[Deadline to enter July 27, 2025] The Gallery at Graphite Arts Center is seeking artwork for the upcoming exhibition ‘Tools: Form and Function.’
About the exhibit:
We use tools to do nearly everything. To eat we need a fork. To sleep we need a bed. Without changing themselves, tools are the implements that incite change, i.e. the fork moves the food. A tool can keep working as long as it has materials to work on. Tools can be as old as the concept of using tools, or they can be new inventions of futuristic design. The exhibit Tools: Form and Function looks at the foundational objects and implements we rely on every day, re-imagined through artistic interpretation. A creative response to the idea of “tools” is encouraged over literal illustration.
This is a juried, group show with rules for submission and standards/guidelines for acceptance. All interested artists are welcome to apply, with the understanding that not all entries will necessarily be accepted. Submissions will be juried based on quality and adherence to instructions of the call.
About The Gallery at Graphite
The Gallery at Graphite is a program of the non-profit Art Start Northwest and is located within Graphite Arts Center which opened in 2022 in downtown Edmonds, WA. Since opening, The Gallery at Graphite has hosted 20 art exhibitions in its 760 sq ft modern gallery space. The focus of The Gallery is to curate exhibits which showcase a variety of talent, genres and artistic expressions. Our aim is to provide high quality art experiences to our community. Graphite Arts Center includes: The Gallery at Graphite, artist studios, artist work spaces, an art book library, classroom space, and more. Graphite is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays 12-5PM. Graphite Arts Center is also open the third Thursday of the month for Art Walk Edmonds, 5-8PM.
The mission of Graphite Arts Center is to be a creative art space where people feel welcomed and inspired. Our vision is to make art accessible.
Tools: Form and Function Important Dates:
Exhibit Dates: August 15 – October 4, 2025
Deadline to enter: Sunday, July 27
Notification of acceptance (email): Tuesday, July 29
Drop-off day for accepted works: Wednesday, August 13, 11-3PM (in person, at Graphite)
Exhibit opens to the public: Friday, August 15, 12-5PM
Opening Reception: Friday, August 15, 7-8.30PM
Exhibition closes: Saturday, October 4, 12-5PM
Notification of works sold (email): Monday, October 6
Pick-up day for unsold work: Tuesday, October 12, 11-3PM (in person, at Graphite)
Checks for any works sold mailed: by Friday, October 24, 2025
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Artwork
Art must align with the exhibit description and speak to the concept of tools and the interpretation of their shape and function in our everyday lives.
- Works should be well executed, finished, and have a professional presentation
- Original 2D and 3D work in any medium may be submitted
- 2D work – MINIMUM outside framed dimension of 16 inches in either direction
- 2D work – MAXIMUM outside framed dimension of 48 inches in either direction (Larger works may be considered and will incur an additional $15 entry fee, please email the gallery director prior to entering to discuss.)
- 3D work – should be intended for pedestal display and not exceed 50 pounds (Works not designed for pedestal display may be considered, please email the gallery director prior to entering to discuss.)
- Preferred artwork is fresh, new work and original in concept, design and execution
- Artwork must be entered by the artist
- Do not submit artwork that is committed to another exhibition or otherwise is not available for the entire duration of the exhibition
Images
- Photograph of work to be entered is required for entry
- Images of artwork must be clear, quality, color photos cropped just to the art
- Images of 2D works, if framed, should not have glare
- 3D artwork should be photographed with a clean background
- Images should be sent oriented properly for viewing
- JPEG files only
- MAXIMUM image file size 1M
Image File Labeling
Image files MUST be labeled: ARTIST LAST NAME_TITLE: i.e. Picasso_Todays Tool.jpg
Entry Fee
$20 fee for up to 3 different works of art
Entry fee is required and non-refundable
Fee must be paid at the time of application
Sales & Commission
All artwork must be for sale
All sales subject to 30% commission fee (70% paid to the artist, 30% to Graphite)
Artist checks for any works sold will be mailed by October 24, 2025
Delivery & Return of Artwork
- All accepted artwork must be delivered, ready to install, on Wednesday, August 13, 11-3PM
- All unsold works must be retrieved on Tuesday, October 12, 11-3PM
- Drop off and pick up are at Graphite Arts Center, 202 Main St. Edmonds, WA
- Art may be dropped off and/or picked up by a representative if the artist is not available
- Graphite does not accept shipped work, nor does it provide shipping to return works
Framing & Presentation
Proper framing is important – PLEASE READ THIS SECTION
Please consider the appearance of your art (i.e. framing, matting, mounting, cleaning, etc.) prior to dropping off at Graphite. Graphite aims to present high-quality exhibitions with professional-level presentation. Please visit our gallery in advance if you are unsure what our space looks like and how our shows present. Not every work requires framing, but most do, especially for best presentation.
- Plain black frames are recommended/preferred.
- Blonde/natural wood “floating canvas” type frames are also recommended/preferred.
- Works on canvas or other materials may not require framing if the edges are clean, painted and finished (corners should be tight and flat).
- The width of the frame should be appropriate for the size of the work.
- No fancy, decorative or colorful frames. No metal frames. No white frames. No glass clip frames. No photos printed on metal. Brown wood frames are discouraged.
- Artwork on paper (including photos) must be glazed
- Plain, white or off-white mats are recommended/preferred for matted works (works on paper)
- Frames should be clean with no nicks or scratches. Glass should be clean.
- All works must be ready to hang with proper wiring for the weight of the work with flat D-ring hooks (or similar). No screw eye hooks that stick out, these will scratch our walls. Wires should be sufficiently tight that they will not be seen when hanging.
- Please only wires to hang. No saw tooth hangers. No hooks as hangers. No cardboard with a cut hole as a hanger. (Exceptions are for unique, extra-large or extra heavy pieces)
Unacceptably framed works or works that were otherwise mis-represented in entry will not be accepted for exhibit even if they have been juried in. If you have any questions about proper framing please contact the Gallery Director.
To Enter
If you consent to these terms and would like to enter your artwork for jury in the exhibit Tools: Form and Function, please complete the entry form below the text of this prospectus.
The artist, by submitting an entry form and images, consents for Graphite to use their name and images of art for promotional purposes, in print or online.
Helpful Notes for Entering
- Images and entry forms received by August 4 will be considered for use on promotional materials
- Have titles, dimensions, prices and JPG photos (properly labeled: ARTIST LAST NAME _ TITLE) ready when you are ready to fill out the entry form, as well as credit card number available for paying $20 fee online.
- Image files should be 1MB maximum. Large files may cause your entry to show an error screen after you click “Submit.” If this happens, please know your entry has been received on our end
- If you would like to submit additional images of your artwork for any reason (i.e. to show a detail or the framing, etc.), you may do so directly to the Gallery Director after you have submitted your entry
Questions about the exhibit or submission process may be sent to the Gallery Director, Tara Shadduck at gallery@graphiteartscenter.org
General questions about Graphite Arts Center may be sent to info@graphiteartscenter.org
Please note that Graphite staff work an irregular schedule, and that the Graphite building is not open to the public most days.