Call Description

Artists will create and display art based on the theme of pink and white blossoms in a county- wide art show held throughout Howard County during March 2025. The arts community including private art galleries in Howard County are already on board for this art extravaganza and many other locations including: The Welcome Center, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Savage Mill mall, Robinson Nature Center, Howard Community College and Howard County 50+ Centers to name a few, will also be involved. Maps will be available for the public highlighting all art locations and installations showing both private galleries and the open show. 

This inaugural art project embodies two of BOH tagline missions: beautifying and engaging our community. Currently, Blossoms of Hope has planted more than 3,000 pink blossoming trees in Howard County (Kwanzan cherry, redbuds and Native Dogwood). We are actively working on adding 700 more by the end of 2025 (Blossoms' 20th anniversary year). That number equals the number of white cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. 

BOH will host an open art show at multiple locations and each private gallery will hold its own invitational exhibit. Entries may include but are not limited to canvas, sculpture, fiber arts, embroidery, quilts, jewelry, photography, paper, basketweave, and glass art. Entries will begin being accepted June 17, 2024. 

Show Theme: Pink and white blossoms

Timeline 

June 17, 2024 call is live and artists can apply until December 1, 2024.  

January 17, 2025: Emails will be sent out confirming artwork acceptance. 

Artwork drop-off and pick-up details will vary by site location between early February and early April. Artists will receive site specific instructions upon acceptance. 

The Open Show will be on view at multiple locations across Howard County from the end of February through the end of March 2025. 

Thursday, March 13, 2025: Blossoms 2025 Countywide Show awards and reception at Howard Community College, Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center

Sales 

A 20% commission will be retained by BOH on all sales of artwork included in the exhibit. Work will be sold at the price listed on the entry form. Art is not required to be for sale. 

Awards 

Participating artists will be eligible for awards being presented by Blossoms of Hope. 

Best In show: This $750 award is chosen from artwork submitted into the Open Show as well as artwork submitted into the independent gallery show(s) across Howard County. 

Open Show Awards will be given out for First place $500, Second place $350 and Third place $250. 

Student awards, at $100 each, will be given in youth categories for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Awards will be given out at the Blossoms of Hope 20th Anniversary Event/Opening Reception which will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Howard Community College, Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center from 5:30pm -9:00pm. 

FAQ's

Did I need to participate in the Blossoms Plein Air to Prepare in 2024? 

No, participation in the 2024 event was not mandatory, although it was designed to help you see the blossoms and be inspired for the 2025 Open Show. If you chose to exhibit in the 2024 show, you CAN submit the same piece in the Countywide Open Show.

Do I have to work from life? Are the blossoms in Howard County our inspiration? 

You may be inspired by any type of pink or white blossom from anywhere in the world. You may use images or life for inspiration. 

May I submit art to both a private gallery and the Open Art Show?

Yes, the limit of three pieces is specific to your entry into the Open Art Show. You may have art on display at a private gallery as well as at the Blossoms 2025 Countywide Open Art Show, however, they may not be the same image.

Who is eligible for awards? 

The Countywide Open show will be juried by the BOH Jury and all art will be eligible for the awards. There will be $100. awards given for youth categories: elementary, middle and high school students.

Open Show Awards will be given out for First place $500, Second place $350 and Third place $250. 

There will be an additional Best in Show ($750.) award chosen from artwork submitted into the Open Show as well as artwork submitted into the independent gallery show(s) across Howard County. 

These awards will be presented at the Opening Reception on March 13, 2025 at Howard Community College. 

Will the pieces be for sale? 

Artwork will be sold through BOH with a QR reader system. Your artwork can be listed as NFS if you prefer not to have it available for sale. If art is for sale, there will be a 20% commission. 

How many artworks will be accepted? 

BOH hopes to shower Howard County with thousands of beautiful pink and white blossoms in March 2025. However, the total number will depend on the number submitted and accepted. 

A maximum of three art pieces per artist will be accepted for this Open Show. If more than one of your pieces has been accepted, BOH will do all we can to ensure your pieces are accepted at the same location, however, we cannot guarantee this. 

Will I receive a confirmation of acceptance? 

A confirmation of your artwork acceptance will be sent to you via email by January 2025. Information regarding your drop-off and pick-up location and a Art Loan Agreement form will be included at that time.

Additional Questions? 

https://blossomsofhope.org/2025artshow/

Additional Questions can be directed to jen@blossomsofhope.org

Application Requirements

The Blossoms 2025 Countywide Open Show is for all levels of artist who live in Maryland and the region. Artwork of all media will be accepted. We plan to highlight a wide range of beginner, and all ages of student art, as well as more experienced and professional artists. We are an inclusive group that promotes unity and supports art in our community.

Eligibility Criteria

Both 2D and 3D artworks will be accepted. Entries may include but are not limited to: Mixed media, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, wearable arts, fiber arts, ceramics, embroidery, quilts, jewelry, photography, basketweave, mosaic and glass art. Media is not limited in size.

Entries will be accepted from June 17, 2024 to December 1, 2024  through CaFÉ.