Fabulous Forgeries Presents: "The Renaissance"
The word renaissance means rebirth. There are major “Renaissance” periods in history that embody the idea of a new beginning in culture, art, music and way of life. Let’s pull inspiration from these times and celebrate the amazing idea of Rebirth!

IMPORTANT:
Read this art call top to bottom as it contains specific ideas and interpretations as well as strict guidelines on how you will need to submit for the exhibition. This exhibition is not limited to the European Renaissance of the 14th to 17th century but inclusive of the many rebirths' humanity has experienced.

 Exhibition Dates:  February 6 - March 1, 2025

1/15            Application deadline Thursday by                              Midnight.                    
1/23            Notifications of accepted art posted                          on this page.
1/30           Early Drop Off: 10:30am - 3:30pm
1/31            Early Drop Off: 10:30am - 3pm
2/3             Drop Off, Tuesday 10:30 am - 4:30                               pm only.  
2/5              Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
2/6             Reception Friday 6-8 pm
                    Award Presentation, 7 pm 
3/3              Pick Up, Tuesday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm                       (see note below)

Judge: Truly Matthews
Truly Matthews is the Director of Education & Engagement at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. With over twelve years of experience in the museum field, she is committed and passionate about helping all audiences make meaningful connections between art and the everyday. She leads education staff and initiatives, including public programs, school programs, ARTlab (interactive gallery), interpretive materials, community exhibitions, and partnerships. Before Virginia MOCA, Matthews worked at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia, as Education and Visitor Services Manager. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Virginia Art Education Association as Treasurer and previously held the position of VAEA Museum Division Director. Matthews has presented at multiple state and national conferences, juried several art exhibitions, and has served on several grant review panels, including the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Matthews holds an MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Old Dominion University.

Awards: 

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

Interpretation of Theme:
This year we will focus on the Renaissance but not just the European movement but the several renaissances that have taken place throughout humanities existence. Smaller ones such as the renaissance during the Middle Ages, Carolingian, and Ottoman offer a rich variety of subject matter.
There was an American Renaissance focused on literary and intellectual output as well as a pre-colonial African movement.
Fast forward to modern times the Negritude movement of 1930's and 40's coupled with the post-colonial African literary movement of the 20th century offer a variety of interpretations. 
While the term "renaissance" is often tied to Europe, it serves as a useful framework for understanding other pivotal eras of cultural and intellectual revival in different parts of the world.
Let these ideas guide you and help you make your choices for this year's exhibition. 
​
Special Rules: Please read carefully!    

• Artists can choose one or several artists from the different Renaissance eras and combine them or copy them exactly.
• Artists can choose a work of art and produce it in their own style.
• All types of art interpretation are strongly encouraged and not limited to traditional 2D and traditional 3D artworks. 
• Artists can use the written word as their inspiration for this exhibition.
• 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. Abstract, collages, photography, jewelry, and all other types of art are welcomed to submit, as long as they are tied into the theme of the exhibit and never been exhibited in any of the center's art shows. 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 Local/Regional Artists aged 18 or older (must be able to drop off work in person) You may enter our exhibits if you live out of town and if accepted into the exhibit you may have your art delivered via UPS or FEDEX only and your work must have a return label. (No Exceptions)

Entry Fee: 

• $30 for up to three pieces for non-supporters and $25 for annual supporters. Additional $5 for each additional entry for a max of 5 entries per artist. Ensure you are paying before exiting the site. This applies to supporters and non-supporters of the center.
• If you are submitting just one 3D piece and wish for the judge to see it from different angles you may use the 2nd and 3rd entry boxes, however if you are submitting 3 pieces you will have to pay the extra fee if you use the 4th and 5th entry boxes. This option is only for 3D artworks.
• There is a jury process, and selected pieces will be accepted into the exhibition. Read and follow all instructions in the prospectus to ensure your artworks meet all the criteria's 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. Do not add special characters as this will keep your submission from uploading to our site.  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. We do not rename photos, so ensure you are following this guideline. ​
• Photos need to be cropped to the edge of the painting not showing frames or anything that detracts from the art. Photograph the artwork in a professional straightforward fashion in good lighting. Do not photograph at an angle on an easel with a pet, garden or anything else but the artwork. For 3D pieces consider building a white foamcore box where you can set the piece and photograph.  Photos that do not meet this requirement will not be presented to the judge. Google "Photographing your Artwork" and you will find great articles on the subject.
• You will need to submit a reference photo of the artwork you are using for your artwork. Include in your statement who the artist or artists are. The photo must be cropped to the edge of the painting without a frame showing and straightforward not sideways or on easel or outside. Rename on your device as follows: Your last Name_Artist_Title.jpeg
• Submit a short statement about each piece, to be displayed with the work. Include the artist or artists that are your reference point.  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, February 3, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Early drop off is at the top of this page.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 4:30 pm. 
• Ensure artwork has your name on the back and under 3D with your name and title of work. Basically, your signature and title are enough. For 3D if to small attach a slip of paper. NO BUSINESS cards please we do not put these with your work. They are fine if they are attached to the back of a canvas or photograph and hidden from view.
• 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. Please remove all artwork from wrappings and out of boxes and take it home with you. We do not have space to store your wrapping materials.
• Exhibition postcards/handouts will be available at drop off.
• Pick up is Tuesday, March 3, 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 created on canvas, cradle board or any substrate that is less than 1" wide on its edge must have a frame. There are no exceptions for this requirement.
• Photographers that use metal or aluminum sheets are fine with their presentations and do not need frames.
• Hanging wires must be tight across, and 1/4 down from the top 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.
• Only photographer's using metal or aluminum sheets may have the built in sawtooth hangers.
• Artwork must be for sale and on view for entire exhibition no exceptions.
• 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, cradle boards or any other substrate that is smaller than 1" on their edge MUST have a frame. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• WIRING INSTRUCTIONS: All two-dimensional works must have a tight hanging wire, 1/4" down from the top 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.