Archive Mode. Call Art in Isolation Juried Exhibit ended on 1/1/21, 11:59 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls
Uncertainty prevails due to COVID-19, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, a divided nation during a presidential election, the derecho in Iowa, and the rocky transition to virtual learning in college. But artists still create, and this exhibit will be, in essence, a visual diary of the work creatives do during difficult times. Artists, designers and writers are invited to submit up to three entries for consideration in this multimedia exhibition that will be presented in the Memorial Union Art Gallery February 1 – March 14, 2021. Although the title of the show is Art in Isolation, submitted work does not need to reflect that theme – it just needs to have been created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to 40 pieces of artwork, fashion and poetry will be chosen by a creative with expertise in each area.
This exhibit is open to Iowa State University students of any major who are enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester. Artwork must be original, not previously displayed in past Memorial Union exhibits, and finished between March 1 and December 31, 2020. A total of three works in visual art, poetry or fashion may be submitted for consideration.
Submit entries online at Artcall.org. You will need to create an account before uploading your submissions. It is a good idea to create your profile early, and not on the day you submit your artwork. That way if you have any issues, you have some time to get it figured out. Click on the YouTube video below for a tutorial.
Entries must be uploaded by Friday, January 1, 2021. No late entries will be considered.
Poetry Juror: Zara Chowdhary is a multilingual writer with an MA (Writing for Performance) from the University of Leeds and an MFA (Creative Writing and Environment) from Iowa State University. She's a Lecturer in Hindi in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has previously worked as a copywriter, in film and TV commercial production, and as a screenwriter in a writers’ room for over twelve years.
Visual Art Juror: Lee Rainboth is a visual artist, arts administrator, and curator specializing in art from Africa, the Caribbean, and Indigenous North American communities. Rainboth graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Integrated Studio Arts in 2007. Rainboth spent 13 years living in southern Haiti, where he co-founded Living Media International, an arts-based organization that seeks to provide creative education solutions to their communities' challenges. He also served as the Executive Director of The Jacmel Arts Center, operating programs for more than 100 of the country's most talented artists. He has curated exhibits around the US, and has recently moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he serves as the Executive Director of The Fort Wayne Dance Collective and continues to create art in his own personal studio and frequently exhibits his work alongside his Haitian colleagues.
Apparel Juror: Makaylee Gayed
Artists will receive a notification e-mail by January 11, 2021.
Artwork must be presented in ready-to-install condition. Two-dimensional art must be framed and matting is highly recommended. Works on canvas that aren’t framed need to have the sides finished. All visual artwork that is meant to be hung on the wall must also have a secure hanging mechanism. A hanging wire is required for works on canvas and it is strongly recommended for all framed pieces. Fiber pieces must have appropriate casings and hanging rods included.
Dress forms must be provided by the artist for all garments. If you don’t have access to a dress form contact the MU Gallery and we will try to assist in securing one for the exhibit, however it is not guaranteed.
Poetry will be printed and mounted to foam core for the exhibit. The MU Gallery will be in touch with writers to proof before printing.
Accepted pieces not accurately depicted in the entry may be rejected by the Gallery Coordinator at the time of the exhibit installation. The Gallery Coordinator may also refuse to accept or exhibit objects that are improperly prepared for display.
Accepted art and garments may be delivered on January 24 and 25, specific times TBD. Deliver to the Memorial Union Art Gallery, room 1568 on the first floor. If you are unable to deliver at the designated time, you may make arrangements in advance with for an early drop-off by e-mailing mugallery@iastate.edu. No late pieces will be included in the exhibit.
Accepted pieces must remain in the possession of the Memorial Union for the duration of the exhibit.
A juror specific to each media will determine the Best of Show for that category (visual art, poetry, and fashion), and each award will be $100.
The exhibit will be held in the Memorial Union Art Gallery February 1 – March 14, 2021. Hours are Monday - Friday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 1-4pm. A public reception will be held in early February, date TBA. Face coverings and social distancing are required in the Memorial Union.
Artists may choose the "Not for Sale" option or indicate a sale price. The MU receives a 20% commission on all artwork sales.
Submission to this exhibition constitutes acceptance of stated conditions. The Memorial Union reserves the right to photograph accepted work for publicity and/or inventory purposes. All entries will be handled in a professional manner. Insurance will be provided while artwork is in the possession of the MU and will cease on March 16, 2021. Coverage is limited and is at the discretion of the Memorial Union.
Pieces may be picked up from the exhibit on Sunday, March 14 from 4-6pm or Monday, March 15 from 10am-noon. Unclaimed artwork will become property of the Iowa State Memorial Union.
Any questions regarding the exhibit may be directed to mugallery@iastate.edu or Letitia Kenemer, Workspace and Arts Coordinator.
