The Art Center welcomes submissions for the Biennial National Contemporary Exhibition. The juror for this year is former exhibitor at The Art Center and master figure painter, Ron Hicks. The exhibit is open to all two-dimensional artworks that place an emphasis on figure as the primary subject matter. All two-dimensional mediums are welcome, including painting, photography, collage, digital, etc.

IMPORTANT DATES

• February 8: deadline for submissions
• March 15: artist notification
• April 15-22: window for shipped artwork
• May 6, 10am-2pm: DROP-OFF for hand-delivered artwork
• May 13: First day of the show
• Jun 7, 6:30-9pm: reception
• June 25, 9am-4pm: PICK-UP for hand-delivered artwork
• June 26: being return shipping

ABOUT THE JUROR

Ron Hicks, lives and operates his studio in Denver Colorado. He attended Columbus College of Art and Design, as well as the Colorado Institute of Art, Denver where he received a degree in advertising. Hicks worked as a freelance illustrator and designer for Magazines and ad agencies before becoming a full time painter.

Hicks’ style is reminiscent of the academic impressionist painters of the 19th century, yet his work communicates strong contemporary content. The hybridity of various painting styles within his work is both refreshing and sophisticated. The combined approaches of representation and impressionism make for a pleasant viewing experience. Hicks’ broad use of free, yet intentional, strokes form layers of crisp color married with muted grey tones. The rendering of figures in their moments of intimacy seem frozen in time, giving the viewer a stolen glimpse of romantic encounters, often overlooked. Hicks uses a combination of models and backgrounds inspired by photographs from his travels. The figures are often adorned in garments that push the painting into the realm of nostalgia. Hicks’ pro-lithic works have established him as one of the top storytellers of the medium and contain a deep reservoir of emotion. His works continue to inspire and influence artists within the contemporary world of painting. Hicks states, “I can’t imagine not painting…not creating. If I’m not painting, creating, sharing my gift, and seeing beauty of life every day, then what’s the point? My work is not just what I do, it’s who I am.” 

PAST JURORS
2017: Gabriela Martinez
2015: Gregory Botts
2013: Joellyn Duesberry
2011: Michael Chavez
2009: Michael Meyers
2007: Harold Holden

CASH AWARDS
$750 Best of Show
$450 First Place
$300 Second Place
$250 Third Place

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria