GASP

Art Saint Louis presents “Gasp,” a juried visual art exhibit open to St. Louis regional artists 18+ who live within 200 miles of Art Saint Louis. For this exhibition, we are seeking provocative artworks that push boundaries with subject matter and imagery intended to shock*, startle, surprise, confront, or disarm viewers. We encourage all explorations and interpretations of this theme. Works in all media, styles and techniques are encouraged.

*Please note that we do not censor artwork. We respect and deeply value artistic freedom & freedom of speech. All imagery, themes and concepts are considered. For this particular exhibition, although we are seeking imagery with a level of shock value, we will not consider or exhibit work that includes hate speech, racism, is anti-human rights, or work that attacks or marginalizes any individual or people groups. 
 

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to artists 18 years of age and older living in the St. Louis, Missouri region and surrounding 200-mile radius*.
• Artist must be resident of the St. Louis region/200-mile radius in order to submit work and to participate, if selected for exhibition.
*ONLY artists from the St. Louis region may enter and participate in exhibit--if you live further than 200 miles, we appreciate your interest, but you are not eligible.
• If you are not sure of the distance from where you live to our location (1223 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103), you can use this handy online distance calculator. 200 miles from our Gallery is the allowable distance—any further is not within our region.
   

ALL MEDIA

• We welcome, encourage and consider artworks made of/using any & all media, including but not limited to: airbrush, ceramics, collage, digital, drawing (graphite, pen & ink, etc), glass (blown glass, kilnformed, etc), illustration, jewelry, metalsmithing, mixed media, mosaics, painting (acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor, etc), photography (analog or digital), printmaking (silkscreen & serigraph, monotypes, collagraph, etching, linocut, etc), sculpture, textiles (beading, basketry, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, stitching, quilts, wearables, etc.), video, woodworking, and more.
• We are not considering AI-generated artworks for this exhibit.
• If your work is digital, please specify the software used to create your artwork.
• We are not able to exhibit ceiling installed artworks or floor-installed works. All 3-d work is displayed on platforms, pedestals or otherwise off the ground.
• If you are unclear if your artwork or media is eligible, contact us.Performance-based video/time-based media is considered, however we are not able to present in-person performance-based work.
• We are not able to exhibit ceiling installed artworks or floor-installed works.
• All 3-d work is displayed on platforms, pedestals or otherwise off-the-ground.

ENTRY DEADLINE

• The deadline to submit works for this exhibit is May 6, 2024, 11:59 p.m. MST.

OUR JURORS

Serving as co-Jurors for this exhibit are Dail Chambers and Nick Nihira. 

• Dail Chambers, St. Louis-based Award-winning artist, creative consultant, educator, community activist, maker, thinker. Dail’s visual art practice is a multimedia exploration in genealogy, women’s narratives and social environmental art. As a homeschooling, teaching artist she has traveled internationally, creating curriculum lesson plans to enhance and motivate inter-generational learning environments. Postgraduate Study in Women’s Studies, UM-SL (2008); BFA Memphis College of Art (2007); Associate Degree, St. Louis Community College (2005).
• Nick Nihira, St. Louis-based artist, Professor of Art, Jefferson College. MFA Washington University in St. Louis (2004), BFA Columbus College of Art & Design (2002).

AWARDS

• Awards of Excellence will be selected by the Jurors for this exhibit and include (1) $250 Best of Show Award of Excellence and (4) non-cash Awards of Excellence. We also offer 4 Honorable Mentions. Award of Excellence recipients will be eligible for our curated “Honor Awards 2026” exhibit presented at Art Saint Louis, June 6-July 9, 2026.

EXHIBITION SPACE & DATES

• Presented at Art Saint Louis, 1223 Pine Street in downtown St. Louis, MO.
• "Gasp" exhibition dates: July 27-August 29, 2024.
• Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sundays, holidays & between shows.
• Free reception & Awards on Saturday, July 27, 5-7 p.m. 
   

WHAT IS A JURIED EXHIBIT? 

• A juried exhibition is a competitive exhibit process. The artworks that you submit will be in competition with all artworks submitted for consideration for this exhibit.
• Some artworks will be selected for the final show, while others will not be selected.
• If you do not want to compete in order to have your work considered/exhibited, then please do not submit your artworks for our juried exhibition.

 
THE JURYING PROCESS

• Exhibit Jurors do not view, consider or judge any artworks until after the May 6 entry deadline.
• The method by which all exhibitions are juried at Art Saint Louis is designed to be as absolutely fair as possible. We strictly maintain a blind/anonymous process, meaning that at NO time before or during the jurying process are the Jurors shown the names of any entrants. In fact, our jurors often do not see names for selected artists until they arrive at Art Saint Louis to view the final exhibit on Gallery walls, months after the exhibit has been juried.
• Exhibit Jurors are presented all entrants' artworks in an anonymous ‘blind’ digital image presentation and the only information provided to them pertains to the artwork & includes: artwork title, year, media, dimensions, method of display, artist's statement.
• From the jurying presentation and information provided about the artworks, the Jurors make their selections for the final exhibit.
• Artwork selection decisions are in part based on a set of specific jurying instructions & criteria relating to the specific exhibit as well as established conditions & rules of the ASL Gallery.
• Art Saint Louis does not censor artwork. We respect artistic freedom & freedom of speech. All imagery, themes and concepts are considered. That said, we will not tolerate or exhibit works that include hate speech, racism, anti-human rights, or anything that attacks or marginalizes any individual or people groups.
• We take pride in ensuring that all Art Saint Louis exhibits are juried with open eyes & open minds in the most fair and unbiased manner possible.
• At no time should an artist-entrant contact the Jurors about your entry or artwork--your work will be removed from consideration if this occurs.
• No entries accepted after May 6, 2024 entry deadline. 
   

ARTWORK AVAILABILITY

• Please only submit artworks for jurying that are available for exhibition.
• Do not double-book your artwork, submit it or commit it for other exhibits that overlap with our exhibit dates.
• If you sell work that you've submitted for our show, either notify us that it is no longer available and we will remove it from jurying or make sure that the buyer is agreeable to loan it to you for exhibition if selected by the Jurors for our show.
• Please only submit work for jurying if you are able to follow through with the rules of entry/art & exhibit guidelines.

ABOUT ART SAINT LOUIS

• Located on the ground floor of the historic and beautifully renovated Park Pacific building at 1223 Pine Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, Art Saint Louis is home to one of the most popular and frequently visited exhibition spaces in the entire St. Louis region.
• Our current space was created in 2013 and builds upon the organization’s 39-year success in connecting St. Louis regional artists and audiences, the 2,700 square foot space Gallery boasts a year-round series of professionally juried group exhibitions showcasing the best of the region’s contemporary visual art.
• Highlighting each exhibition, Art Saint Louis opening receptions are a cultural mainstay in downtown St. Louis and are followed throughout the run of each exhibit with extensive viewing hours Monday through Saturday and an average of over 500 visitors per week.
• Uniquely designed as a gallery/café hybrid, Art Saint Louis is the one and only home of Catalyst Coffee Bar, making it a cultural and social destination like no other in the St. Louis region. We own the Coffee Bar & all sales benefit Art Saint Louis.
• Find Art Saint Louis on Facebook and on Instagram and view highlights from our previous exhibits in our photo albums.
   

PLEASE NOTE that this is an online entry process. The application process does require time, depending on your advance preparedness and image sizes, so please allow yourself adequate time when applying for, uploading & submitting your work to this exhibit. Advance registration (prior to the entry deadline) is recommended.
 
SPECIFICATIONS-ALL ARTWORKS

• Limit 5 original artworks in all media, styles, and techniques that respond to the theme, “Gasp.” Exhibit theme description/prompt listed at the start of this prospectus.
• Artworks created/completed between 2020—2024. Works from prior to 2020 are not eligible.
• Works not previously exhibited in any Art Saint Louis exhibit.
• NO ceiling installed work, this includes installation works.
• NO artworks that sit directly on Gallery floor. Anything intended to be displayed directly on the floor would need to be presented on a plinth, platform or pedestal.
• 2-D works must be framed OR, if not framed, pre-approved alternate professional presentation.
• Works on canvas may be gallery-wrapped, strip-framed or framed. No unstretched canvas.
• Textiles & quilts must have accompanying pre-drilled hanging bars or similar installation apparatus provided by artist for display/presentation of artwork. NO shower rods or curtain rods accepted for display.
• Wearables art/garments: artist to provide mannequin or similar mode of display.
• Size limits -- Final installation size on all 2-D and wall-displayed/hung work not to exceed 72"wx72"h, including frame. No exceptions.
• Weight limit: 2-D wall-installed works may not exceed 30 lbs.
• NO works that are pinned, tacked, taped, velcroed, painted on, glued, adhered, nailed, or affixed directly to/on Gallery walls. No works that use any adhesives directly on Gallery walls. Art Saint Louis uses traditional hanging hardware (hooks/nails) to hang wall-installed artworks from their wires on the back of the pieces— however, we will not nail or tack an artwork directly to a wall, nor will we use velcro, glue, 3M Command Strips, or any other substance to directly apply an artwork to the wall. ALL wall-installed works must hang from standard picture hanging hardware.
• No loose plexi that is clipped or nailed to wall.
• Artist must provide all equipment necessary to present video, time-based media or any artwork requiring electricity, incl. cords, adapters, DVD player, monitor (min. 9"), etc. Video monitor to be exhibited/displayed on a pedestal (we cannot mount monitors on our gallery walls).
• If your artwork utilizes organic matter, please contact us and specify the materials being used before entering our exhibit: info@artstlouis.org
• We have the right to refuse any entry that does not meet our exhibition standards.

3-D WORK/SCULPTURE

• ALL rules/specifications incl. size limits as listed above pertaining to 2-D work also apply to 3-D work.
• Larger sculptures, oversized 2-d work, complicated pieces, and/or installation works must be installed by artist under direction of Art Saint Louis Artistic Director.
• We are only able to exhibit pedestal-displayed or wall-hung sculpture.
• Gallery owns a limited number of standard sized pedestals & will provide for display of 3-d work. If your 3-D artwork is odd-sized, excessively heavy, or requires a very specific sized pedestal, plan on providing that pedestal or platform (that sits at least 12” up off of the ground) yourself, please.
• 3-D works that are extremely fragile, very small, that have a very small bottom/base, are unstable, or do not sit flat on a pedestal are not considered.
• Do not submit any 3-D artwork that will not fully sit flat/level on pedestal or other display surface.
• NO ceiling installed work, this includes installation works.
• NO artworks that sit directly on Gallery floor.

SPECIFICATIONS-VIDEO WORK 

• Artist to provide all equipment necessary to present video, time-based media or any artwork requiring electricity, incl. cords, adapters, DVD player, monitor (min. 9"), etc.
• Video monitor to be exhibited/displayed on a pedestal (we cannot mount monitors on our gallery walls, sorry).
• If selected for exhibit, artist to install their own work and is responsible for providing document with operation instructions.
   

JURYING & IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Judging is done by JPEGs online only at CallForEntry.org.
• Artwork entry limit: 5 artworks per entry.
• Do not exceed 5 artworks total or you risk being disqualified.
• Image limit: 10 images max. of 5 artworks total.
• Image limit is not the same as artwork limit. We will consider 5 total artworks from each artist-entrant. Your image limit is 10, which allows for 2 images max. per artwork: one required full view and optional one detail or one alternate view per artwork.
• If you submit more than 2 images per artwork, your work will be declined.
• Multi-paneled artworks (triptychs, diptychs, etc.) count as one artwork as long as they are presented as one unit and the total size of the artwork does not exceed our size limit. Please photograph the full artwork and submit that as one image. If you wish to include a detail view, remember that you are limited to 2 images per artwork.
• If you exceed the 2 image per artwork limit, all excess images will be removed from jurying.
• Entries that do not comply with rules of entry will not be presented to the Jurors.
• Artworks selected for exhibition that are not accurately depicted by JPEGs will not be exhibited.
   


Please make sure that the digital images of your artworks are:


• In focus.
• Cropped to feature only your artwork.
• Please, NO watermarks or name imprints/signatures.
• Free of a time-date stamp.
• Please photograph your 2-D work before you have it professionally framed. If the only image you have of your artwork is of the work framed, please use image editing software to crop the frame out of the image. Your artwork is what will be juried, not the frame.
   


Upload options for image files:

• File format: JPEG only.
• File dimensions: 1200 pixels or greater on the longest dimension.
• File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution).
• File size: up to 5MB maximum.
   


Upload options for video files:


• File Type: MOV, MP4, WMV, 3GP, AVI, ASF, MPG, M2T, MKV, M2TS.
• File Size: under 100 MB.
• Resolution: minimum 640 x 480, maximum 1920 x 1080
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3 or 16:9
• Bit Rate: recommended above 240 kbps
• Frame rate: minimum 12 fps, recommended 30 fps
• Please note that video files are intended for time-based media/video artworks only and not to be used to document any static/2-d artwork. 
   


NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE?

• Need assistance? Visit CaFÉ's help page.
• If you are unclear about how to apply for a Call for Entry using CaFÉ, please view their handy document here.
   

SALES & INSURANCE

• If your work is accepted for this exhibit and you sell that accepted artwork prior to the show, we recommend that you please sell it with the condition that it will be available for this exhibit. If that condition isn't possible, please do not enter that artwork for our show. Entry fee is non-refundable.
• All works submitted for this exhibit must be available July 27-August 29, 2024.
• We will not exhibit substitutes.
• All artworks must either have a sale price or be marked Not for Sale (NFS). If NFS, please provide an insurance value (50% retail).
• Works marked POR (Price on Request) are not accepted.
• Artwork prices are final once work is submitted for jurying.
• All sales are through Art Saint Louis with 30% donation on work sold to ASL with 70% to artist. Artist is sent payment within 45 days of exhibit conclusion.
• Your sale price should factor in/include Art Saint Louis' 30% donation/ commission.
• All sold works remain in the exhibit until show ends.
• It is artist’s responsibility to deliver or ship sold artwork to buyer after the show closes. Art Saint Louis will provide buyer’s contact information to Artist. If shipment to buyer is required, those arrangements are to be made by the artist with the buyer. Artist is to handle all shipping responsibilities on sold works with ALL related shipping costs being the responsibility of/at the expense of buyer. Art Saint Louis does not handle delivery or shipping of artwork.
• Artworks are insured at 50% of retail value during exhibit. Artist responsible for work in transit to/from ASL.

FRAMING & PRESENTATION for EXHIBITION

• All rules listed in above "SPECIFICATIONS" section apply.
• All work selected for exhibit must be delivered to Gallery ready to install.
• 2-D works must be framed or, if not framed, pre-approved presentation.
• 2-D work must be equipped with hanging wire stretched across back of artwork.
• NO sawtooth hangers, clip-style frames or keyhole mounts.
• Pre-drilled French Cleat mounts okay.
• Works on canvas may be framed, strip-framed or gallery-wrapped.
• NO works that are pinned, tacked, taped, velcroed, painted on, glued, adhered, nailed, or affixed directly to/on Gallery walls. No works that use any adhesives directly on Gallery walls. Art Saint Louis uses traditional hanging hardware (hooks/nails) to hang wall-installed artworks from their wires on the back of the pieces— however, we will not nail or tack an artwork directly to a wall, nor will we use velcro, glue, 3M Command Strips, or any other substance to directly apply an artwork to the wall. ALL wall-installed works must hang from standard picture hanging hardware.
• No loose plexi that is clipped or nailed to wall.
• Oversized, heavy, or installation work must be installed by artist under direction of Artistic Director.
• Textiles must have accompanying pre-drilled hanging bars or similar installation apparatus provided by artist for display/presentation of artwork. NO shower rods or curtain rods accepted for display. Artist to provide mannequin for wearable textile.
• Artist must provide all equipment necessary to present video, time-based media or any artwork requiring electricity, incl. cords, adapters, DVD player, monitor (min. 9"), etc. Video monitor to be exhibited/displayed on a pedestal (we cannot mount monitors on our gallery walls, sorry).
• Art Saint Louis reserves the right to install accepted works in a manner deemed necessary for a well-designed exhibition or for security purposes.

ENTRY FEE

• Entry fee is non-refundable.
• Artist may submit up to 5 artworks for the one fee.
• $25/Non-member entry; OR
• $10/Art Saint Louis Member entry.
• Fee payable by credit card or PayPal through CallforEntry.org or by check to Art Saint Louis, 1223 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103.
   

ENTRY FEE SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITING

• To provide as much opportunity as possible for artists at work in our region, Art Saint Louis is pleased to offer scholarship underwriting of entry fees for individuals for whom such entry fees might otherwise be a financial barrier to participation.
• To be considered for scholarship underwriting, please submit a written request to info@artstlouis.org relaying your request, including the title of the exhibition. No explanation required of applicant.
• A limited number of scholarships are available and are awarded at our discretion.
• Requests for scholarship funds do not guarantee approval or scholarship underwriting.
   


MEMBERSHIP IN ART SAINT LOUIS


• Membership in Art Saint Louis is open to all and is not required to have your work considered for or juried into this exhibit.
• Membership does have its benefits, including discounts on entry fees--the reduced Art Saint Louis member entry fee for this show is $10 and the non-member fee is $25.
• Benefits of membership include discounts on entry fees to juried exhibits, a weekly e-newsletter, a Membership & Resource Directory, access to a Members Only area of our website, 10% discount on all art purchases in the Gallery, 10% on all coffee bar purchases, and additional opportunities.
• To download a Membership brochure and join Art Saint Louis today, visit our website (PayPal accepted).

VOLUNTEERING FOR EXHIBIT

• As a non-profit artists' organization, Art Saint Louis relies on volunteer support to help present our exhibitions.
• All exhibiting artists are required to volunteer 2 hours time to the production of this exhibit OR may contribute goods for the opening reception valued at $10, help out in the Gallery, OR may buy-out volunteer time at $10/per artist.
• Volunteering, donating goods or buying out volunteer time is required.
• Volunteer sign-up upon delivery of artworks for exhibit.
• Cash, contributions of goods, or in-kind services are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Artist is responsible for any record-keeping of donated items.

PUBLICITY

• Art Saint Louis reserves the right to photograph all exhibited works for web use and publicity purposes.
• Art Saint Louis reserves the right to use digital images submitted for jurying for publicity of exhibition including but not limited to email, web use and social media.
• Accepted artists are required to email high resolution JPEGs of accepted artworks to Art Saint Louis for exhibition records/paperwork and publicity.
• We promote the exhibit and featured artworks on our website, press releases, and social media, including but not limited to Facebook and Instagram.

DELIVERY of ACCEPTED WORKS FOR EXHIBIT 

• Artworks selected for exhibit are to be hand-delivered by appointment only to Art Saint Louis Gallery on Friday, July 12, 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. or Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. These are our only delivery dates/times.
• CLOSED Sundays, holidays and between exhibits.
• Shipped artworks are accepted delivered to Art Saint Louis July 8-12, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. only (with prepaid return shipping label).
• We cannot pick-up your shipped work from a shipper. All costs to ship & return ship are prepaid and are artist's responsibility. Artwork returned to artist in box in which it was shipped to us.
• Works accepted for exhibit but not delivered by 2:30 p.m. July 12 will not be presented.
   

PICK-UP of EXHIBITED WORKS at END OF EXHIBIT

• Exhibited works may not be removed from ASL prior to 8 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024.
• Exhibited artworks are to be picked-up at the end of the show by appointment only on Friday, August 30, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or Saturday, August 31, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. These are our only pick-up dates/times.
• ALL exhibited works must be removed from Gallery by 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 31.
• Shipped artworks to be picked up by shipper from Art Saint Louis September 4-6, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. only. We cannot deliver your work to a shipper.
   

LEGAL


• Having submitted artworks for jurying & having paid the entry fee, artist (1) accepts all conditions listed in the aforementioned rules of entry/exhibit prospectus; (2) represents, warrants and covenants that artist is not infringing on any proprietary right, copyright, patent right or any other right of any third party, and artist will indemnify Art Saint Louis and its agents, employees, affiliates, licensors, and business partners harmless from and against any and all costs, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in relation to, arising from, or for the purpose of avoiding, any claim or demand from a third party that the submission, ownership, display, sale or the presentation of your artworks violate any applicable law or regulation, or the rights of any third party. This is legal & binding. Accepted artworks may not be substituted and prices may not be changed once submitted for jurying.

COMMUNICATIONS RE: EXHIBIT

• All communications to artists in regards to this exhibition are made by email.
• Please be sure that you have a working email address.
• Please add our emails to your contacts: robin@artstlouis.org and info@artstlouis.org.
   

EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

• By submitting artwork to an Art Saint Louis juried exhibit, artist-entrants acknowledges that they will be subscribed to our email list which includes notices about our exhibit opportunities, receptions, and special events. Artist can opt out of/unsubscribe from mailing list at any time.
   

C A L E N D A R

• DEADLINE to ENTER: May 6, 2024 (11:59 p.m. MST).
• Jury notifications e-mailed to ALL entrants by May 31.
• Artist confirmation of participation, incl. artwork JPEG & artist’s statement due by June 7.
• Deliver accepted artworks to Art Saint Louis Friday, July 12, 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. or Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Shipped works delivered to ASL July 8-12.
• Install exhibit at Art Saint Louis July 16-17.
• “Gasp” exhibit dates: July 27-August 29, 2024.
• Free Reception & Awards on Saturday, July 27, 5-7 p.m.
• Art Saint Louis Gallery hours: M—F 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sundays, holidays and between shows. Gallery free & open to the public.No artwork may be removed from the Gallery prior to 8 a.m., August 30.
• Pick-up exhibited works Friday, August 30, 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Saturday, August 31, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• All work must be picked up by 2:30 p.m., August 31.
• Shipped works returned to artists September 4-6.
   


QUESTIONS about Art Saint Louis or this exhibit? 

• Contact Robin Hirsch-Steinhoff, Artistic Director of Art Saint Louis robin@artstlouis.org.


QUESTIONS about the online application or other technical issues? 

• If you are unclear about how to apply for a Call for Entry using CaFÉ, please view their handy document here.
• If you require assistance and are having technical challenges with the online application process, uploading images or any other issue, visit CaFÉ’s Help Page here.
• Or, the good people at CallforEntry.org (also referred to as CaFÉ) are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MST and can be reached by email at cafe@westaf.org or 303/629-1166. You can also contact CaFÉ here.

Application Requirements

Artist-applicant must be at least 18 years of age and live within 200 miles of Art Saint Louis (1223 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103). Limit 5 original artworks in all media created between 2020 and 2024. No AI-generated artwork, no ceiling-suspended artwork, no work that sits directly on the floor--3-d work is displayed on a pedestal/plinth of some kind and raised up off of the floor. Artwork not to exceed 72"wx72"h and 30 lbs. All rules apply, please refer to full call for entry.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to artists 18 years of age and older living in the St. Louis, Missouri region and surrounding 200-mile radius*.
• Artist must be resident of the St. Louis region/200-mile radius in order to submit work and to participate, if selected for exhibition.
*ONLY artists from the St. Louis region may enter and participate in exhibit--if you live further than 200 miles, we appreciate your interest, but you are not eligible.
• If you are not sure of the distance from where you live to our location (1223 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103), you can use this handy online distance calculator. 200 miles from our Gallery is the allowable distance—any further is not within our region.