CALL FOR ENTRIES

Book Power! Artist Books Addressing Our Social, Political or Environmental World

June 3-26, 2010
23 Sandy Gallery
Portland, Oregon

THEME – Book Power is seeking artist books addressing the social, political or environmental issues of our times. Can an artist book be a vehicle to shed light on the problems we face in the world? Can books be a call for change? Can we go beyond just artists who make things to artists who make things happen? War, poverty, decay, politics, conflict, revolution, feminism, environmental, economic and political upheaval are but a few of the issues that concerned book artists can use to engage their readers in an effort to raise consciousness, call for justice or provoke action. Perhaps we really can use our creative powers to solve the problems of the world.

MEDIA - This exhibit is open to hand bound book arts related artworks created as either edition or one-of-a-kind. Artist books, sculptural books, book objects, altered books, zines or broadsides are encouraged. Any medium, any style, any size.

FOCUS ON CURATORS AND LIBRARIANS - This exhibition will be a departure from our usual jury format. Instead of spending money to pay jurors for their services the gallery will curate the show and use that money to mount a campaign to sell the exhibited books to our institutional customers. We feel that in this tough market extra efforts to sell artist book are very important. To that end we are planning a two-pronged marketing campaign. A postcard announcing the show will be mailed to nearly 400 domestic and international university, public and museum libraries with special collections of artist books. The postcard will be followed by a full-color, printed catalog to be mailed to a targeted list of our regular institutional customers. The gallery is also pursuing lecture opportunities to continue to spread the word and encourage sales even after the show closes. (BTW, the librarians that we've told about this show so far are very excited about the theme and concept. Interest is building already!)

BEST OF SHOW & CURATORS CHOICE AWARDS - One "Best of Show" and two "Curators Choice" certificates will be awarded for Book Power. These awards will be chosen by a special voting ballot that will be mailed with the printed catalog to our targeted institution list. We see this as another way to get librarians and curators excited and engaged with the show.

ONLINE CATALOG - 23 Sandy Gallery will publish a complete online catalog illustrating this exhibition. The online catalog will remain on our web site for at least three years and will include three photos of each work, production specs, an artist statement and artist biography.

PRINT CATALOG - A full-color, 40-50 page, printed catalog showcasing of all the books in this exhibition will also be produced. The print catalog will include one photo of each work, production specs, an artist statement and artist biography. In an effort to keep entry fees low we are offering artists the option to purchase the catalog at our cost rather than increasing our usual entry fee to cover printing costs. You'll find this option on the entry form.

EXHIBITION DISPLAY - This exhibition will be displayed at 23 Sandy Gallery. We feel very strongly that artist books need to be handled to be fully appreciated. Handi-Wipes are provided for customers along with a friendly word about proper book handling.

However, based on artist feedback, we are offering a glass bookcase for fragile or expensive books that cannot be handled. It is the artist's responsibility to notify the gallery upon being accepted into the show that you desire your books not be handled. Space is limited, so let us know early upon acceptance if you need to be in this glass case.

If your book is an edition you are welcome to send either a display copy or a sellable copy, just let us know which it is when shipping.

Wall-hung work can either be hung unframed with magnets or you can send it to us framed. Work that is framed must be in a gallery-quality frame behind acrylic (not glass) and ready to hang with appropriate hanging hardware.

SALES - We encourage you to offer your artist books for sale. We are a commercial gallery and we firmly desire to support artists with more than just a line on your resume. We also want to sell your work and write you a big check! However, if you just can't part with your work, we understand. All work offered for sale will be sold on consignment. The Gallery keeps 40% of the sale price. The artist receives 60% of the sale price. Sale proceeds will be paid to the artist within 30 days of the close of the show. If your work is not for sale we will ask you to provide an insurance value on the entry form.

ENTRIES - A maximum of three works may be submitted per artist. Entries must be received online no later than MAY 14, 2010. Artists accepted for the exhibition will be notified via email. The gallery reserves the right to decline any accepted artwork upon delivery if the condition or quality are other than represented in the electronic entry.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR WORK - You may submit up to three photographs for each piece you are entering in this show. We are well aware that artist books are very difficult to photograph well, but it can be done. The key is using a camera with enough mega-pixels to get the size required and compensating for tungsten or other lighting casts with your camera's white balance setting. You might consider hiring a professional photographer to shoot your photographs. Remember, your photographs will be used not only for curating the show, but they will also be used in a high-quality, printed catalog. Put your best foot forward as you never know who might notice your artwork.

PREPARING YOUR IMAGES FOR ENTRY – You may submit up to three views each of your works submitted. Name your files as yourlastname-1-a.jpg, yourlastname-1-b.jpg, yourlastname-1-c.jpg, yourlastname-2-a.jpg, etc. Your last name is followed by the artwork number, which corresponds with the entry number on the online entry form. The a, b, or c letter are the additional views. Please submit JPG images that are ready to be included in the print catalog as catalog design will happen just days after we curate the show. All JPGs must be 300 ppi sized to 7 inches wide or tall in the longest direction.

TO SUBMIT ONLINE - Online submissions are fast and easy! Find our online entry form link at the bottom of this page.

FEES - A $25 non-refundable entry fee covers up to three works and is payable upon submission. Just to clarify, your $25 covers one, two or all three books, it is not a per book fee. When entering online you will pay via Paypal or any major credit card if you don't have a Paypal account. You will also have the option to purchase a printed catalog when you pay your entry fee.

SHIPPING – All artwork accepted into this show will ship to 23 Sandy Gallery. All shipping and shipping insurance costs to and from the Gallery are the responsibility of the artist and complete instructions will be provided upon acceptance into the show.

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS - Artists residing outside of the United States are welcome to enter this exhibition. The exhibition entry fee of $25 must be paid in US funds. Return shipping of all artwork will be handled via the carrier of your choice but you must provide pre-paid, ready-to-ship shipping labels and customs documents.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE – The Gallery is insured and shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all consigned artwork while in Gallery’s possession. The Gallery shall be strictly liable to the artist for their loss or damage (except for loss due to earthquake, flood or damage resulting from flaws inherent in the artwork), to the full value artist would have received from Gallery if the artwork had been sold.

DATES TO REMEMBER
MAY 14, 2010 - Deadline for Submissions
MAY19 , 2010 - Announcement of Accepted Entries
MAY 29, 2010 - Artwork Due at Gallery
JUNE 3, 2010 - Exhibition Opens
JUNE 4, 2010 - First Friday Opening Reception, 6-9pm.
JUNE 26, 2010 - Exhibition closes and unsold artwork will be returned or held for pickup.

CONTACT LAURA AT 23 SANDY WITH ANY QUESTIONS
Email: 23sandygallery@gmail.com
Phone: 503-927-4409

ONLINE ENTRY FORM - Click here to access the online entry form for Book Power!

Thank you for your interest in Book Power!
We look forward to seeing your work.