42nd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival

PROSPECTUS

September 20-22, 2024, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture; Joseph, OR
Entry Through:    https://www.callforentry.org
Deadline for Entry: July 31st, by 11:30pm (MDT) - No Late Entries Accepted...PLEASE NOTE: CaFE IS LOCATED IN THE MOUNTAIN TIME ZONE; SO, IF YOU ARE IN A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE, PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!! 
Entry Fee: $35.00, Non-Refundable

Prospectus Overview:
The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival is dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists.  We are the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, located in the beautiful town of Joseph - known for its breathtaking scenery, myriad outdoor recreation opportunities, world-renowned bronze foundries, exquisite galleries and Main Street art installations.

The festival features representational/traditional realism, as well as contemporary art, from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. A central aim of the annual festival is to reflect the beauty, culture, heritage, and traditions of our region through its arts and artists.  Consistent with that intent, any subject, style or medium within the following categories will be considered by our jury:  

Sculpture:  Any 3-Dimensional work in Wood, Clay, Stone, Bronze, or other Metal
Painting:  Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
Drawing:  Pastel, Pencil, Graphite, Charcoal, Ink, or any combination thereof
Printmaking:  Woodblock, Engraving, Etching, Monoprint, Aquatint, Linotype, Lithography, Silkscreen
Photography:  Anything that records the impact of light on its surface, including digital

Other: Glass, Jewelry, Fiber Arts, Ceramics, Mixed Media, or Digital Art.

(Copies, kits, reproductions, or work done under the supervision of instructors are not eligible)

Exhibition space is limited, so our team of anonymous jurors will select the most appropriate art for the venue and diverse audience. 

Sept.14-20: Optional En Plein Air Competition, hosted by the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture…for more information, refer to Section 10 (En Plein Air Competition), of this Prospectus

Sept. 20-22: Fine Art Show, with an opening night reception on Friday, Sept. 20th (7-10pm), and closing on Sunday, Sept. 22nd (2pm) with the option of leaving artwork to hang through Oct 3.

The festival is open to all artists, and ALL accepted work MUST be made available for sale.

Each piece of art entered must be the same one accepted in the jury process. 

Work must be original and MUST NOT have been displayed in a previous Wallowa Valley Arts Festival Show.

 
1)  2024 Deadlines & Other Important Dates:

July 31st (11:30 pm MDT / 10:30 pm PDT):  Deadline for submitting entry forms and images to CaFE for the jury process (https://www.callforentry.org) PLEASE NOTE: CaFE IS LOCATED IN THE MOUNTAIN TIME ZONE; SO, IF YOU ARE IN A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE, PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!! 

August 9th - 13th:  Acceptance emails sent to artists. For more information, refer to Section 3 (Acceptance), of this Prospectus.

Sept. 14th (9am-5pm):  Check-in and kick-off for En Plein Air Competition, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph, OR.  For more information, refer to Section 10 (En Plein Air Competition), of this Prospectus.

Sept. 18 (11am - 2pm):  Check-in of hand-delivered juried art to Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph, OR.

Sept. 20th (11am-1pm):  En Plein Air Competition “Quick Finish and Hanging”, on Friday; Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. For more information, refer to Section 10 (En Plein Air Competition), of this Prospectus.

Sept. 20th (1:30pm):  Walk-through with the judge...THIS IS AN INVITATION-ONLY EVENT FOR ALL JURIED ARTISTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO INTERACT WITH THE JUDGE, PRIOR TO THE OPENING RECEPTION.

Sept. 20th (7-10pm):  Fine Art Show & En Plein Air Opening Reception, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture (this is a ticketed event).

Sept. 21st (10am - 6pm) & Sept. 22nd (10am - 2pm):  All Art Exhibits Open to the Public (including En Plein Air Artwork)…Featuring Live Music (see program guide for specific scheduled events), Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. 

Sept. 21st (1-4pm):  Afternoon of the Quick Draw, Set up at 1pm - Quick Draw starts at 2, Live Music from 1:30-3:30pm; Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens/Grounds (directly across Main Street from Josephy Center). For more information, refer to Section 11 (Afternoon of the Quick Draw), of this Prospectus.

Sept. 22nd:  Silent Auction bids close at 1:30pm. Art buyers may pick up their purchases at 2pm.  Unsold artwork not participating in the extended exhibition period must be picked up by the artist, or a designated representative, between 2:30-4pm, at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.

 Oct. 3rd: Unsold art from the extended exhibition must be picked up by the artist, or a designated representative, between 10am - 4pm, at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. Artwork with a return label will be shipped out by October 7th. 

 
2)  Eligibility and Entry Process:

Open to all artists

A $35.00 non-refundable entry fee will be charged for up to 3 pieces entered for consideration.

Size Constraints: 3-Dimensional Pieces measuring more than 120" in total (L+W+H), or 2-Dimensional pieces measuring more than 1600 square inches (i.e. approximately 40”x40” including framing), WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

All entries are submitted online via CaFE, “Call for Artist Entry” https://www.callforentry.org

Please upload 1 image of each piece submitted for entry. 

CaFE has a detailed description of how to upload images of your work and the necessary file requirements.  You can also contact the Josephy Center staff and volunteers for help with your application and image file preparation (541-432-0505 ext 2). TO ENSURE WE ARE ON-SITE AND AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU, PLEASE CONTACT US AHEAD OF TIME, TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.

Each artist must provide a brief biography (150 words or less), highlighting your career or past achievements, information regarding your process as an artist (if appropriate), or a simple artist statement communicating something you would like the viewer to know.    
  

3)  Acceptance:

At the conclusion of the jury process, artists will be sent an email indicating the status of each piece submitted.  Acceptance emails will be sent out between August 9th - 13th, 2024.

Example…Image Names:  Palouse Waves – Invited / Quail Covey – Not Invited 

Please check your email to ensure messages from WVAF and CaFE are received, and not intercepted by your SPAM folder.

The email will contain detailed instructions for delivery and pick-up of artwork; options to enter the Silent Auction, Afternoon of the Quick Draw, and En Plein Air Competition; as well as directions for purchasing additional Friday Evening Reception tickets.  If you do not hear from the Festival by August 16th, it is your responsibility to contact the Program Director, Arianna Olsen, exhibits@josephy.org, or call 541-432-0505 x2222.

WE DO NOT MAIL OUT ARTIST PACKETS.  A packet will be provided to each artist during check-in, on Wednesday, September 18th.  Any artist who ships their work, or delivers it early, will have a packet held for them at the festival desk. For more information, refer to Section 4 (Check-In and Artist Packet) and Sections 12-13 (regarding Delivery, Shipping, and Pick-up of artwork), of this Prospectus.

 
4)  Check-In and Artist Packet:

For artists delivering their work on Wednesday September 18th, during the formal check in process, our trained festival volunteers will guide you, step-by-step, through the process. Your Artist Packet will include:

Triplicate copies for each piece of artwork accepted into the show.

1 (One) artist ticket for entry to the Friday night opening reception.

Name tag and lanyard

Event Program – listing time and details of other events occurring during the Festival 

Each piece will be confirmed as the piece accepted and checked for appropriate size & framing requirements.  A pre-printed identification tag (one of the triplicate copies in your packet) with the artist’s name, title of the piece and price will be attached to the piece and a second copy given to the artist.  You must keep this receipt copy, as it will be required, in order to pick up your unsold work at the conclusion of the show.  If you plan to have someone else pick up your work, make sure they have this receipt.  To protect you, unsold work will not be released without this receipt.


5)  Framing and Presentation Requirements:

All work that is intended to be “hung” for display MUST be fitted with a secure wire for hanging.  We strongly suggest framing two-dimensional works for optimal presentation.  If you’re producing works on canvas or other surfaces and do not plan to use framing around the work, you must appropriately finish the sides of your piece.  Work that is unfinished (such as exposed staples, untrimmed canvas, dirty sides, or lacking appropriate treatments) will not be displayed in the show.  Bracket frames, uni-frames, rings, zigger and sawtooth type mountings are not acceptable.

When attaching wire to your piece, we suggest placing your attachment in the upper 1/3 of the piece. This will ensure that the piece does not tilt outward at the top, when hung.

Below is a link to a helpful video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ThspVqHlok 

Glass and Plexiglass must be properly secured. 

Work that does not meet the standards of quality identified in this Prospectus, or, upon arrival, is not consistent with the intent of the show, will not be displayed.

6)  Sale of Art:

All exhibited art will be available for sale and all sales of artwork will be handled through the Festival sales desk run by the Josephy Center.

The price you assign to your artwork in the online entry process is the price we will use.  We CANNOT make any price changes, once your piece has been accepted by our jurors.

The Festival will retain a 30% commission on all sales resulting from the exhibition.  Due to the heavily volunteer nature of the Festival, it may take up to 4 weeks for all payment checks (for both art sale proceeds, as well as award/prize payouts) to be generated and sent out.  We will make every effort to get those checks out to artists sooner, but please anticipate this possible timeline.  Thanks for your understanding and patience.

 
7)  Awards:

Cash awards and ribbons, totaling more than $4,100, will be given to the juried entries, at the discretion of the judge, with the exception of the People's Choice awards.

Monetary prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($500), People’s Choice - Overall ($300), People’s Choice - Photography ($300), Best Three-Dimensional Art ($300), Northwest Cultural Heritage Award ($300), Director’s Choice ($200), Northwest Region Landscape Award ($200), Jon M. Skovlin Memorial For Best Wildlife Representation ($200), Best Eclectic Piece ($200), Best Oil-Based Medium ($250),  Best Silent Auction Piece ($100), Best Water-Based Medium ($250), Best Drawing Medium ($250), Best Mixed Media ($250), Best Print Medium ($250), and Best Photography ($250).

All artwork included in the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival may be photographed for use in promoting the Arts Festival.  Please see the Arts Festival website (josephy.org), for the full privacy statement and "opt-out" procedure.


8)  Judge, 2024: 

Each year, a new judge is selected to assist in the judging of the show.  Awards and ribbons are given at the discretion of the judge (excluding People's Choice - overall, People’s Choice Photography and Director’s Choice).  This year, we are pleased to announce the distinguished Karen Bakke as our 2024 judge.  For more information on this year's judge, visit our Festival page at https://josephy.org/festival-of-the-arts/.
 

9)  Silent Auction:

Accepted artists are invited to enter one small piece of artwork in our silent auction. This is a fundraising event and proceeds will go to help ensure the future of the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival.  An auction piece is not required as a condition to exhibit in the Festival.

Participating artists will receive 50% of the final bid; the remaining 50% will be retained by the festival.

With respect to framing and display, all silent auction pieces must meet the same criteria as juried work(s)

Artists will assign the market value of the piece and the minimum bid will be established at 50% of the established market value (for example: if the piece is valued at $100, the starting bid for that piece will be $50). 

If the minimum bid is not met, then the piece is returned to the artist.

Please note, the market value of the piece will not be revealed on the bid sheet, nor will viewers be informed of the 50% starting bid ratio.

We recommend auction pieces have an assigned market value of no more than $200.  If an artist does not assign a market value, the Festival Committee will estimate one.

All silent auction pieces will be prominently displayed and a cash award given for “Best Silent Auction Piece".

Silent Auction entries need not be submitted for jurying as part of the online application. However, the silent auction piece preferably should be brought to check-in; or may be mailed in, along with juried art.

10)  En Plein Air Competition:

   2024 Wallowa Valley Arts Festival - En Plein Air Competition
        *Displayed On the second floor of the Josephy Center*

Dates:   En Plein Air Competition painting time: Sept. 14th, check-in from 10am-5pm at the Josephy Center - Hang artwork on Friday, Sept. 20th, 11am-1pm, 2nd floor, Josephy Center.
  
Awards:   Total En Plein Air Award Payouts: $1,100, as follows...

Best of Show ($300), Artists’ Choice ($200), Best Agrarian Landscape ($150), Best Landscape with Water ($150), Best Landscape with building(s), ($150), and Best Landscape of Mountains and/or Canyons ($150).

Entry Fee:       $25

Eligibility:   Open to artists who have been juried into the WVFA show. You must complete a minimum of two, and no more than four, paintings on stamped, blank surfaces, in order to participate in the WVFA's En Plein Air Competition. The size limit on any painting to be displayed is 200 square inches or less. All paintings must be suitably framed, ready to hang, and available for sale.

Check-In:   Check-in and registration begins Sept. 14th, 10am-5pm, at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. At this time you will fill out your entry form and get your blank painting surfaces stamped. Please note: You may check-in your WVFA-juried artwork and receive your WVAF Artist Packet, at this time, as well.

Please note:  Your juried artwork will be displayed with the other juried WVFA pieces, in the main exhibit hall of the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.  The WVFA En Plein Air show will take place on the second floor of the Josephy Center, alongside the permanent Nez Perce display.  We will, once again, be using our medium-gray Pro Panels with Pro-Panel lighting to display your paintings.

Quick Finish and Hanging of En Plein Air Paintings:  Friday, Sept. 20th, 11am- 12:45pm.

You will bring your En Plein Air paintings to the second floor of the Josephy Center. Tables will be provided for you to finish any last-minute touches to your paintings and to install them in frames. You will, then, hang your paintings and label them by 12:45pm for judging, which takes place from 1:00-1:30pm. The “Quick Finish” will not be open to the public.

En Plein Air Reception is combined with Main Opening Reception:  Sept. 20th, from 7-10pm, 2nd Floor, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. Wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served, and awards will be announced during the reception.

Show Ends:   The show ends Sept. 22nd, at 2pm. Artists may pick up unsold works at that time, at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. Unless you choose to display them for the extended exhibition through October 3rd, in which case unsold art must be picked up by the artist, or a designated representative, between 10am-4pm on October 3rd or by arrangement. Artwork with a return label will be shipped out on or before October 5th.  A 30% commission on any sold work will be retained by the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival.

Other Info:   We reserve the right to reject any artwork not deemed to be suitable for the En Plein Air show.

Contact:   For information or questions, contact Arianna Olsen (541-432-0505 ext. 2222).


11)  Afternoon of the Quick Draw (Sat., Sept. 21st, 1-4pm):

A special experience unfolds Saturday, Sept. 21st, at the Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens & Grounds (directly across Main Street from the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture), when selected artists participate in the Quick Draw Event.  The atmosphere is thrilling and fast-paced, as artists feverishly attempt to create a finished work in 1 ½ hours time.  The finished pieces are sold by silent auction during the course of the afternoon. The event will include live music, by local talent. If your work is accepted and you have indicated an interest in participating, the Quick Draw Coordinator will contact you with specific information for the event.  Space is limited, in order to preserve the quality of the experience for both artists and festival-goers.  The Festival will retain a 30% commission on artwork created and sold during the Quick Draw event.
 

12)  Opening Night Reception:

An “Opening Night Reception” to honor participating artists will be held Friday, September 20th, 7-10pm, at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.  Major award winning artists will be announced, and this year’s judge will be introduced.  Hors d’oeuvres, wine and other beverages will be served, and each attendee will receive a complimentary wine glass.  Each artist receives their reception ticket in their Artist Packet.  Additional tickets can be purchased online at josephy.org (see tickets).  This event often sells out in advance, so artists desiring additional tickets should plan accordingly.


13)  Physical Delivery or Shipping of Artwork:

Preferred Delivery: Drop off directly at the show venue; Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph, OR  97846, on Wednesday, Sept 18th, from 11am - 2pm.

If you plan to ship your work, or arrange for early delivery, PLEASE READ the following Prospectus bullets carefully, for complete details…including all shipping addresses (These have changed from prior years).

If Sept. 18th In-Person Delivery is Not Possible: Optional early delivery/drop-off to the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 North Main Street, Joseph, OR  97846 (Sept. 11th - 14th, 12-4pm...please note that the Josephy Center is closed on Sunday, Sept. 15th)

Sept. 3rd - 17th: All shipped artwork due by September 18th (NOTE the Labor Day Holiday on September 2nd).  See below for detailed shipping instructions:

At time of delivery, accepted artwork must be identified by the artist name, and title of the artwork.

If you are using a shipping service that requires a physical address (such as UPS or FedEx) please ship to:  ARIANNA OLSEN-WVAF, c/o Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 North Main St., Joseph, OR 97846.

If you are using the US Postal Service please ship to: WVAF, c/o Josephy Center, PO Box 949, Joseph, OR 97846. Important: The US Postal Service will only accept packages that are addressed to Josephy Center’s PO Box 949. Do not use a street address, if you are shipping via US Postal Service.

“Art-Pooling” for delivery and pickup is acceptable and encouraged.  Please note that any individual picking up unsold art, on behalf of another artist, at the Festival’s conclusion, MUST have the artwork receipt, in order to claim that artist’s unsold art.

14)  Art Pick-Up and Return Shipping:

Art Pick Up - Please ensure that the receipts included in your artist packet for accepted artwork are safeguarded; they are required to pick up any unsold artwork. If someone else is picking up your unsold work, make sure they have the appropriate receipts.

All shipped artwork must be either picked up on Sunday, Sept 22nd, between 2:30-4pm, shipped in reusable containers with PRE-PAID return shipping, or have made alternative arrangements with staff including but not limited to pre-registering for the extended exhibition period through October 3rd.  Shipping options include UPS, or FedEx, all with insurance and shipping prepaid. Please note that buyers cannot pick up purchased artwork until 2pm, on Sunday. If you’re unsure whether a piece has sold, check the title card displayed with the art. Sold pieces will be indicated by a round/dot sticker on the title card.  If you see a round/dot, PLEASE DO NOT remove the artwork.  A festival volunteer will facilitate making sure that the correct person receives the sold piece.

Liability - All reasonable care will be given to objects in the custody of the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival; however, it is the artist’s responsibility to provide adequate insurance for their artwork.

UNLESS AN ARTIST HAS COMMUNICATED WITH THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR TO KEEP HER/HIS/THEM ARTWORK HANGING AT THE JOSEPHY CENTER, ABSOLUTELY NO ARTWORK CAN BE HELD AFTER THE SHOW FOR LATER PICK UP...SORRY, BUT NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THIS POLICY.   

 
For general Arts Festival information, please visit https://josephy.org/festival-of-the-arts. 
If you still have questions, please contact Arianna Olsen: 541-432-0505 ext.# 2222, exhibits@josephy.org.
We look forward to another fun-filled successful event, and seeing your beautiful work on display, in September, at our 42nd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival.

Application Requirements

Please include the following for each artwork submitted: one quality jpg image, title, medium, price, and year completed.

Each artist must provide a brief biography (150 words or less), highlighting your career or past achievements, information regarding your process as an artist (if appropriate), or a simple artist statement communicating something you would like the viewer to know.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists 18 years, and older are encouraged to submit. Artwork must be for sale.

The following categories will be considered by our jury:  

Sculpture:  Any 3-Dimensional work in Wood, Clay, Stone, Bronze, or other Metal
Painting:  Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, or Gouache.
Drawing:  Pastel, Pencil, Graphite, Charcoal, Ink, or any combination thereof
Printmaking:  Woodblock, Engraving, Etching, Monoprint, Aquatint, Linotype, Lithography, Silkscreen
Photography:  Anything that records the impact of light on its surface including digital
Other:  Glass, Jewelry, Fiber Arts, Ceramics, Mixed Media, or Digital Art

Size Constraints: 

3-Dimensional Pieces must be no more than 72" in total (L+W+H). 

2-Dimensional pieces must be no more than 40" on any one side (including framing).

(Copies, kits, reproductions, or work done under the supervision of instructors are not eligible).