Accepted Artists

Going Green (Submissions are closed.)
Green is not just a description of a rich, luxurious, sensual, calming color, but it is evocative of flora and fauna. It is the color that Mother Earth dresses herself in every spring. The color of green apples used to bake a delicious pie or the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz. For this exhibit dress your art in all shades of green we only ask that 75% of your artwork show the beauty and splendor of this color while the other 25% can be created with harmonizing colors, textures or whatever you use to create your art.

 Exhibition Dates:  April 5th - April 28th, 2023

3/21            Application deadline Thursday by Midnight.                    
3/25-27      Standards Committee Selections 
3/29            Notifications Posted (on this page)
3/31            Early drop off only by appointment 12pm - 3pm.    
                     Please contact [email protected] to 
                     reserve space. Do not call the gallery. 
4/2               Drop Off, Tuesday 11 am - 4 pm  
4/4               Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
4/5               Reception Friday 6-8 pm
                      Award Presentation, 7 pm 
4/28             Art Talk, Sunday 2-3 pm
4/30             Pick Up, Tuesday 11 am - 4 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 a number of 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.
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Awards: 

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

Special Rules:    

• Green the color of grass, leaves and so many other species in nature. Green is the color of emerald's sparkling in the light, apples used to bake a pie or money. Green is the color of envy and jealousy, but it also signifies renewal and abundance it has the same calming attributes that blue has, but also incorporates some of the energy of yellow. What creative energy does green spark in you? It goes without saying that green must appear in 75% of your submissions to be eligible for this exhibit, the rest is up to you.
• Be sure to read ALL general rules at the bottom of this page.    

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Interpretation of Theme:
We suggest that 75% of your submission use all shades of green. The remainder 25% of your artwork can have other complimentary colors that work with your green choices. The possibilities are endless. All types of art are encouraged for this exhibit and not limited to just 2D. Get creative and show us your green.

All types of art are encouraged. Broad interpretation of theme is encouraged and not limited to just representational art. Abstract, collages, photography, jewelry, and other types of art are welcomed to submit, as long as they are tied into the theme of the exhibit and that you are using all shades of green in at least 75% of your artwork.
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Still unsure of how to approach this theme, you may reach out to Jorge A. Saenz at [email protected] with your questions about the theme. For dates about submissions, acceptance and delivery of artwork refer to the prospectus, everything you need to know is on this page.


Eligibility: 

• Open to Local/Regional Artists in Virginia, 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) 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 not all or any pieces may be accepted into the exhibition. Read and follow all instructions in the prospectus to ensure your artworks are meeting the criteria's set forth in the prospectus. ​

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: Green_Leaf_GreenEnvy_.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 50-75 words (basically 2 lines in a standard Word document).  The Art Center staff reserves the right to edit statements for clarity, length, or typos. Best practice is to prewrite your statement in a word document and copy and paste into the statement box.
• 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.

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Drop Off and Pick Up of Art:

• Drop off is Tuesday, April 2, 11 am to 4 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 on Sunday March 31st.
• 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 during hanging.  Art can still be refused for the show if there are issues with presentation, hanging wire, craftsmanship, etc.
• Exhibition postcards/handouts will be available at drop off.
• Pick up is Tuesday, April 3o, 11 am-4 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 (25 or less), signed and numbered. Please include if AI (Artificial Intelligence) was used to create the artwork. Should your photography/digital print sell you may not replace with another of the same artwork juried in. (See below)
• 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. 
•  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. Absolutely 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

ART TALK:

• ​Art Talk (optional):  Sunday, April 28, from 2pm to 3pm.  Artists are invited to an informal "Art Talk" to discuss their works with members of the public. Open to all artists that participated in the exhibition and not just limited to the award winners.
• Art may be taken home after 3 pm on Sunday April 28 and not before.
• Absolutely no pickup before 3 pm on the last day of the show. You can come after the art talk and remove your art, remember that the gallery closes at 4pm on Sundays.
• 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
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GENERAL RULES

• This is a juried exhibition. 
• One to three pieces can be submitted. Entering the exhibit does not qualify as an immediate acceptance. There is a jury process that will determine if you are accepted into the exhibit.
• 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 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., 1/1, 2/15) 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. 
• 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 artists 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 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. Pricing your artwork high so it does not sell is not acceptable and you will be contacted to price accordingly or your artwork will be removed from the exhibition even if you have been juried in.
• 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.