AWARE '23
Stop Human Trafficking:  Set them Free
Art that shines a light on human trafficking and incorporates at least one of the symbols that relate:  the "stop" hand, a butterfly and/or blue ribbon

 Exhibition Dates:  Nov. 3-12, 2023

10/20             Application Deadline (midnight)                   
10/20-26       Standards Committee Selections 
10/27             Notifications Posted (on this page)
10/31             Drop Off, Tuesday 11 am - 4 pm                              
11/02             Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
11/03             Reception Friday 6-8 pm
                       Presentation, 7 pm streamed on Facebook
11/12             Artists Talks, Sunday 3-4 pm
11/14             Pick Up, Tuesday 11 am - 4 pm

Special Rules:    

• Art must somehow relate to human trafficking.
• Art must incorporate at least one symbol of human trafficking:  a hand in the "stop" position, a butterfly and/or a blue ribbon.
• Be sure to read ALL general rules at the bottom of this page.    

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Interpretation of Theme:
Human Trafficking can be a serious topic.  The art for this theme can be revealing about the seriousness of it, or it can be uplifting and encouraging about efforts to end it.  Art can include ways to recognize trafficking or elements that encourage taking action.

If you are unsure of how to approach this theme, please reach out to us.


Eligibility: 

• Open to Local/Regional Artists aged 18 or older (must be able to drop off work in person)  

Entry Fee: 

• $20 for up to three pieces ($15 for Annual Supporters and members of The Artists Gallery)
• There is a jury process; not all pieces may be accepted
• 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. 
• You will need to upload a photo of each of your artworks in jpg format. File name of photo should be Last Name, First Name _Title of artwork.
• Submit a short statement about each piece, to be displayed with the work.  Statement should be 50-75 words (basically 2 lines in a standard Word document).  The Art Center staff reserves the right to edit statements for clarity, length or typos.
• Pay entry fee using button on the confirmation page.
• If you do not get the confirmation page, your entry did not go through.
• Check back on this page for notifications of artworks accepted to the show.

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Drop Off and Pick Up of Art:

• Drop off is Tuesday, October 31, 11 am to 4 pm.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 5 pm. If you cannot drop off on Tuesday, please make arrangements with us for an EARLY drop off. 
• Affix a label on the back of 2D artwork or under 3D artwork with Artist name and Title.
• Art will be checked during drop off and during hanging.  Art can still be refused for the show if there are issues with presentation, hanging wire, craftsmanship, etc.
• Exhibition posters and postcards/handouts will be available at drop off.
• Pick up is Tuesday, DATE, 11 am-4 pm.  The Art Center will be open on Tuesday July 4th, and will allow pick up that day as well.

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

• Original works only.  No reproductions.  Digital works (photography, digital art, hand-pulled prints) must be in limited editions (15 or less), signed and numbered.  (see below)
• Presentation must be professional and not detract from the artwork.  
• Unframed pieces must have a professional finish, with clean lines and no visible staples on the sides of the canvas. 
• Hanging wires must be tight across, and near the top 1/3 of the frame.
• 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

Artist Talks:

• ​Artist Talks (optional):  Sunday, Nov. 12, from 3pm to 4pm.  Artists are invited to an informal "Artist Talk" to discuss their works with members of the public.  
• Art may be taken home after 4 pm on Sunday Nov. 12 by those who participate in the Artist's Talk.
• Absolutely no pickup before 4 pm on the last day of the show.

Questions/Contacts:
Virginia Beach Art Center
532 Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite A
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
exhibitions@artcentervb.org
www.artcentervb.org
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GENERAL RULES

• This is a juried exhibition. 
• One to three pieces can be submitted.
• Current original works only, not previously exhibited at any other Virginia Beach Art Center monthly exhibition.
• Artworks must be created by the person submitting.
• No Reproductions. (Photography and Digital Art must be limited in edition to no more than 15 and signed and numbered.)
• All work must be visibly signed by the artist (2D on front or back, 3D on bottom) and include edition numbers (e.g., 1/1, 2/15) for hand-pulled prints, photography or digital art.
• Virginia Beach Art Center is a community gallery.  All artwork 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. 
• WIRE INSTRUCTIONS: All two-dimensional works must have a tight hanging wire, near the top 1/3 of the frame.  Wire must be attached to the frame and not the backing/canvas. No saw-tooth hangers.  -NO EXCEPTIONS-
• Works must be labeled on back with title, medium, price, artist name and phone number.
• Size and weight limitations:  WIDTH of 2D works is limited to 50 inches (including frame) and 40 pounds or less.  The base of 3D works may not be more than 36" square.  Any 3D works over 40 lb. must be installed and moved by the artist.  Any exceptions to these limitations will be made on a case by case basis.  Please contact the exhibition coordinator before submitting. 
• Works requiring special installation must be cleared in advance.
• 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.  
• 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.