CALL FOR ARTISTS: Now accepting applications for the 2015 Masterwork Competition and Exhibition

Important Dates

Show dates: April 3 – June 14, 2015
Deadline for applications: March 6, 2015
Judging occurs: March 6-March 13, 2015
Accepted works to be delivered to Biggs Museum: March 16 – 22, 2015 during regular hours of operation

Award

The “Mastersworks” competition will be judged by an authority from outside the DBH/Biggs Museum organization. The chosen art objects will be on view at the Biggs Museum from April 3 – June 14, 2015. The winning selection is eligible for Museum’s $1,500 purchase prize. One work will be selected by the juror as Best-in-Show for a $1,500 purchase prize to be added to the Biggs Museum permanent collection.

Fees

For current DBH artist members, a non-refundable fee of $40 entitles the artist to submit three works to the competition. For not-yet-members, a non-refundable of $100 entitled three entries and include a DBH Artist Membership at the Biggs Museum. Additional works may be submitted for $10 per work. The Biggs Museum accepts cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all artists and artisans who are Delaware By Hand Artist Members at the Biggs Musuem.

Requirements

All submitted works must be original and have been created within the past two years. Works exhibited in a prior Biggs Museum exhibition will not be considered. All objects and installations must be designed to be exhibited on the walls, on the floor or within cases. Works to be hung from walls must be constructed and wired on the back to accommodate installation using appropriate hooks, eyes and wires. Framing must be to professional standards. Biggs Museum staff may make recommendations to expedite this requirement. Cardboard backing is not permitted. Poorly matted or framed paintings and other art forms are subject to disqualification. Plain white, cream or light gray mats are preferred. Double matting is permitted for two-dimensional works under glass. Wall-hung objects submitted for this exhibition must be no larger than 60” in any direction. Sculptures and installations requiring bases, pedestals, and other display furnishing or equipment should be provided by the artist.

Specifications

All works must be submitted electronically via e-mail or CD. Only submissions following the proper format as outlined below will be accepted. Label the electronic message or CD with your name, contact e-mail, phone number, the entry #, title and “DBH Masters.”

Send the submitted image sized and saved at 72 dpi by 900 pixels in longest dimension in JPEG format for viewing (up to 2 MB each).

Liability

The Biggs Museum will insure the selected works against theft, damage and loss while on premises. The Biggs Museum reserves the right to reproduce selected works for educational and marketing purposes. Artists retain all other rights.

Works for Sale

Applicants must indicate prior to the selection process if their works are for sale. Artwork for sale must be priced by the artists. The Biggs Museum will retain a 25% commission on all works sold in the galleries with the exception of the purchase prize. Checks will be issued to the artists after exhibition closes.

Submissions

Please, include all of the following in your application packet:

Digital images of the work you would like to have juried into the exhibition on a CD or emailed to rgrover@biggsmuseum.org with the subject DBH Masters Competition.
Personalized artist/artisan statement.
Self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of application images.
Personal check made out to the Biggs Museum for $40 (+$10 for each image over 3).

Mail

Biggs Museum of American Art
Attn: DBH Masters Competition
P.O. Box 711
Dover, DE 19903

E-Mail

Ryan Grover, Curator: rgrover@biggsmuseum.org

Additional benefits

Successful artisans juried into this event will receive a coveted “Master” designation on the DBH website, upcoming editions of the Studio Map, and on the DBH Directory.
“Master” designation is applicable for five years in DBH literature.
Works by Delaware by Hand Masters will be featured in organizational marketing.