We are so excited to host this year's 3rd annual Aware Exhibit that will be focused on the LGBTQ+ community and their diverse members. This exhibit is designed to shed light on acceptance, inclusivity, diversity and the importance of respect for every member of the Pride Community. It's about having an Open Heart and respecting each other.

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  Exhibition Dates:  October 4 - 27, 2024

9/12           Application Deadline (midnight Thursday)                   
9/20          Notifications Posted (on this page)
10/1           Drop Off, Tuesday 11 am - 4:45 pm only.
10/3           Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
10/4           Reception Friday 5-8 pm, Presentation & Guest       
                     Speakers @ 6:00 pm.

10/9 - 10/16 - 10/23 - Weekly forums about Pride issues. Check the following link for times and speakers.
Community Art Project Aware '24 (artcentervb.org)
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10/27         Halloween Disco Party 4pm - 8pm.
11/5            Pick Up, Tuesday 11 am - 4 pm

Judge:    Ukwensi Chappell
While living on Maui (1996-2013); Ukwensi immersed himself in the local contemporary art scene by representing a wide variety of artworks in popular galleries in Lahaina and Wailea. With strong encouragement of gallery owners, artists, and close family, Ukwensi moved from Maui back to Virginia and in April of 2018 “Gallerie Ukwensi”  opened in the heart of Ghent, Norfolk.
​This unique award-winning gallery showcases his mixed media paintings along with esteemed artists such as Clayton Singleton, Mark Miltz, and Gia Labidi as well as new, exciting cutting-edge artists from all over Hampton Roads. 
 HIS ART: Living his life by the Ancient Greek philosophy of “Gnothi Seauton” -Know Thyself’, Ukwensi’s art is Inspired by the spiritual connection he has with the Universe. His paintings or “My Windows to Your Imagination”as he calls it, are created on canvas with a mixture of powdered pigments, enamels, glass, and controlled movement. His hope is for every viewer to use their imagination and see what they see is true to their experience with each piece….a connection with spirit itself.

Awards: 

• 1st Place $200
• 2nd Place $150
• 3rd Place $100
• 4 Honorable Mentions $35 each

Special Rules:    

• Art for this exhibit should reflect inclusivity, respect, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. With an Open Heart is intended to shed a positive light on all members of the Pride Community.
• Be sure to read ALL general rules at the bottom of this page.    

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Interpretation of Theme:
Aware '24 "With an Open Heart" is a statewide exhibit open to artistic interpretation. Submitted art should reflect positive and enlighten artwork that lifts the Pride Community as well as educates nonmembers of its diverse group of people. 
This exhibit will include a community art project that involves creating hearts that will become one large heart. For more information about this aspect of the exhibit click on the link: 
​Community Art Project Aware '24 (artcentervb.org)
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Eligibility: 

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

Entry Fee: 

• $30 for up to three pieces ($25 for Annual Supporters and members of The Artists Gallery). Additional $5 for each additional entry for a max of 5 entries per artist. If you have not paid at the time the submissions are closed your artwork will not be considered for the exhibit. When submitting be patient and follow the prompts that will get you to the payment page. Once paid you will receive a ticket purchased email sent to the email address you provided.
• There is a jury process, and selected pieces will be accepted into the exhibition. Read and follow all instructions in the art call to ensure your artworks meet the criteria's set forth in the prospectus. 
• 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 LastName_FirstName _Title of artwork.jpg. Here is an example: Smith_John_OpenHeart_.jpg
• Not having your photos in a jpg or correct label format will disqualify you from the exhibit as well as having your photos not cropped around the edges of the painting without the frame showing in the photo.
• If you are submitting 3D artwork it should be shot against a white background and a white base. This can be achieved by building an L shape back and base with foamcore found at your local art supply store. The only thing in your photo should be the artwork you are presenting without any other distractions.
• ​Please make sure you are following these instructions. If unsure of how to label a photo get with a friend or google instructions. 
• Submit a short statement about each piece, to be displayed with the work. Statement should be 50 words, basically 2 lines in a standard Word document.  The exhibition team will edit statements for clarity, length and typos. 
• 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. Not paying your entry fee at time the submission has closed will disqualify you from entering the exhibit.
• 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 on Friday September 20.

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Drop Off and Pick Up of Art:

• Drop off is Tuesday, October 1, 11 am to 4:45 pm.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 4 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, November 5, 11 am-4:45 pm.

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) 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. 
• NEW! Paintings on 3/4" canvas or smaller MUST HAVE A FRAME.
• Hanging wires must be tight across, and near the top 1/3 of the frame. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS!
• 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
• In lieu of an Art Talk we will be having a Halloween Disco Party on Sunday October 27, 4pm - 8pm. 
• Artwork in the exhibit will be available for pick up on Tuesday October 29, 11am - 4:45pm.

 
Questions/Contacts:
Virginia Beach Art Center
532 Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite A
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
[email protected]
www.artcentervb.org
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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 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 25 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., 1/1, 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 be at least 1" deep and 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 60 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. Size and weight restrictions may be waived by contacting the exhibition coordinator directly prior to submission. If you have any questions about if your work qualifies, please email [email protected].
• 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.