wearableartawards.com/call_for_entry.php

ART OPPORTUNITY: Love the Outdoors?

Posted on June 26, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

I have never been an outdoorsy girl…ever. But, three years ago I moved to the Great Smoky Mountains, and I have been as converted…well, as much as is realistically possible. Spiders still make me scream, but blood-sucking ticks are no longer panic worthy. I like to hike and fish occasionally, enjoy snow sledding and river lounging…I am even headed white-water rafting today with NOC. No joke.

So, in honor of my new-found, albeit green, love for the outdoors, check out this great call for artists. Hi-Tec footwear is looking for artists that love the outdoors and are looking to pay a couple of you to have some fun. What could be better? Here’s the call:

Calling all artists!

Are you passionate about the outdoors? We’re looking for two talented artists to join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market. Each chosen artist will be a part of their live OR art project—an exciting, fast-paced session of inspiration and sketching. All proceeds from the event will go to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). All you need to do is send them a link to your portfolio or a sample of your work (original compositions only please) by July 2, 2010!

They are setting up two lucky artists with an all-expenses paid trip to Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, where outdoor equipment retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals come together to showcase and discover the latest in outdoor apparel and gear.

They will fly you out to Salt Lake City for two days between August 2 and August 4, 2010, where they’ll put your talents to the test.

Not only will you get to hang with the Hi-Tec team, but they will outfit you in the latest and greatest Hi-Tec gear, and hook you up with $300 each day for your time and talent.

Interested artists should submit a link to their portfolio or 2 art samples, and tell them how you are inspired by the outdoors.

There are three easy ways to enter:

1. Send a tweet to @HiTecUSA – be sure to use the hashtag #ArtforParks

2. Post an artwork sample on our Facebook page, facebook.com/HiTecUSA

3. Fill out this form

The Hi-Tec team will select the top 10 entries based on not only creativity and originality, but also whether the artist emulates a passion for the outdoors. The top 10 artists will be chosen on July 6, 2010, and contacted for a Skype interview to be held on July 7, 2010. The top two artists will be finalized and announced by 4 p.m. PST on July 7, 2010.

For the entire set of rules and Guidelines, visit their site.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Transit Theme

Posted on June 25, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

When is the last time you
were at a bus station?

For many of you, it has been a long time. But I want to challenge you…to let this theme challenge you. I don’t often double post in one day, but here is a Call for Entries for the Grand Opening ceremonies for Knoxville Station Transit Center.

This call IS national, not local. No Entry fee, but you will have to ship your work both ways. Take a look. The theme is complicated, but I don’t think it necessarily requires a working knowledge of Knoxville, TN. Check it out:

Call for Entries:
Knoxville Station Transit Center Grand Opening Ceremonies Exhibition.

Presented by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT).

Postmark deadline:
Friday, July 2, 2010.

Guidelines: Submit only work completed within the five years that has not been previously displayed in Knoxville.

Entries must be original 2-D works. Media categories include, but are not limited to: painting (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, digital, and mixed media); graphic arts (pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, conte, colored pencil, and printmaking; photography (color, black and white, digital); and fiber arts.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Theme: Artists are asked to consider the statement below when considering pieces for submission. This broad theme encompasses communities, city life and technologies, nature and environment, and of course, movement and transportation:

“Knoxville Station will be the central hub and gateway that connects all of Knoxville to the heart of downtown and beyond. The building’s creative design, artistry, technology and energy efficiency reflect Knoxville’s attitude of a forward-thinking, livable community. The environmental features reflect Knoxville’s respect for the beauty of the city and the region, and the desire to maintain that beauty for all of our residents. With the opening of this facility, Knoxville residents’ transportation options have just been broadened.”

For more information, contact: bbrill@katbus.com or (865) 215-7828.

Download Prospectus Here.

ARTIST OPPORTUNITY: State Fairs 2010

Posted on June 25, 2010July 20, 2010 by R.L. Gibson

State Fairs are known for funnel cakes and corn dogs; however, they can also be a Great Art Opportunity for self-taught and beginning artists to get their feet wet in a friendly, albeit competitive, arena. But professionals and seasoned artists shouldn’t overlook the opportunity to win cash prizes and sell work at their local State Fair.

This is the 2010 State Fair update.

By the way, if you are new to the state fair scene, you should look for keywords like “exhibits,” “competitions” and “premiums” or “premium book” on the fair websites.

Here are the 50 State Fairs in alphabetical order by state–yes, all 50 of them are here.

Don’t forget to have fried Twinkie for me!

1. The Greater Gulf State Fair (Alabama) is typically held in late October. The competitive exhibits include everything from digital photography to duct tape art.

2. Alaska State Fair home of record-setting giant vegetables and beautiful flower gardens–and art, of course. Artwork will be judged on design, composition, originality, creativity color saturation, lighting, contrast emotional response, technical expertise and craftsmanship. Entries in the Professional Division are also judged on presentation. Don’t forget to enter the bee keeping contest too!

3. Arizona State Fair reflects the rich history of Arizona and spans three centuries as a showcase for statewide talent. ASF also hosts a popular All Indian Rodeo. Of course, no fair would be complete without art. All traditional media and some mixed media are allowed with the exception of computer generated art, photographic prints, copies and color copies. Click here beginning in July of each year for competitive exhibits info.

4. Arkansas State Fair is also an October affair. If you aren’t prepared to compete to be the Rodeo Queen, make sure you enter one of this fair’s photography contests.

5. California State Fair hosts unique and world-renowned competitions showcasing a variety of industries, including those that extend far beyond agriculture. Thousands of awards are bestowed annually in categories such as fine arts, culinary, youth, technology and more.

6. Colorado State Fair provides an unmatched opportunity for both Emerging Artists/Students and Professional Artists from mission of “Quality, Quantity & Diversity.” Click Here for more information about fine arts competition.

7. Connecticut does not have a “State” Fair; however, Connecticut artists are even luckier…they have over 40 local fairs from which to choose. Check out this map of Connecticut fairs to find the one closest to you!

8. Delaware State Fair has hosted a wide variety of exhibits and contests. You’ll find categories from Abstract Art to Zinnias and everything in between represented at the Delaware State Fair. Held in July, entry into the Fine Arts Competition is only open to amateurs (defined as someone who does not derive an income from or teach the media of the category entered).

9. Florida State Fair is held in February, and residents can compete in more than two dozen categories including fine art, photography, sewing and needlework, various artisan crafts, including woodcarving, and horticulture. There’s even a wine-making competition and a high school art exhibition and competition. Find a category and enter today for your chance to win an award or gain a few fans…and don’t forget the fair food!

10. Georgia National Fair is held in October each year and has a full program of both Home Arts and Fine Arts Competition and even Artists in Residence. You can download the Premium Book and browse all of their competition information on their website GeorgiaNationalFair.com.

11. Hawaii State Fair was officially 50 years old as of 2009; but, information about art is missing from their website. It is in May each year…so we have almost a year to figure it out again. Someone please Email me if you have any information.

12. Western Idaho Fair walk began with agricultural exhibits. Now you can walk through the exhibit halls to see the most creative things, from fine arts to blown glass, fancy wine to fine embroidery. Learn how you can enter.

13. Illinois State Fair offers competitive exhibits in Painting, Watercolor, Drawing and Graphics, Ceramics, Textiles, Enamels, Glass, Wood, Photography and even Digital Imagery (which they define as photography or drawings that have been manipulated by use of a computer program). Click here for details about how to enter the Illinois State Fair Art Competition.

14. Indiana State Fair is held in early August and offers competitive exhibits in a full gamut of fine art from painting to fiber art and computer generated work. The fine arts department seeks to recognize sincerity, honesty, quality and originality.

15. Iowa State Fair accepts art entries from artists 3 years and older. The fine arts competition accepts work in a range of media including a themed photography exhibit. Cash awards range from $50 Honorable Mentions to $500 Best of Show. Unlike many fairs where you have to bring your work for the jury process, starting in 2010, the Iowa State Fair will be jurying from .jpgs.

16. Kansas State Fair art competition has both an amateur and professional division, and the duct tape competition is open to everyone…so no excuses! Accepted media for professional fine arts include: paintings and drawings, hand-pulled prints, photography, sculpture and plein aire. Check the site often for updates.

17. Kentucky State Fair offers competition for everyone, and with thousands of competitive entry categories in everything from homemade pies to ugly lamps, and of course fine art. Visitors are sure to find a category that fits their talent–from goats to gauche.

18. Louisiana State Fair offers categories in standard painting, drawing and photography for the adult classes and cool youth division categories including footwear and recycled art. Check out all of the competitive exhibits!

19. Bangor State Fair (Maine) only offers a photography contest for amateurs; however, an amateur is defined as one who earns less than half his/her income as a photographer. That includes a large number of you out there. This fair boasts record-breaking crowds due to the pay one price ticketing in 2009.

20. Maryland State Fair offers opportunities for people of all ages to enter their most prized items, whatever they may be. This year offers a fresh crop of categories including cartoon art, miniatures, and state-themed photography. Follow the Maryland State Fair on Twitter for the latest updates!

21. The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) is held in West Springfield and functions as Massachusetts’ State Fair. The Big E offers a variety of department competitions including several fiber arts categories, photography and the 2009 addition of of the Trashionista Recycled Fashion competition.

22. Michigan State Fair The nations oldest state fair and one of Michigan’s most treasured traditions is in danger of being “blown away”. Established in 1849, the Michigan State Fair was over 160 years old when an ill considered decision was made to stop holding the annual state fair. If you would like to learn more about how to help rescue the Michigan State Fair, click here.

23. Minnesota State Fair presents an annual art exhibition that is the result of a juried competition. Participation is open to all living residents of Minnesota, and each may submit one work for consideration. Only those works selected by the jurors are displayed in the Fine Arts Center during the State Fair. In 2008, a total of 2,400 pieces were submitted, and 385 works were accepted.

24. Mississippi State Fair offers a fine art and student art competition during this October Fair; however, the details are sketchy. Mississippi artists, email me the details, and I’ll update the post!

25. Missouri State Fair accepts works in all media for fine arts competition in both adult and junior categories. China painters and photographers have separate opportunities in addition to the Missouri Top 50.

26. Montana State Fair. Masters, amateurs and youth are invited to exhibit their creations. The Creative Arts Department features a variety of craft related skills. Artistic folks can exhibit paintings, bronzes and more in Fine Arts. Hand weaving and Spinning features woven products. There is a photography exhibit for the camera buffs.

27. Nebraska State Fair offers a fine arts competition for painting, drawing, clay, glass and more…even comic book art. Monetary awards were small in 2009; however, special awards like $100 Cheap Joe’s gift certificates sweetened the pot. For more information about competitions at the Nebraska State Fair, visit their competition downloads page.

28. Nevada State Fair is open to amateurs and professionals with categories including acrylics, oils, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, china painting and stained glass. A Profession is limited to 4 entries and is defined as any person who sells the work from the event in which they are participating, teaches others for profit or who makes up 50% or more of their yearly income from art sales. Follow the NSF on Facebook!

29. New Hampshire does not have a “State Fair,” per se; however, the state is alive with fairs throughout the year. Find a full list of NH fairs here. The Sandwich Fair, held in October, offers competitive exhibits in the categories of Painting, Drawing, Print & Mixed Media, and Sculpture–as well as Landscape, Still Life and Portraits in any media.

30. New Jersey State Fair offers competition in the categories of Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Graphics, Watercolor, Sculpture and Photography. If none of those suit your fancy, don’t forget the Polka Dancing Competition!

31. New Mexico State Fair is also known as Expo New Mexico. Do you whip up a mean Spam casserole? Zealous about your zucchini? Proud of your petunias? Do you create art that is simply alluring? Why not be a part of the competition at the New Mexico State Fair? With several departments and categories in which to compete, there’s something for everyone.

32. The Great New York State Fair is an exciting mix of big-name entertainment, mouth-watering food, captivating exhibits and thrilling attractions that draws nearly 1 million people every summer. It is your invitation to a 12-day celebration of the very best in New York State agriculture, commerce, education, art and music.

33. North Carolina State Fair offers the standard art exhibits in addition to the Web & Graphic Design Competition. Now in its 16th year, the Design Contest challenges Internet-savvy artists to use the N.C. State Fair as the subject of graphic and Web page designs.

34. North Dakota State Fair has a full range of competition in Fine Arts from painting and sculpture to taxidermy. This fair is held in July, so bookmark the competition link for next year!

35. Ohio State Fair proudly states it’s mission is “to attract a variety of Ohio artists providing the opportunity to exhibit and receive awards and recognition, encourage innovation in the arts and expose the community to one of Ohio’s greatest assets, its artists.” And, they put their money where their mouths are… Amateur Best of Show wins $1,000 while Professional Best of Show wins $2,000. In addition, OSF has a Patron Purchase Award Program which is designed to provide new and established collectors of Ohio artworks a unique opportunity to add to their collections.

36. Oklahoma State Fair is held in September. Every year, the Creative Arts Program showcases the talents of Oklahomans in most media. The “other” category leaves it wide open for all of you with a weird streak, and photographers have their own competition broken down by subject matter: nature, action, scenic, flower, geometric or abstract patterns, portraits, people, computer generated graphics, pets, computer enhanced photo, twilight/night photos, landscape, and the Oklahoma State Fair Theme.

37. Oregon State Fair features the All-Oregon Art Annual categories include Professional Art, Amateur Art, Student and Youth Art, Juried, Non-Juried and Student Calligraphy. Deadlines are in June of each year. For more information or questions please email or call (503) 947-3260.

38. Pennsylvania is another of those states that doesn’t have a “State” fair; however, the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs boasts more than 100 members. Here is a list of Pennsylvania fairs in alphabetical order. If you have been to a Pennsylvania fair with a thriving arts competition, email me so I can update this post. And, if you are the first one to send me a picture of your artwork that you entered into the county fair, I will replace the question mark with your work if it is spectacular.

39. The Washington County Fair (Rhode Island) is the largest fair in Rhode Island and features competitive opportunities in ceramics, photography, and painting. Visit the Washington County Fair competition page for a full list of categories…and please don’t forget to eat a candied apple (or two) and some cotton candy for me.

40. South Carolina State Fair is typically held in October of each year. The SC State Fair supports the arts with higher dollar prize amounts unlike almost any other fair in the country except for Ohio. The SC State Fair also has a Patron Purchase Program which allows collectors and fair sponsors the opportunity to purchase work. I have both entered the SC State Fair and won a prize or two at this the fair…sign up for the newsletter today.

41. South Dakota State Fair sponsors competition and pays premiums for drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, china painting, mixed media and graphic arts. I know the arts exist at the SD State Fair because I found the 2008 results on-line; however, I cannot find the premium book for art this year. This fair website is difficult to figure out for art entry purposes. Save this SDSF link for later and let me know if you find more direct information by emailing me!

42. Tennessee Valley Fair is the fair of my home state and is being held now (September). This state fair has the quaint feeling of a county fair but stretches out farther than the eye would lead you to believe. The arts competition doesn’t pay high premiums but does cover a variety of media including: Oil or acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, or colored pencils, Graphic prints, line drawings, silk screen, etchings, engravings, pen and ink with color, Mixed Media, Sculpture (not to exceed 8″ in any direction), Computer Generated Art, Cartoons, Miniatures (oil, watercolor, pastel or graphic), Glass, Ceramics, Pottery, Photography and more. Sign up for updates from the TN Valley Fair.

43. The State Fair of Texas is held in October of each year to beat the Texas heat. The Art Department is open to amateurs only, and all art must have been completed within the year prior to entry. Works from teachers and professional artists are acceptable if they do not earn $2,000 of their income from the sale of their art. The same restriction applies to photography.

44. The Utah State Fair is also ongoing (September). You can register to received email newsletters regarding next year’s fair at the top right of any page on their website. The US Fair offers competitive opportunities in Fine Arts and Photography for both professionals and amateurs with cash awards ranging from $30 to $225.

45. Vermont State Fair offers exhibit opportunities in Art and Photography. However, all information I can find indicates that Art is limited to paintings. So, if you are not a painter or photographer, groom your goat or shine your tractor for exhibit. Check the VSF Exhibit page for all the possibilities.

46. The State Fair of Virginia offers the best of Virginia! Go see Virginia’s finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin’ music,
fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more–an annual traditions since 1854. Visit the website for information on the NEW LOCATION! Check the competitor’s page for categories.

47. Evergreen State Fair (Washington) features competition in Fine Arts and Photography featuring special categories for less-common fair departments like textiles and found-object assemblage. Yeah!

48. West Virginia State Fair was reported by me last year as not having Fine Arts competition. I don’t know if I just missed it last year, but this year when searching for updates, I found the Fine Arts category nestled inside the Home Arts category. Take a look!

49. Wisconsin State Fair offers competition in textiles (quilts and clothing) as well as photography, but only for amateurs. Premiums are small, but these opportunities are often about keeping you motivated & showing…and don’t forget the cheese!

50. Wyoming State Fair offers competition opportunities in the media of painting, drawing, mixed media and photography, and competition is open to Wyoming, Western Nebraska and Western South Dakota residents for these categories. How unusual! Don’t forget to enter the “Best Beef Picture” Contest.