Drafting an Exhibition Call Exercise

Step 1. (Review each of these sites and take careful notes about the structure of the calls. )

Step 2. (Answer the following: What information is found in each of these calls?  How is that information organized?  Consider the design choices in each call.  Name one positive aspect of each of the call's organization of information and one negative aspect.  How does the design relate to/ reflect the content of the call?)

           http://chicagoartmagazine.com/2010/04/6th-annual-national-self-portrait-exhibition-call-for-submissions/

                     Awards, exhibition catalog, size restrictions, and submission fee are the bullet points in this call.  It is short and sweet and straight to the point.  I like that it is very specific on how to compile and format your entries.  For example, in submitting photos they MUST be LASTNAME_Title.jpg at a 300dpi, no bigger than 1500px wide.  In having very specific details, the curator can insure that all entries are uniform.

           http://www.box13artartspace.com/20112012-call-for-proposals/

                     This call was even shorter than the last.  And it went even more into detail of submission and limitations.  They included a request of a letter of intent or exhibition proposal, which I think is a great idea because then the gallerist can get a personal feel of what the artist is trying to say and how they imagine to exhibit their works.  Along with this in their contact info, they request Title and description, concept and physical details.  They also ask you to include requests for space and any special needs or equipment.  It is very important that the gallery be prepared to incorporate all these diverse pieces and having this information up front allows them to visually imagine the space before receiving these pieces.  To stay organized as an artist and as a curator, they ask to give a list of your works with #'s corresponding to the #'s seen in your image slide show.

           http://www.akimbo.ca/18558

                      This call was my favorite by far, because it has a graphic design element that appeals to me as a graphic artist.  It is an art show, I feel that although it is a call, it should still have an art feel to it.  It doesn't need to be extreme, just a simple graphic at the top with the title.  They introduce themselves in the first paragraph talking about their intent and who they would like to see involved.  I really like that they are targeting local artist to cover their cities community.  I thought it was a little odd that they ask for 5-10 images of older work, but I guess they may be looking for a specific look.  Overall, I really like the format, I would just include a little more info on what to expect through the process.

Step 3.  (Devise a template for a call for Northcutt Steele Gallery exhibitions (fall 2016) at Northcutt Steele Gallery.  Focus on the structural elements of the call.  Do your best by emulating the other calls you have reviewed and we will discuss in person.)

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Fall Call to Any and All Aspiring Artists

Introduction:    The Northcutt Steele Gallery is a free admissions gallery devoted to educating its students and also allowing them an opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional environment.

Intent:   As lent approaches us, too often the thought is one of doom, gloom and guilt.  Lent is a time to make a new resolve, roll up our sleeves and make some personal progression.  This call is to invite artists from MSUB and the community to consider the seven deadly sins as they manifest themselves in Contemporary Western society and in individual lives.

There are two opportunities to get into this show.  The juror will select works that will be exhibited in The Northcutt Steele Gallery and the Northcutt Steele On-line Gallery.  The juror will also select works that will be shown in the on-line gallery only.  This allows for more works to be seen beyond the square feet physical limitations of the gallery.

Deadlines:   The show will be on display October 1 through the 15, 2016.  All submissions should be sent by September 1st, 2016 (Midnight central time).  We will be sending out an email no later than September 14th whether you have been selected or not.

Accepted Media:   Sculpture, Installation, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, assemblage, collage, mixed media, and artist books.

Limitations:   Your submissions will not be excepted if they have been exhibited previously.  Also, there is a size limitation of____________________________________.

Please include:   

* Contact information (First and Last name, telephone number, email address, etc.)                    

* Title and description, concept and physical detail (Are there 'weak' areas of your work if being handled?)

        Also in this list include #'s of your works that correspond to the title of your images     submitted.

* Requested space and any special needs or equipment you are not able to provide.

Submission:   Artists may submit 3-5 entries.  Images must be submitted as a 300dpi, 4"X6" format.  Please submit all images and or written documents in the following formats:

                             LASTNAME_Proposal.pdf

                             LASTNAME_img001.jpg

                             LASTNAME_bio.pdf

<Enter link here of desired location of submissions>

Additional Information:   Artists will be required to send and retrieve their work to us at their own expense.

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Contact your curator with questions:

Northcutt Steele Gallery

Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor

1500 University Drive

Billings, MT 59101

Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Gallery Director

(406)657-2903

Leanne.Gilbertson@msubillings.edu