Apply today! We have extented the deadline for Big Ink to July 15! The Firefly Artists are thrilled to have Big Ink (bigink.org) back at The Firefly Artists. BIG INK hosts large-scale woodblock printmaking events across the United States and we have been lucky to have them visit us in the summers of 2018 and 2019.  BIG INK will transform the event space into a print studio featuring The Big Tuna: a custom-designed giant mobile press. We invite the public to attend, witness the spectacle, and learn more about the printing process. This event blends elements of a workshop and a demonstration. Participating is a fun way to expand your skill set, meet other artists, and engage with the community. Bring your next big idea to life while participating in a one-of-a-kind art making bonanza! 
Accepted work is evaluated on the applicant’s ability to complete the project based on the complexity and scale of the proposed carving. The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension. Artwork will be printed in black ink on white paper.
Accepted artists will experience hands-on instruction during the event, and 3 prints from their woodblock. Masa paper and Speedball Art Products oil-based block printing ink are provided on printing day.
Participants purchase their own 3/8 or 1/2 inch carving substrate and carving tools. BIG INK recommends Cherry Plywood, Shina Plywood, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and Power Grip brand carving tools.
No prior printmaking experience is necessary and artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. 
Artists can collaborate on one image. The image upload must include the whole design. We also recommend outlining how each artist will contribute in the project statement.
Full participation cost for each woodblock is $350. Artists will experience hands-on instruction during the event, and three prints from their woodblock. Masa paper and Speedball Art Products oil-based block printing ink are provided on printing day. Light refreshments during the event will be provided by The Firefly Artists. Participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals.
A non-refundable $35 application fee and your design must be submitted on callforentry.com. Accepted artists will then be invoiced for the remaining $315. We have limited spots available for this event and participation fees are absolutely non-refundable. Once accepted, your spot will only be held once the balance on the account has been paid. Once accepted and paid in full each artist will receive digital  welcome packet from BIG INK that will give detailed instructions on materials along with an instructional video
The exhibition will hang August 21 - September 3 in our expanded gallery space - The Darcy Gallery* at The Firefly Artists in Northport, New York.
(*Note: there is no handicapped access to this venue, which is located on the second floor of the historic building housing our gallery.)

CALENDAR
July 15, 2022 – Submissions due
July 19, 2022 – Acceptance Letters Sent
August 20 and 21 - Big Ink event at The Firefly Artists Gallery at 162 Main Street, Northport, NY 
August 21 - September 3  – Exhibition in The Darcy Gallery, Second Floor at The Firefly Artists Gallery at 162 Main Street, Northport, NY 
September 4 - Art Pickup

EVENT DAY
All accepted artists must be able to attend one of the event days August 20, 2022 or August 21, 2022 from 9:00am - 5:00pm. A schedule of participants will be created once everyone is registered. You will be assigned a print day and you are asked to be at the gallery on your day from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

INSURANCE
Artists shall provide insurance coverage for their own works while on view at The Firefly Artists Gallery.

PUBLICITY
The Firefly Artists assumes the cost of publicity and shall have the right to photograph accepted works and to create videos including accepted works for such purposes. Such publicity, including selection of media and photographs, will be made at the discretion of the managing partners of The Firefly Artists. Publicity may include: mailing, emails, social media and website postings, and distribution of show announcements, press releases, gallery interpretive displays or other didactic material associated with the exhibition, as well as advertisements in newspapers and other publications if any are warranted.

PHOTO IMAGERY & STATEMENT
The Artist grants permission to use submitted images and statement as well as any images of your work created by The Firefly Artists for publication and promotional purposes. The Firefly Artists shall have the right to publish any such photographs and statements furnished by the artist with no payment to the artist or the photographer who produced the image. Artists must secure publication permission from the photographer if copyrighted; and provide the same to The Firefly Artists.

 

Application Requirements

ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility is open to applicants who exhibit the ability to complete the project based on the complexity and scale of the proposed carving. The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension and be full carved and ready to print by August 19, 2022.

PRESENTATION
Carvings must be on 3/8 or 1/2 inch carving substrate. BIG INK recommends Cherry Plywood, Shina Plywood, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

SUBMISSION
Each artist may submit one entry for consideration for $35.  Full event fee is $350. Accepted artists will be invoiced for  the balance ($35 applicaiton fee will be deducted from the participation fee). 
 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is open to applicants who exhibit the ability to complete the project based on the complexity and scale of the proposed carving. The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension and be full carved and ready to print by August 19, 2022.