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We are seeking submissions for a juried exhibition titled “Second Time Around” opening March 29, 2024 at the Jamestown Arts Center (Jamestown, RI). The exhibition will feature artworks that explore in their form, content, or concept the practice of reimagining past objects, ideas, and practices in ways that further their meaning for the present and future. This exhibition was conceived in conversation surrounding the practice of donating clothing following the cleaning out of one’s closet during the change of seasons. This yearly ritual involves revisiting artifacts that contain the complex traces of personal stories, and passing them on to new owners who will give them new life. Considered in the context of the urgent need to promote everyday practices of sustainability at the local community level, this deceptively mundane custom takes on much greater significance for our world now. We wish to tap into the implied collaborative and sustainable aspects of this practice to understand how artists are reimagining past memories, materials, ideas, and practices in their work today.

We encourage submissions that interpret the titular concept of “Second Time Around” in a variety of ways, including (but not limited to) works that:

• Invest old stories, memories, objects, materials, images, or artworks with new meaning;
• Revive older techniques or traditional materials and processes to address contemporary issues;
• Utilize sustainable practices (i.e. recycling, found objects, thrifting, repurposing of textiles) in their form, process, or content;
• Engage with archives and practices of rediscovery;
• Offer moments for resolution, healing, or repair of the past;
• Explore personal, artistic, historical, social, and political pasts in ways that imagine new possibilities for the future.

We also welcome submissions for the Temporary Outdoor Mural Wall and Outdoor Sculpture Pad at the Jamestown Arts Center that relate to the theme of the exhibition. These submissions will be handled separately by the Jamestown Arts Center via their submission links. Those selected for these two outdoor spaces receive a $500 stipend/honorarium. For more info: https://www.jamestownartcenter.org/call-to-artists-curators

LOCATION: The exhibition will be held at the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC), a multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts space that hosts art exhibits, theatre, dance and musical performances, film screenings, and educational programming including artist talks and hands-on art classes for all ages. The JAC opened in 2010 in a former boat repair shop redesigned by award winning architects Estes/Twombly. Since 2014, it has won 5 of Rhode Island Monthly’s “Best of Rhode Island” awards, including the Editor’s Pick for Outdoor Art in 2021 and 2022. The JAC has quickly become a leading arts and cultural hub, for Rhode Island and beyond, where creativity, ideas and innovation flourish. For more info: https://www.jamestownartcenter.org/

CURATORS: The exhibition will be curated by Erin L. McCutcheon, PhD (Assistant Professor of Arts of the Americas, University of Rhode Island) with the assistance of advanced Museum Studies seminar students at the University of Rhode Island and in collaboration with the Exhibitions Department at the Jamestown Arts Center. Dr. McCutcheon is an art historian whose research and writing focus on modern and contemporary art and its connection with activist histories. Prior to joining the University of Rhode Island in 2022, she directed the Art History program at Lycoming College (2019-2022) where she received the 2021 Junior Faculty Teaching Award and curated the Lycoming College Art Gallery national juried exhibition in 2022. In addition to her teaching, she has also held positions in curatorial departments at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Henry Moore Institute. For more info: https://web.uri.edu/art/meet/erin-mccutcheon/

JUROR: Our juror is Ella S. Mills, PhD, an art historian, researcher, curator, and producer dedicated to unfolding art's histories, working towards creating safe spaces for artists and audiences, and methodologies of listening. She is the founder of talking on corners, an independent visual art curating and producing practice underpinned by critical thinking and research. Through talking on corners, she works with visual artists and organizations to host exhibitions, residencies, talks, and other forms of programming committed to positive experiences and long term institutional change. Her recent curatorial projects include the “Ingrid Pollard in Devon” project, which involved commissioning new work and curating the exhibition “Three Drops of Blood” at Thelma Hulbert Gallery (2022); the multidisciplinary project, “Spaces to Speak” (2020–22), focused on the visibility of African, Caribbean, Asian creatives from a range of arts disciplines; and the group exhibition, “Ritual Touch,” at MIRROR Gallery (2023). For more info: https://www.talkingoncorners.co.uk/

IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 22, 2023 (Midnight): Submission Deadline

Dec. 8, 2023: Notification of Results

March 15, 2024: Latest date for artwork arrival

March 29, 2024: Opening reception

June 8, 2024: Last day of show

SALES

The Jamestown Arts Center enables artists to sell works on display in the exhibition if they choose. The JAC takes a 35% commission rate on sales. Further details will be provided to accepted artists. 

Application Requirements

Please submit the following:

• Artist Bio (100 words)
• Artist Statement (200 words)
• CV with preferred method of contact
• Digital image (jpg-format) or video link per submitted artwork (max 3 image).
• Image list including the following for each submitted work (max 3 works): title, media, size, date, value (must include value for insurance purposes even if the work is not for sale)

Eligibility Criteria

Entries must represent original works of art made within the past ten years. There is no size restriction and we will accept all media and disciplines (2D and 3D), including video. 3D artwork must be able to be moved easily for programming. 

The entry fee is $25 for up to three images. Those in financial need should contact Erin L. McCutcheon (erin.mccutcheon@uri.edu) to receive a coupon for a discounted entry fee.