Presented by the Washington Sculptors Group and Sandy Spring Museum (www.sandyspringmuseum.org)
LOCATION: 17901 Bentley Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
EXHIBITION DATES: Wednesday, August 4 – Saturday, November 6, 2021
JUROR: Twylene Moyer
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, June 27, 2021 (received by 11:59pm EST, received through the submission site EntryThingy)
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The world is out of kilter, with natural as well as social systems listing to extremes. What we need, we say, is balance; balance must be restored. But what do we mean by “balance,” and what is our relationship to it? We often imagine (and we’re conditioned to strive for) an absolute ideal of perfect, harmonious equilibrium; a paradise lost or as yet unattained. But is this truly balance as we experience it physically or witness it in the natural world? What is balance without time and change? Perhaps the “ideal” is nothing more than a mental construct designed to serve human ends, including the desire for order and mastery. We want to think of ourselves as the still point of the fulcrum—the pandemic has clearly taught us otherwise. This show is about expanding and reimagining the idea of balance. Stability does not depend on stasis or rigidity; balance can be dynamic, contingent, and constantly in flux—a force of nature, an expression of life.
— Twylene Moyer
Artists are welcome to submit any of the following:
- Existing or new, free standing sculptures (large works must be public friendly and be securely mounted for stability)
- Site-specific installations (may be ephemeral/ time based/ weather + environmentally sensitive, etc.)
- Interactive sculptures (sculptures that can be activated by the public – while also being safe and firmly mounted. Please keep in mind that pandemic restrictions like social distancing will most likely still be in effect during the exhibition)
- Cross-disciplinary projects and team-built projects including sound, performance, projections, etc.
ABOUT THE JUROR
Twylene Moyer, editor of Sculpture magazine, has published in a wide range of periodicals, monographs, and catalogues. She is the co-editor of five books on contemporary sculpture, including The New Earthwork: Art, Action, Agency. In addition to serving as a juror for a variety of shows, she curated “Insight Out” and “Disintegration,” two exhibitions of site-specific, outdoor works for the Arlington Arts Center.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Sunday, June 27, 2021 (received by 11:59pm EST)
Participating artists can upload submissions through EntryThingy (www.entrythingy.com). Artina 2021 will be juried from digital images submitted through the EntryThingy site, and there is a $5 processing fee for uploading images. No entries will be accepted by mail or email.
ELIGIBILITY
The exhibition is open to members of the Washington Sculptors Group only. Artists who are not already members may join WSG by paying annual dues of $45 ($15 for full-time students). Prospective members may download a membership form from the WSG website (www.washingtonsculptors.org), and send checks, along with the membership form, to the WSG address, or may join online through PayPal on the WSG website. Existing WSG members must renew their dues for 2021 to be eligible for this exhibition.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
WSG is accepting proposals from established and emerging sculptors for its fifth annual exhibition of outdoor sculpturesat Sandy Spring Museum. The exhibition is from Wednesday, August 4 – Saturday, November 6, 2021, with installation from Friday, July 30 – Monday, August 2 (9am-6pm), and de-installation the week following November 7.
Sandy Spring Museum, located in Sandy Spring Maryland, serves as a catalyst for community building by providing opportunities for creative engagement in a range of cultural arts. The museum offers the environment and inspiration for artists and community members to create and host events, performances, activities, and exhibits, which engage, stimulate, and bring people together. The SSM grounds are open daily and many special events and programs are offered throughout the year, as are private rentals. For more information about the museum please visit www.sandyspringmuseum.org.
Sandy Spring Museum is located on 7+ acres of land, 3 acres of which are heavily forested. The remainder is naturally landscaped with mature trees. Sculptures can be installed throughout the property, including upon two 10’x 10’ concrete pads. Artists can also use a wooden trellis that blooms with wisteria in the spring and extends the entire length of the property.
Works should be suitable for long-term, outdoor exposure, as well as fabricated and installed in a viewer-safe manner. Artists are responsible for any maintenance of the work.
Artists should detail their installation requirements when submitting the application. All sites are on grassy areas, although there are two 10’ X 10’ concrete covered areas that are situated next to each other. We highly recommend artists visit the site and plan their proposals accordingly but please continue to adhere to all recommended social distancing practices.
Self-guiding maps of the exhibition will be available at Sandy Spring Museum and on the websites of WSG and SSM. Exhibition cards will be distributed to WSG, SSM members, and the community. Promotion of the show will be actively pursued.
INSURANCE, COMMISSIONS, AND SALES
SSM insures works on loan up to $10,000 after the work is delivered and the exhibition loan agreement is signed. Insurance during transportation is the responsibility of the artist. All purchases during the exhibit will go through the museum. The museum charges a 30% commission fee.
WORK TO BE CONSIDERED
A maximum of 6 images (including any detail images) of sculptures/installations per artist or team may be submitted for consideration. In addition, please include:
- A description of where the project pieces are to be placed (if site specific)
- A brief background or narrative information about the artwork or proposal
- An explanation of how the project relates to the theme and whether there is light, sound, or movement that may impact the ability of others to experience nearby artworks.
- Artists may choose to install their work with public participation and involvement during the installation period, or if required, over the life of the artwork.
- Artists will submit a proposal in .doc or .pdf format. The proposal should include the project description, concept sketches or renderings, and any other information pertaining to the proposed project. In addition, artists will provide up to 6 images of existing work in .jpg format titled “portfolio001”– ‘portfolio005”.jpg.” Submit all images with a resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum of 2MB each.
- It is highly recommended that artists visit Sandy Spring Museum to get a sense of the surroundings and possibilities prior to applying. Artists can visit the site seven days a week, at any time.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTRYTHINGY
- All submissions must be anonymous.
- Submit all images with a resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum of 2MB each. Video files must be smaller than 50MB each (about five minutes).
- Files should be named with only the title of the work (no first or last names). Use the actual title for each work. Example:
Title 1.jpeg
Title 1 (detail).jpeg
Title 2.jpeg
Title 3.jpeg
etc.
The EntryThingy platform allows you to submit a statement about how your work relates to the exhibition’s requirements. It also offers you a chance to provide a brief description of each work along with a title, dimensions, etc. To avoid being disqualified, do not include your name in either the statement or any of the description paragraphs.
- Applicants should go to http://www.entrythingy.com/ and click on the tab (at the top) “for artists”.
- Click on “list of current calls”.
- Scroll down and click on the Artina 2021 listing.
- Create a login account to http://www.entrythingy.com/ if you don’t have an account, or if you do, login to your existing account with the “Click here to login” button. After logging in, select the Artina 2021 call and complete the entry steps.
- There is a $5 entry fee.
- All applicants will receive ‘accepted’ or ‘not accepted’ notifications via email.
CALENDAR
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, August 4 – Saturday, November 6, 2021
Call for Entry Posted: Tuesday, May 3, 2021
Submission Deadline: Sunday, June 27, 2021 (received by 11:59pm EST)
Jurying Period: Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, 2021
Artist Notification: Tuesday, July 5, 2021
Drop off & Installation: Friday, July 30 – Monday, August 2 (9am-6pm)
All existing social distancing recommendations will be followed. We may have to limit number of artists present at the same time, in which case artists will be required to sign up for specific time slots during the installation period. Additional details will be sent out to accepted artists.
Opening Reception: An announcement will be made at a later date regarding whether or not an in-person opening reception will be held. This will be determined by public health recommendations. Regardless, the exhibition and site will be open for visitation.
Artist /Juror Talk: Saturday, November 6, 2021 (12-2pm)
This may change depending on public health recommendations. Updates will be sent closer to the date and announced by email and on social media.
Deinstallation/Pick up: Saturday, November 6 – Wednesday, November 10, 2021
This may also change as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Updates will be sent closer to the date if more time is needed to accommodate social distancing.
Please contact exhibits@washingtonsculptors.org with any questions.
