ARTISTS GALLERY ANNUAL EXHIBITION
We are so excited to present this exhibition that will feature resident and exhibiting artists from the Artists Gallery. This exhibit is an open theme so you can create anything your heart desires. The only restriction is that you have to be an active member of the artists gallery as in you are a resident studio artist or an exhibiting artist that rents wall and display space. This exhibit will highlight the incredible talent of every single artist so yes, your work will be represented with at least one of your entries so start creating because we can't wait to see what you will submit. Our very own Executive Director Margaret Foltz will be the juror, and we have awards just like in every other exhibit. So, I hope you are excited because I know we are.

 Exhibition Dates: December 5 - 23, 2025

11/13      Application deadline Thursday by                              midnight.                   
11/21      Notifications of accepted art posted on                    this page.
12/2        Drop Off, Tuesday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm                       only.  
11/29      Early drop off 10:30am - 3pm - Please                      read instructions below.
11/30      Early drop off 12:00pm - 3pm - Please                      read instructions below.
12/4        Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
12/5        Reception Friday 6-8 pm in the Brock                      Gallery, Award Presentation, 7 pm 
1/6/26   Pick Up, Tuesday 10:30 am - 4:45 

Judge: Margaret Foltz
Margaret Foltz is a dynamic leader and advocate for community enrichment, with over two decades of experience shaping nonprofit initiatives across South Hampton Roads. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Art Center, Margaret has spearheaded strategic expansions, cultivated impactful partnerships, and championed the importance of the arts in local communities. Her expertise in resource development, board management, and fundraising has empowered organizations like the United Way of South Hampton Roads and Eggleston Services to exceed financial goals and broaden their outreach.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Margaret is deeply engaged in volunteer leadership, serving on various boards of local nonprofits. Her passion for fostering connections, driving organizational growth, and advocating for causes that matter shines through in every initiative she undertakes.
With a master’s in public administration from Old Dominion University and a wealth of specialized training, Margaret blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that every project she leads is both impactful and sustainable. Whether orchestrating large-scale fundraising campaigns or mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders, she remains committed to building stronger, more vibrant communities.

Awards: 

• 1st Place $250
• 2nd Place $200
• 3rd Place $100
• 6 Honorable Mentions 

Interpretation of Theme:
This is an open theme so create whatever is inspiring you at the moment. Only restrictions is that it has to be current work that has never been shown at any of the exhibits at the center. You also must be a resident or exhibiting artists at the Artists Gallery. That means you pay rent for a studio or a wall.

Special Rules:    

• Expressive and energetic art comes from the heart and minds of artist that take that spark of imagination and translate it into all types of creations. 
• Take the time to read all the instructions included in this form. All your questions are most likely answered below. If you are still unsure send an email to Art Curator, Jorge A. Saenz at [email protected] before you submit to this exhibit. Contact us prior to the exhibit submission date closing. Once the exhibit has closed, we will not be able to help you. Check your spam folders for emails from us.   

Diverse types of art can be submitted to the exhibition. Broad interpretation of theme is encouraged and not limited to just representational art. We highly recommend that artwork submitted to our exhibits should be recently created or refined.
If you are unsure of how to approach this theme, please reach out to Art Curator, Jorge A. Saenz via email at [email protected].


Eligibility: 

• Open to only resident or exhibiting artists of the Artists Gallery. 

Entry Fee: 

• $25 for up to five pieces. Ensure you are paying before exiting the site. 
• There is a jury process, and selected pieces will be accepted into the exhibition. At least one piece from each resident or exhibiting artists is guaranteed to be in the exhibit, if you enter more than you may have more in the exhibit. 
• Read and follow all instructions in the prospectus to ensure your artworks meet all the criteria explained in this document.
• Entry fee is non-refundable.

To Submit: 

• Review the General Rules below to ensure that your art fulfills the requirements.
• Fill out the entry form on this page by midnight of the submission deadline. We do not accept late submission.
• Prior to uploading your photos rename them on the device you are using (PC, Mac Book, iPhone or another phone brand) in the following format: last_first_title.jpeg. Photos must be in a jpeg format, check your phones to make sure they are set to this format, especially iPhone's that have a default HEIC setting. Photos that do not meet this requirement are not presented to the judge
• Renaming your photos in the art call upload file box does not change your file name. This must be done prior to uploading. Google has great videos on how to rename your photos on your computer and phones.​
• Photos need to be cropped to the edge of the painting not showing frames or anything that detracts from the art. Photos that do not meet this requirement are not presented to the judge.
• Submit a short statement about each piece, to be displayed with the work.  Statement should be ​30 words, basically 2 lines in a standard Word document.  The exhibition team will edit statements for clarity, length or typos. Look up on google how to write short succinct statements.
•  Be sure to enter your website and social media handles so we can tag you in our posts!
• Pay entry fee using button on the confirmation page.
• If you do not get the confirmation page, your entry did not go through.
•  It is the artist's responsibility to check back on this page for notification of acceptance to the show.

​
Drop Off and Pick Up of Art:

• Drop off is Tuesday, December 2, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. We do not accept artworks after this date.
• Early drop is on Saturday 11/29, 10:30am - 3pm and Sunday 11/30, 12pm - 3pm - We only accept 2D artworks that is 30"h x 24"w or smaller and 3D that is no larger than 10" in any direction. Due to our small area where we store incoming art we cannot accommodate anything larger than the measurements mentioned above.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 4:30 pm. Early delivery dates will be announced once notice of acceptance is sent out to artists.
• Ensure artwork is labeled on the back and under 3D with your name and title of work.
• Art will be checked during drop off and ensure all requirements have been met. Art can still be refused for the show if there are issues with presentation, hanging wire, craftsmanship, etc. or if the artwork differs from the art juried into the exhibit.
• Exhibition postcards/handouts will be available at drop off.
• Pick up is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 10:30 am-4:30 pm.  

ATTENTION:  Read ALL GENERAL RULES at the bottom of this page, but be aware of these common oversights:

• Original works that have never been exhibited in any of the center's art shows only.  No reproductions.  Digital works (photography, digital art, hand-pulled prints) must be in limited editions (25 or less), signed and numbered. Please include if AI was used to create the artwork. Should your photography/digital print sell you may not replace with another of the same artwork juried in. 
• Presentation must be professional and not detract from the artwork.  
• Gallery wrapped canvases that are 1" or wider must be painted on the sides with either the painting wrapping around or with a complimentary color. No visible staples on the sides of the canvas. NO EXCEPTIONS!
•  Paintings that are on a 3/4" canvas or smaller MUST HAVE A FRAME. There are no exceptions for this requirement.
• Hanging wires must be tight across, and near the top 1/3 of the frame. Absolutely no SAWTOOTH HANGERS or EYEHOOKS.  Artwork is checked at drop off and you will be required to rectify if directions have not been followed.
• Artwork must be for sale and on view for entire exhibition.
• PLEASE READ ALL GENERAL RULES at very bottom.

​Commission:   

• 30% of sales retained by The Artists Gallery for Invitational Artists
• 25% of sales retained by The Artists Gallery for AG Artists​

 

• VOLUNTEERS FOR RECEPTIONS:
•  We value the participation of volunteers at our first Friday events and invite you to sign up at: Volunteer (artcentervb.org)
  Click on the above link and choose Reception or if you wish to volunteer in another capacity, please click on what interest best suits you.​

Questions/Contacts:
Virginia Beach Art Center
532 Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite A
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
[email protected]
www.artcentervb.org
​

GENERAL RULES

• This is a juried exhibition. 
• One to five pieces can be submitted.
• Current original works only, not previously exhibited at any other Virginia Beach Art Center exhibition including satellite and classroom exhibits.
• Artworks must be created by the person submitting.
• No Reproductions. (Photography and Digital Art must be limited in edition to no more than 25 and signed and numbered.) Should your photography/digital print sell you may not replace with another of the same artwork juried in.
• All work must be visibly signed by the artist (2D on front or back, 3D on bottom) and include edition numbers (e.g., 1/25, 2/25) for hand-pulled prints, photography or digital art.
• Virginia Beach Art Center is a community gallery.  All artworks should be suitable for viewers of all ages.
• All works must be free of copyright infringement.  It is the individual artist's responsibility to ensure that they are adhering to copyright requirements.  The Virginia Beach Art Center and The Artists Gallery are not liable for any copyright infringement issues that may arise.
• Artworks, mats and frames must be in good and clean condition.
• Unframed canvas must have a professional finish that does not detract from the art.  No visible staples. Musuem wrapped canvas that is 1" or wider must have the edges painted with either your art wrapping around or in a complimentary color. Canvases that are 3/4" and smaller MUST have a frame. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• WIRING INSTRUCTIONS: All two-dimensional works must have a tight hanging wire, near the top 1/3 of the frame, this means for example that if your artwork is 14" high your wiring would be at about 3.5" from the top of the frame. Use this example to find where your wire should go without any play, so the art does not tilt forward.  Wire must be attached to the frame and not the backing/canvas. No saw-tooth hangers or eyehooks.  -NO EXCEPTIONS-
• Works must be labeled on back with artist name and title of work. 
• Size and weight limitations:  Width of 2D works is limited to 60 inches (including frame) and 40 pounds or less.  The base of 3D works may not be more than 20" square.  Any 3D works over 40 lb. must be installed and moved by the artist. Size and weight restrictions may be waived by contacting the art curator directly prior to submission. If you have any questions about your artwork, please email Art Curator, Jorge A. Saenz at [email protected].
• Works requiring special installation must be cleared in advance by the art curator. Please email [email protected] before submitting art that has special requirements.
• All works must be priced for sale and remain at the gallery throughout the duration of the exhibition.
• Pricing should be consistent with the artist's other works. In other words, do not over price because you do not want to sell it. We check websites and social media platforms to confirm the pricing is comparable to other works you have for sale.
• Artist will be notified of a sale.​
• Sales checks are ready for pick up by the 5th of the month that follows the close of the exhibition.  
• While staff and volunteers take great care with the artworks, the Virginia Beach Art Center and The Artists Gallery are not responsible and cannot be held liable for any damages to artworks before, during or after this exhibition.
• ​Submitting your images is an indication that you give the Virginia Beach Art Center permission to use images of your art for promotional purposes.