ON EDGE is an annual juried exhibition of contemporary work by artists residing in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region who are pushing the boundaries of material and concept (if they are able to hand deliver and pick up their artwork). EDGE Gallery has exhibited groundbreaking contemporary art for more than 30 years and has been instrumental in presenting important experimental work in our region.

All artists working in any media and residing in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to submit their work. This show is open to contemporary art of any medium, with an emphasis on work that challenges the margins of material, content, artistic process, and technology. The merits and definition of “contemporary” will be defined by the juror.

Honorary Juror: Hayley Richardson, Director of the Dikeou Collection, Denver, CO. 

Hayley Richardson  has over 20 years experience working in the arts and has been Director of The Dikeou Collection in Denver since 2016. In this role, she oversees an expansive collection of contemporary art from over 40 international artists at two venues in Denver (and growing) as well as substantial archives of art, music, film, and fashion ephemera spanning 30+ years.

Hayley Richardson also publishes zingrecsDENVER weekly arts and cultural events calendar, in addition to developing diverse public programming that creates dialogs between art and community. 

She received her MA in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of Denver and BA (cum laude) in Art History from the University of New Mexico, and is currently on the board of DU Art for the University of Denver’s School of Art and Art History.

Blind Jury Process
On Edge exhibitions are juried without artist names visible to the juror in order to ensure that the quality and content of the artwork is the primary guiding factor for selection. The juror is encouraged to select works that demonstrate the best contemporary art, as defined by the perspective and expertise of the juror.  In addition, Edge Gallery co-op member artists will not submit their work for this exhibition do avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

Prizes: Three $200 Juror's Choice Awards--funded in part by a 2022 grant from the West Colfax Community Association.

Guidelines: Artists must be able to drop off and pick up their work in-person to Edge Gallery. Application fee is non-refundable.

Delivered artwork from the invited artists must be the specific art pieces selected in the jury process. No substitutions for other art pieces is allowed. Images and information provided in the CAFE application must be representative of the work. Accepted work may be refused if the quality or information does not meet standards.

Installation Requirements

All work must be ready to hang or display in some way professionally presented and ready to hang or install. Work may be refused if Edge Gallery is unable to install, hang professionally, or properly protect the artwork from standard wear and movement. Frames, mats, and wiring must be of professional quality and in good condition. Wiring must be in good condition and substantial enough for the weight of the artwork. No saw-tooth hangers accepted. Maximum weight of any 2D art work or relief is 70 lbs. Fragile work must be labeled and include protective materials as needed.

Work that needs set up for installation or has multiple components must be accompanied by a diagram and/or instructions, or the artist may be asked to personally install more complicated pieces. 

For 4-D and other time-based media, EDGE Gallery will not provide equipment or other means to display the work. Projectors cannot be used. Headphones are required--works cannot disrupt viewing of other artist's works. Please provide video or computer monitors and/or other playback equipment at the time of drop off.

Important Dates:

Application deadline: Friday, August 12

Exhibition dates: September 16 – Oct 2

Artists Notified: Week of Aug 22, 2022

Artwork Drop Off: Sunday, Sept 11, 4:00pm-6:00pm  and Monday Sept 12 6:00pm-8:00pm.

6501 W. Colfax, Lakewood, CO 80214 (Our gallery is located in the 40West Art Hub building, next to Burger King.)

Opening Reception: September 16, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Meet-the-Juror artist reception and Juror's Choice Award announcements: October 2, 2022.  Time to be announced.

Edge Gallery has very limited storage facilities. Artwork not picked up on the exhibition pick-up dates after 5 days will be considered abandoned and deemed the property of Edge Gallery--unless artists make arrangements beforehand.  Contact edgethegallery@gmail.com

Sales

EDGE Gallery takes a 30% commission on anything sold through the show. Price provided on the CAFE application may not be changed.  Edge Gallery will pay local and state sales taxes.

Questions? Please email edgethegallery@gmail.com

Application Requirements

1-3 images of artist's artwork. Submissions can be of 3 different artworks or fewer if detail  shots are needed.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists of all ages are welcome to apply.