Time: Past, Present and Future
Time: What does it mean for us, is it about the past, the present or the future. Is it about just reading a book, having coffee with friends, spending time with our families, gardening or pursuing other activities. The perfect exhibit for any artist. This exhibit is being held at Towne Pavilion Center 1, for more information read all our guidelines and rules for entering.

 Exhibition Dates: July 11, 2025 -February 10, 2026

6/13              Application deadline Friday by                                     midnight.                    
6/27              Notifications of accepted art posted                         on this page.
7/8                Drop Off, Tuesday 10:30 am - 2pm                              only. 
7/10              Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am
2/17/26        Pick Up, Tuesday 10:30 am - 4:45 pm                         (see note below)

Interpretation of Theme:
What is the meaning of time? It is the one constant companion in our lives, it walks beside us never leaving us. Are you still caught up in the past, do you hope for the future, or do you live in the present where we always are and can affect change that will benefit and enrich humanity. What is time for you? 

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. This inspiring theme can be interpreted in many ways, here are a few to get you going.
• Time traveling machines, if you had one how would you use it.
• Acts of kindness especially the ones we do without anyone ever knowing. It can be as simple as paying for someone's coffee that is in line behind you or a kind word that lifts someone up. 
• A big smile because you are just happy to see a loved one or friends.
• Helping someone in need.
• Donating your time to worthy cause.
• A beautiful sunny day with children or grandchildren or just friends.
• Time can be a walk in the park, a concert, show or a book club.
• Just riding a bike.
• Spending time gardening.
• Spending time in your art studio.
• We cannot see time, but we know it is passing. The reflection in the mirror has changed but let's remember that there is beauty in letting time do its duty.
• Relaxing and while watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Just capturing the beauty of the moment.
• All of the above are inspirational ideas some tangible others abstract or imaginary. Hopefully they will spark your imagination.
• Art that is 3D may be submitted but must hang on the wall and be no heavier than 20 ponds. For more guidelines read the entire art call.
• 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, and 3D art that will hang on the wall only 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.
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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. 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 ​50 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.

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Drop Off and Pick Up of Art:

• Drop off is Tuesday, July 8, 11 am to 3 pm at Towne Pavilion Center 1, 2101 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach 23451.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 3 pm. 
• Ensure artwork is labeled on the back so we can identify when curating the exhibit.
• 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, February 17, 2026, 10:30 am-2:30 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.
• ​Only 3D art that hangs on a wall and that is no more than 20lbs.
• 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​

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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 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 40 inches (including frame) and 20 pounds or less.  Only 3D works that hang on the wall and are 20 pounds or lighter can be submitted for this exhibit. 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.