Winter Prelude
The first chill in the air floods us with endless possibilities and awakens our inner child. The smell of pumpkin spice and crisp sounds that ring with vibrant colors set against gray skies. The anticipation of the first snowflakes on our skin makes us feel as if time is standing still. All of this can be channeled into artworks that will reflect the anticipation of winter’s return and all the magical moments we share during these long months. This exhibit is not about a holiday but about a season whether it be present or past. This exhibit will be held in the Jean Rawls classroom.

Submission date: October 10 by midnight.

 Exhibition Dates:  November 1, 2024 - January 12, 2025

10/10            Application deadline Thursday by Midnight.                  
10/18            Notifications of accepted art posted on this page.
10/29            Drop Off, Tuesday 11 am - 4:45pm only.  
10/31             Open for Visitors, Thursday 10 am                   
1/14               Pick up Tuesday 1/14/25


Special Rules:    

• The inspiration for this exhibit is the anticipation of winters return. Landscapes with the last shades of fall that are about to disappear. Blues, whites, grays with hints sienna's and burnt umbers if you choose abstracts as your inspiration. The evocative sense that a new season is about to begin, and we dust our sweaters and jackets off and prepare to layer our clothes and snuggle up by a fire with hot chocolates and other savory drinks. 
• Be sure to read ALL general rules at the bottom of this page.    

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Interpretation of Theme:
The light seems brighter, and daylight time is shorter. The leaves have fallen and all we see are evergreens standing tall. Brisk mornings with a cup of coffee on our porch while the early birds chirp their morning songs. The first fire of the season, the smell of cranberry sauce and roasted turkey mixed with the laughter of loved ones. The anticipation of parties and get together with family and friends. How do you capture all these moments and create with these thoughts in mind.

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.
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If you are unsure of how to approach this theme, please reach out to us @[email protected].


Eligibility: 

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

Entry Fee: 

• There is no entry fee for this exhibit.
• 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 the criteria's set forth.
• All artworks must be priced for sale.
  

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. 
• Prior to uploading your photos rename them on the device you are using (PC, Mac Book, iPhone or other phone) in the following format: lastname_firstname_titleofartwork.jpg here is an example, smith_john_winterprelude.jpg once you have done this you can upload your file into the Choose File box under the submission form. You must ensure you are using a jpg format. 
• We cannot convert your photos if using a different format than jpg.
• ​Please make sure you are following these instructions. If unsure of how to label a photo get with a friend or google instructions. 
• Make sure your photos are labeled correctly and that they are in a jpg format, and cropped around the edge of the painting without the frame as this distracts our jurors from seeing your work properly. Not doing so could affect your submissions from being accepted into the jurying process.​
• 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 will edit statements for clarity, length or typos. 
•  Be sure to enter your website and social media handles so we can tag you in our posts!
• 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, 10/29, 11 am to 4:45 pm.
• No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 4:45 pm. If you cannot drop off on Tuesday, you must contact the art curator to make other arrangements. The center does not have an available storage area for incoming art but will work with an artist should certain circumstances prevent them from delivering on the specified date. Please email [email protected] if you have a question about the delivery and pick up dates.
• 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 ensure all requirements have been met. 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, January 14, 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 (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. (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 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!
• Artwork must be for sale and on view for entire exhibition.
• PLEASE READ ALL GENERAL RULES at very bottom.

​Commission:   

• 25% of sales retained by The Virginia Beach Art Center​

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 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. 
• 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 artist name and title of work. 
• Size and weight limitations:  Width of 2D works is limited to 40 inches in any direction (including frame) and 40 pounds or less.  The base of 3D works may not be more than 8" square.  Any 3D works over 15 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.