The Rock Island Art Guild (RIAG) Fine Arts exhibition has been organized by the guild since 1970 and hosted by the Figge Art Museum since 2016.  Both the Figge and the Rock Island Art Guild are pleased to announce the call for entries for this exhibition, which will occupy the Figge’s 4th floor gallery this Spring. Artists living within 200 miles of the Figge working in any medium, including sound, performance, video, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and works on paper are encouraged to apply.   Artists may submit up to three works for consideration for each $35 entry fee.  In addition to awards for first and second place, the Sally MacMillan Watercolor Award, Founder’s Award, Zeivel Harris Sculpture Award, People’s Choice Award, Children’s Choice Award, and Honorable Mention Award, there will also be a new $300 “Digital Art, Performance, Sound, and Video Award". The exhibition works and awards will be selected by this year’s juror Susan Watts, Owner of Olson Larsen Galleries in Des Moines,  Iowa. Selections for the exhibition will be made based on entrants’ digital applications, while selection of the award winners will be made by the jurors in person.  If you have any questions about applying, please contact Assistant Curator Joshua Johnson at jjohnson@figgeartmuseum.org.  This exhibition is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Rock Island Art Guild. 

IMPORTANT DATES

• January 16, 2022: Call for Entries closes
• January 31: Artist notified about exhibition selection
• February 17, 18, and 19: Artists drop off work at the Figge Art Museum
• February 26: Exhibition opens to the public
• March 3: Opening Celebration Program
• March 31 and April 28: Artist Presentations/Performances (visit the Figge website for more information)
• May 15: Last day of the exhibition
• May 19, 20, and 21: Artists pick up their works from the Figge Art Museum

Application Requirements

SPECIFICATIONS

All two-dimensional works must be ready to be installed. Glass is acceptable for glazing works under 14 inches in any direction, if larger plexiglass is strongly recommended. Frames and mats must be clean and in good condition. D rings are strongly preferred over wire. Hanging works may not exceed 6 x 8 foot framed dimensions. Three-dimensional work should not exceed 10 foot x 12 foot x 10 foot, be freestanding, and must be movable by 2 people. All works must have an identification label on the reverse or underside of the work. Works requiring site specific installation or assembly must come with clear instructions and/or diagrams. Installation by the artist may be requested.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

The exhibition is open to artists residing within a 200 mile radius of the Figge Art Museum (225 West 2nd Street, Davenport, Iowa, Please click on this map link to see the radius for entrants). Entries are limited to 3 original works of art (per $35 entry fee) and the entries must have been created within the last 5 years. Giclée reproductions will not be considered for inclusion in the exhibition. Works with multiple components will be considered as one entry. Works previously exhibited in the Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition will not be accepted. Works which are currently in, or which will be acquired by a private or museum collection during the course of the exhibition will not be accepted.

Please refer to the map below if you have questions about your eligibility.  Anyone who lives within the circle on the map is eligible to apply.