The New Year is fast approaching and it’s a good time to put a game plan in place for continuing and expanding your artistic life.
This isn’t some big New Year’s Resolution or anything, but it’s a means of organizing your creative life a little.
Setting goals and deadlines is one way of focusing yourself, and a good way to do this is by planning on entering art competitions. You may not be a master artist, but many shows that have junior or amateur divisions to which you can apply. Sponsors set up deadlines far in advance, so you can plan for a whole year of competitions.
You’ll find a wealth of open competitions by searching the internet. Start a ‘Favorites’ folder on your computer to save potential competition web sites. Art magazines and their associated web sites also list information on upcoming art competitions. Most sponsors will have websites from which you can find out all the requirements and deadlines.
Entering Non-Juried ‘Fun Shows’
If you live in or near an area where there are art clubs or associations, you may find there are some non-juried or fun shows. They may have an amateur division as part of a juried show for members or local residents. These exhibits are a great way to get your artistic feet wet. As long as you follow the sponsor’s guidelines, you may exhibit your work regardless of your skill level.
These shows have little or no charge for amateur exhibitors. You will be limited to the size and scope as prescribed in the entry forms. Some shows even judge the amateur division, so you may go home with a ribbon. You’ll probably also have your name and your artwork’s name listed in the show’s literature. You’ll also have an opportunity to try selling your masterpiece. Although it’s not typically mandatory, artists are encouraged to price their artwork.
Read the prospectus closely, so you’re aware of all the costs and fees associated with the show. You also need to follow all the guidelines exactly. Those who deviate from the instructions may not have their work displayed.
Fun shows are a great way to learn the ropes of art shows. A prospectus can be lengthy and involved. There may be numerous rules, which must be followed explicitly. Failure to follow all prescribed regulations may eliminate your work from the show.
It’s one thing to be bumped from a local fun show that had no cost or a tiny fee. It’s another thing to spend a lot of money producing digital images, packing, shipping and insuring several paintings and have them end up returned to you for failure to follow the sponsor’s guidelines.
Entering Juried Competitions
Some competitions are not open to the general public. Stipulations vary, but some shows are limited to those living in a geographic area, who use a particular medium or those who are members of the organization.
A sponsor may list the jurors in advance of the show. If possible, research the jurors for clues as to the style of art they may prefer. Entering a bucolic landscape in a show that has jurors who are mainly abstract artists may not be the wisest move. With hundreds of shows from which to choose, try to find those that are similar to the kind of work you do.
Once you’ve found a competition, make sure you follow all the rules and have everything sent well before the deadline. Read and re-read the prospectus to ensure everything is done properly.
Now, sit back and wait for the results. No, better yet, get busy and start working on a piece for the next deadline.
