CALL FOR ENTRIES • pROSPECTUS

Uncommon Threads: The Handicrafts in Book Arts

Exhibition dates: September 23 - October 29, 2011
Location: 23 Sandy Gallery, Portland, Oregon

The deadline for entries has been extended to Monday, August 15, at Midnight (PST). Whew!

THEME – One of the best aspects of working in the field of book and paper arts is the chance to work with such varied artistic materials and techniques—even traditional handicraft techniques. Think of knitting, embroidery, sewing, beading, felting, needlework, stitching, quilting and any other myriad possibilities. Combine these techniques or materials with a strong concept, meaningful content, a story to tell or a compelling narrative and we have a new era in the book and paper arts.

Uncommon Threads seeks artist books and other forms of book and paper art that utilize handicraft techniques, materials or subjects as a way to round out, illustrate or compliment a central concept. Remember, it’s not just about the materials or techniques. Let’s dispel the myth that the handicrafts can’t have any part in meaningful art.

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

AWARDS – Three artists will receive "Best of Show Awards" which will include a certificate and special marketing blitz focusing on their work. In addition, one artist will receive the "Library Choice Award" which will be awarded based on ballots cast by our library and museum customers. That artist's work will be purchased by the gallery and donated to one of the voting libraries, which will be randomly selected.

LIBRARY MARKETING - Postcards, print catalogs and our online catalog will all be part of our marketing campaign designed to sell works included in this show to our university and museum library customers, plus our regular gallery customers. We will work hard to find good homes for all art included in Uncommon Threads.

ONLINE AND PRINT CATALOGS - 23 Sandy Gallery will publish full online and print catalogs illustrating this exhibition. In an effort to keep entry fees low we will offer all submitting artists an opportunity to purchase a print catalog at our cost. Information on this will come at a later date.

EXHIBITION DISPLAY - This exhibition will be displayed at 23 Sandy Gallery. Because of the potential delicate nature of materials for this show, we will leave display preferences up the artist. Handling information will be requested upon acceptance to the show. If your book is an edition you are welcome to send either a display copy or a sellable copy. Wall-hung work can either be hung unframed with magnets or you can send it to us framed.

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 and we are happy to report that in over four years of book arts shows, not one piece has been damaged (knock on wood!).

ENTRIES - A maximum of three works may be submitted per artist. Entries must be received online no later than AUGUST 15, 2011. Artists submitting to this 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.

ONLINE SUBMISSION - All submissions will be made online. You will find a link to our online entry form 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, the entry fee covers one, two or all three works, it is not a per work fee. When entering online you will pay via Paypal or any major credit card. You do not need a Paypal account to pay via credit card.

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 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.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR WORK - You may submit up to three photographs for each piece you are entering in this show. Remember, your photographs will be used not only for curating the show, but they will also be used in a high-quality, printed catalog. And, don't forget about our library marketing campaign. Put your best foot forward as you never know who might notice your artwork. The 23 Sandy Blog features two articles about photographing your work. You can read them here.

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 hi-res and 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.

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.

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
AUGUST 15, 2011 - Extended Deadline for Submissions
AUGUST 19, 2011 - Announcement of Jury Results Sent Via Email
SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 - Artwork Due at Gallery
SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 - Exhibition Opens
OCTOBER 7, 2011 - First Friday Artists Reception, 5-8:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 29, 2011 - Exhibition closes and unsold artwork will be returned or held for pickup

ONLINE ENTRY FORM - Click here to access our online entry form.

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

Thank you for your interest in Uncommon Threads. We look forward to seeing your work.

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