Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.

Collage as an artistic medium has long been used as a conduit for expression, whether that be social commentary or personal feelings, internal and external. Collage is a product of combining and recombining potentially disparate elements, but the way in which those elements come together is by divorcing them from their original context– cutting, and nesting them within new surroundings– pasting. A physical act. Although sometimes the process is intuitive and other times calculated, always intentional. Thought goes into each layer. Each scrap of ephemera placed thoughtfully amidst layers of paint, textile, thread, adhesive, pencil, pastel, organic and inorganic materials. Each element– written, drawn, painted, stitched, printed, transferred or photographed, has its purpose, an inherent emotion or message attached to it. 

For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!

We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready. 2D work should be framed with wire on the back or have an alternate hanging apparatus. Limited pedestals for 3D works are available. Artists exhibiting time-based media must provide their own screens, speakers and related equipment; they must also be available to give installation instructions or participate in the installation of their work depending on the scope. 

Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, Ingrid Restemayer, and Larry Stuart.

Submissions will be open July 27 – August 10

The exhibition will be on view Sept 30 through Nov 4 with an Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct 1 from 6:30–8:00 PM. Join us for an evening of art, conversation, and celebration of the art of collage!
We can’t wait to see what you’ve been creating!


Below is some information entering artists may need:

AWARDS -

• $750 in total cash awards:

• $350 – Best in Show (1)
• $125 – Merit Awards (2)
• $75 – Honorable Mention Awards (2)
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FEES & RULES -

• Entry Fee: $30 (up to 5 submissions)

Eligibility:
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Must be 16 years or older
• All work must be original

Artwork Requirements:
• Ready to display and properly wired for hanging
• Maximum 75 lbs
• Maximum 5 feet in any direction
• Fragile or high-maintenance 3D work must be installed and removed by the artist

• Artist must be present to install video

Delivery:
• Accepted work must be delivered during the scheduled drop-off times
• Late deliveries may not be included in the exhibit
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IMPORTANT DATES

• Call for Entries: July 27 – Aug 10
• Artist Notification: Aug 24 (subject to change)
• Artwork Drop-Off: Sept 24, 25
• Awards Show: October 1
• Awards mailed within 72 hours
• Exhibit Dates: Sept 30 through Nov 4