The Warwick Center for the Arts (WCFA) www.warwickcfa.org is requesting submissions for ABIDING COURAGE, a juried exhibition celebrating the Centennial of the 19th Amendment, showing from March 4 - April 9, 2020, in alliance with International Women’s Day.   The Opening Reception will be held on March 5, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

The WCFA is committed to presenting a visual exploration of the occasion - recognizing the decades of the suffragists' struggle to achieve voting rights and the harder road that followed for women of color.  It is an important time to consider the power we each have in shaping our democracy. The goal of the exhibition is to use history through contemporary artwork to inspire viewers to think critically about the right to vote.  Why were women left out of the democratic process for so long? What did it take to achieve the milestone of the 19th Amendment? And, why did it take 50 more years for women of color and those for whom English is a second language to gain the same right? What can we learn 100 years later to help us continue to build a society that values all voices and respects full engagement in the democratic process?  The text of the 19th Amendment passed in 1920 is clear: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Artists who answer this call might address the importance of women’s role in an equitable society, the various ways women organized to achieve such a milestone, past and current issues around feminist sensibilities and intersectionality, voting issues such as barriers to the ballot including gerrymandering, stringent voter registration requirements, voter registration roll purges, and revisions to the Voting Rights Act. They may also offer interpretations of democratic ideals such as courage, persistence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. Keeping themes in mind, any media, 2D or 3D, abstract or representational, are welcome. 

The Warwick Center for the Arts is committed to uniting the community through the arts. The WCFA connects all ages and abilities with exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences.  Proceeds from our juried exhibitions help support our community programs.

Juror Jonny Skye is the owner and curator of Skye Gallery in Providence, RI. https://skye-gallery.com/  Skye holds a BA in Visual Arts from Brown University and an MAT in Art Education from the Rhode Island School of Design. Over two years in and 31 exhibitions to date, Skye Gallery celebrates work that speaks to our humanity, challenges the dominant narrative, and offers a vision for tomorrow.

Awards: $250 “Excellence Award” & non-cash “Honorable Mention Awards”. We reserve the right to add prizes if needed. Awards will be announced at the opening reception. 

Based on the success of the exhibition and its timeliness given election year, it is possible that there will be requests for the show to move to other venues throughout the state.  WCFA will communicate with each artist should additional opportunities unfold for permission to extend agreements.

Eligibility: Artists over 18 residing in the United States regardless of level of arts training are encouraged to submit.  Works must be original, for sale, and completed during the last 24 months; previously submitted works will not be accepted.  JPEGs should include image of artwork only, excluding frames.

Entry Fee: WCFA Members: $30 for up to 3 images; Non-Members $40 for up to 3 images  

All artworks must be wired and ready to hang; our hanging system does not allow for hanging with clips, saw tooth hangers, or loops – please wire prior to drop off or delivery.  If work is to be shipped, the artist is responsible for the cost of shipping, insurance during transit and return shipping/insurance if work is not sold.  Artist must provide a pre-paid return shipping label.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Entry Deadline:  Midnight on Monday, February 10, 2020.
• Notification of Acceptance: Monday, February 17, 2020. 
• Artwork Drop Off Dates: Wednesday, February 26, (11 am - 3 pm), Thursday, February 27 (11 am -  3 pm & 5 pm - 7 pm), Friday, February 28 (11 am – 3 pm) 
• Opening Reception: Thursday, March 5 (6 pm - 8 pm)

Art Sales Commissions: Artists receive  60% of each sale, current WCFA Members receive  70% – to become a member visit our website (www.warwickcfa.org).  All payments will be issued to artists after the close of the exhibition.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria