In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water Act, The Athenaeum Gallery invites DC, Virginia, and Maryland artists to explore concepts related to the Potomac River, its vital role in the regional ecosystem, and the importance of working toward a clean, healthy river. We are looking for a wide variety of interpretations on the theme – but everything accepted will be a plausible fit to “Potomac River Life.”

Work can be literal or abstract, with themes that might:

• Depict life on/in the water
• Inspire, motivate, or educate people to take action regarding river health
• Comment on the fragility the Potomac River and its role in the regional ecosystem.
• Propose creative solutions for improving things regarding the Potomac
• Celebrate the Potomac River

All work selected will relate to the theme “Potomac River Life.” If something is submitted that represents rivers in general or a different body of water, if it could be the Potomac, it is eligible.

The Potomac Riverkeepers Network and the Potomac Conservancy will be working with the Athenaeum to develop relevant programming and events that will occur in the gallery during the show.  A portion of sales commission will benefit the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.\.

Eligibility
Artists who live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia may submit work. Artists who do not live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia are not eligible.

Selection Criteria
Works for inclusion in the Potomac River Life will be selected from an open call by Athenaeum Gallery Director, Twig Murray.  Works will be chosen that show aesthetic excellence, mastery of media, creativity and thoughtfulness, and are relevant to the exhibition theme.

Artwork Specifications

• Work must be available from July 14- August 21, 2022.
• All visual media is welcome, but every work must be wall-mounted.
• All works must arrive fully finished or framed, wired, and ready to be hung with picture hooks.
• Work must be less than 9 inches deep and lighter than 30 pounds.
• Works that require electricity will not be accepted.
• Entries that do not comply with the rules will be disqualified.

Delivery/Shipping
The artist is responsible for getting, or arranging to have their work delivered, to the Athenaeum on Sunday, July 10  between 10 and 4, or by special arrangement
The artist is responsible for picking up, or arranging to have unsold works picked up, on Sunday, August 21, between 4 – 6, or by special arrangement.

The Athenaeum is not responsible for works left in the gallery after the close of the show.

Sales
The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 50% commission on works sold (with 35% remaining with the Athenaeum, and 15% going to PRKN), and will issue a check for 50% of the sales price to the artist no longer than thirty days after the show has closed. Sold work remains in the gallery until the last day of the show. Work does not have to be for sale to be included in the show.

Timing

Applications must be submitted online by Thursday, May 26, 2022

Artists will be notified by Thursday, June 9, 2022

Work must be delivered to the Athenaeum Gallery on Sunday, July 10  between 10 and 4, or by special arrangement

Unsold works need to be picked up, on Sunday, August 21, between 4 – 6, or by special arrangement.

The Athenaeum Gallery

201 Prince St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

nvfaa.org

twig@twigweb.com

 

Application Requirements

Submit a good photo(s) of the work you are proposing along with title, media, dimensions, and sale price. An explanatory statement is optional, but may help the judge assess your entry.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists who live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia may submit work. Artists who do not live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia are not eligible.