Voices of the Midwest
May 9 - June 20, 2024 

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for the ‘Voices of the Midwest’ exhibit to be held at the Kavanagh Gallery of Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.  This regional show will feature work by Midwest artists whose work expresses the unique aspects of life in the Midwest.  Artists are encouraged to enter work that expresses what living in the Midwest means to them. Both representational and abstract work in any medium will be considered. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work may be entered. 

This call is open to artists residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The Kavanagh Gallery Committee will curate the show. The show will charge sales commissions 30% for any artwork sold during the show.  Fine Line will handle all sales and sales tax and will provide the artists with a check after the end of the show for all sales.  As this is a gallery show, artists need not be present while the show is open. Attendance at the opening reception is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Fine Line is responsible for the show installation, opening reception, and sales.

Awards - $800 in prizes will be awarded. Judge to be determined

Jury Decisions - Jurors' selections are based on creativity, quality of artistry, and originality, as represented in the images submitted. Notification of the jury’s decisions for the show will be sent via email on or before April 6, 2024.   A contract, complete shipping information, and other forms will follow by email to those accepted into 'Voices of the Midwest.’

Requirements:
·         Artist must be at least 18 years of age
·         Up to 3 pieces may be submitted
·         Images must be of the actual work to be exhibited
·         Artwork must be original (not copied from other art or made from a kit)
·         Work must have been completed in the last two years
·          Piece(s) must not have been shown previously at Fine Line
·         All pieces must be for sale

Entry Fees - Artists may submit one entry.  Each applicant may submit up to 3 pieces per entry.  A non-refundable entry fee of $35 is due at the time of application.

Artists Statement - All applicants are required to submit an artist statement limited to 1000 characters. These statements will be on display during the gallery show.

Location - Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37w570 Bolcum Rd, St Charles, IL 60175

Shipping - Artist is responsible for shipping artwork to and from Fine Line Creative Arts Center.  A return shipping label MUST be included with work that is shipped for this exhibit.

Size Limitation - The size of your entry as packed for shipping is not to exceed 48 inches’ x 32 inches’ x 6 feet. The weight cannot exceed 50 pounds. A waiver of size limitation may be granted under exceptional circumstances.

Display Information and Requirements - The Kavanagh Gallery has grey pedestals for use during gallery shows. Smaller items will be in locked display cabinets. If artwork will require any unusual display protocol, it is the responsibility of the artist to provide these items.  Due to the nature of the gallery’s ceiling structure, we are unable to hang artwork from the ceiling. The gallery uses the Walker Display system for artwork hung on our walls. We are not able to affix artwork to the wall with nails or screws.  Hanging work should have wire and screw eyes, French cleats, or other professional hanging devices.  No saw-tooth hangers, No clip frames.

If you have any special hanging requirements, you must contact Fine Line in advance of delivering your work.

Liability - Fine Line provides security in the Kavanagh Gallery with 24/7 video monitoring. Insurance is provided to artists from the time of the receipt of work until the end of the show. The insurance value is deemed to be 70% of the sale price.  Insurance of items during shipping is the responsibility of the artist (to and from Fine Line).

Calendar

03/25/24 - All application entries are due via CAFÉ
04/06/24 - Artists are notified of the jury’s decision
05/04/24 -  Delivery and check-in of work (10 am – 5 pm by hand)
05/09/24 - Show opening reception 6.00 – 8.00 pm
05/09/24 – 06/20/24 – Show open to the public (Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm)
06/22/24 – 10 am – 5 pm - Pick-up work

Unsold work shipped to Fine Line will be returned between June 24 and June 27, 2024
Exhibited work cannot be removed from the gallery until June 22, 2024.

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Application Requirements

Requirements:

• Up to 3 pieces may be submitted on each application, one image per piece.
• Images must be of the actual work to be exhibited.
• Artwork must be original (not copied from other art or made from a kit).
• Work must have been completed in the last two years.
• Piece(s) must not have been shown previously at Fine Line.
• All pieces must be for sale.

Artists Statement - All applicants are required to submit an artist statement limited to 1000 characters.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: Voices of the Midwest is a regional art show open to artists 18 years or older who reside in one of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Work must have been completed in the last three years. Work must not have been previously shown at Fine Line.