CALL FOR ART – WINTER ABSTRACTION
The Gallery at Graphite Arts Center (Edmonds, WA) is seeking artwork for the upcoming exhibition ‘Winter Abstraction.’

About the exhibit

In artistic celebration of the coldest season of the year, The Gallery at Graphite presents Winter Abstraction, an exhibit of non-representational works.  Works selected for this show should, through shapes, lines, colors, textures and gestural marks, represent the essence of “winter.”  We are looking for high quality abstract works that endeavor to interpret the tactile feelings, tastes, emotions, actions, etc. of the winter season.

This is a juried, group show with rules for submission and standards/guidelines for acceptance.  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

Graphite Arts Center opened in 2022 in downtown Edmonds, WA.  Since opening Graphite has hosted 12 art exhibits in its 760 sq ft modern gallery space.  The aim of our gallery is to provide high quality arts experiences to our community.  Currently Graphite is open to the public Fridays 1-5PM, Saturdays 12-4PM and daily with access through Charcoal Restaurant.  Graphite is also open the third Thursday of the month for Art Walk Edmonds, 5-8PM.

Important Dates

Exhibit Dates:  Opens Friday, November 8, 1-5PM.  Closes Saturday, January 4, 2025

Deadline to enter:  Sunday, October 20

Notification via email of acceptance:  Tuesday, October 23

Delivery date for accepted works: Wednesday, November 6, 11-3PM

Opening Reception:  Saturday, November 9, 7-8.30PM

Notification of works sold:  Monday, January 6, 2025
Pick up date for unsold work: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 11-3PM

Checks for any works sold mailed by: January 24, 2025

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Artwork 

Art must be easily defined visually as abstract or non-representational. Elements of recognizable elements are acceptable but the overall impression should be as an abstract work.

Works should be well executed, finished and as professional as possible with proper framing/wiring, etc.

Original 2D and 3D work of any size may be submitted

We are seeking fresh, new works.

Do not submit artwork that is committed to another exhibition or otherwise is not available for the entire duration of the exhibition.

Images

All works must be well-photographed (clear, quality images cropped just to the art) 

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

Image files must be labeled: LAST NAME_TITLE  (Please! Proper file labeling is important!!)
i.e. Johnson_Frosty Day.jpg;   Johnson_Frosty Day_detail.jpg

JPEG files only

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. 

**Images and entry forms received by October 1 will be considered for use on promotional materials

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 and Commission

All artwork must be for sale

All sales subject to 30% commission fee

Artist checks for any works sold will be mailed by January 24, 2025

Awards:  

Please check back for details on awards

Delivery and Return of Work

All accepted artwork must be delivered, ready to install, on Wednesday, November 6, 11-3PM.  Please do not enter if you cannot deliver your work to Graphite on this date at this time.
All unsold works must be retrieved after the exhibition closes on Tuesday, January 7, 11-3PM.

Framing – Proper framing is a MUST – 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:

  • Plain black frames are recommended/preferred.  
  • Blonde/natural wood “floating canvas” type frames are also recommended/preferred.
  • The width of the frame should be appropriate for the size of the work.  No super skinny frames on large works.
  • Please! No fancy, decorative or colorful frames.  No metal frames.  No white frames.  No glass clip frames.  No photos printed on metal.
  • Works on canvas may be entered frameless if the edges are clean, painted and the corners are tight and flat.
  • Plain, white or off-white mats are recommended/preferred for matted works
  • Frames should be clean with no nicks or scratches.  
  • All framed works should be glazed. 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.  No saw tooth hangers.  No hooks as hangers. No cardboard with a cut hole as hanger.  (Exceptions for unique, extra-large or extra heavy pieces, please note this).

Unacceptably framed works will not be accepted for exhibit even if they have been juried in.

The Gallery Director understands and is sympathetic to the hassle, expense and time involved with good framing, and they appreciate all efforts made to attain proper framing for gallery presentation.

To Enter
If you consent to these terms and would like to enter your artwork for consideration in Winter Abstraction please fill out the entry form below.

Have your titles, dimensions, prices and JPG photos (with requested file name format) ready when you fill out the form as well as credit card available for paying $20 fee online.

Questions

Questions about the exhibit or submission process may be sent to the Gallery Director, Tara Shadduck at gallery@artstartnw.org

General questions about Art Start NW or Graphite Arts Center may be sent to info@artstartnw.org

Please note that ASNW/Graphite staff work an irregular schedule, and that the Graphite building is not open to the public most days.