Sunday, June 20, 2004
Art group opens exhibit to new members, works
The Visual Arts Society of Texas beefed up its membership in 2003 by opening its annual members show to any artist who wanted to join. Society officials hope to attract even more members this year by doing the same thing. Artists who aren’t members can join on July 16 and 17, the submission days. Adding bulk to the membership rolls means giving the annual exhibit an added dose of competition, executive director Ingrid Scobie said. The show goes up each year in the smaller of the Center for the Visual Arts’ two galleries, the East Gallery. “We’ve put a disclaimer in our materials this year letting people know that you won’t definitely get in just because you enter,” she said. “We’re expecting quite a few submissions, so there’s no guarantee.” The society also continues to attract jurors who will get artists interested. Jennifer Quarles, co chairwoman of the exhibit said the society looks to bring in jurors from different areas each year. Last year, Dallas gallery owner Cidnee Patrick juried the show. Carol Fairlie, an associate professor of art at Sul Ross State University, will jury the exhibit this year. Fairlie earned a degree in painting, ceramics and jewelry from Texas Woman’s University and earned a master’s degree in painting and printmaking from the School of Visual Arts at the University of North Texas. Competition isn’t the only advantage to joining the membership. Arts society membership has a lot of perks: monthly demonstrations and meetings, mini-competitions, critique groups, and discount cards to local art supply stores. Members have an added bonus of getting a link on the society’s Web site, where they can publicize art classes or services. Quarles said nothing tops the perk of having a network of artists to associate with. ~ think it’s most beneficial immediately when you graduate,” she said. “The first thing you notice is you don’t have that group encouraging you to work, or give you a critique. Being involved in an organization really enriches you beyond getting an education.” The exhibit opens in the East Gallery on July 25 and runs through Aug. 19. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. — Lucinda Breeding
ENTRY GUIDELINES The members exhibition is open to new members. To enter, go to www.ntaal.org or call 940-566-5507. Artists may join on submission days, July 15 and 16. Artists may enter two pieces. The fee is $20. Each piece is considered a separate entry; diptychs and triptychs must be confined in one frame. Only original work completed in the last 24 months is accepted. Two-dimensional work must be framed and ready for installation (no sawtooth hangers or uniframes). White or off-white mats only. 40-inch width limit for two-dimensional work. 70-pound weight limit for two-dimensional work. All work must be dry at the time of entry. Works on canvas must either be framed or have finished gallery-wrapped edges. Pieces perceived as installation problems must be handled through the Greater Denton Arts Council. Solutions are the artist’s responsibility.
CALL FOR ENTRIES What: 2004 VAST Annual Juried Members Exhibition When: 4 to 7 p.m. July 15; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 Where: Center for the Visual Arts, 400 F. Hickory St. For more information: Go to www.ntaal.org or call 940-566-5507.
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