@Central Gallery, located on the First Floor of Burton Barr Central Library, presents fine art exhibitions featuring the work of Arizona artists. @Central Gallery is open to the public during normal library hours and provides artists with an exceptional opportunity for exposure.  In addition, Phoenix Public Library participates in the Artlink First Friday art walk with receptions hosted by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Proposals are now being accepted for exhibition in 2010.  Three to four exhibitions will be selected and will be scheduled during the 2010 calendar year.  Exhibitions will be approximately 10 weeks in length.  The deadline to submit a proposal is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.    

Eligibility:
Artists residing in Arizona, 18 years or older, who are not currently represented by a gallery, may submit work for consideration. Submissions must be original works of art completed by the artist within the last two years.  Works previously exhibited in @Central Gallery and artists who have had a solo exhibition in @Central Gallery in the past two years are not eligible for consideration. 

Artists may submit work in any media; however, artists may be asked to provide pedestals or other display materials required for three-dimensional artwork or artwork that requires special installation.  Artists selected for exhibition will be responsible for delivery and retrieval of their artwork and must assist with installation.  The artist will also be responsible for framing and any costs incurred to ensure that the artwork is exhibition ready.

 

How to Apply:
Download the prospectus/submission form.  To receive a prospectus/submission form by mail, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below.

 

Please complete a prospectus/submission form and return with the following:

• Ten digital images documenting work created within the last two years.  Images must be submitted on a CD labeled with the artist's name.  Please do not email submissions.  Digital images should be either jpg or tiff format, CMYK, 300 dpi resolution, approx. 4" x 5" (1200 to 1500 pixels).  File names should match the titles as they appear on the title list.  Only include the 10 images listed on the application.  Please do not submit images as a slide show or in presentation format.
• A brief resume, no more than two pages.
• An artist statement, no more than one page.
• A one-page written proposal is optional, but encouraged and should be included when proposing works that are not yet completed.
• A self-addressed return envelope with appropriate postage must be included for return of submission materials.

The work included in your submission need not necessarily be the same work that will be exhibited, but should be an accurate representation of the artist's current style and ability.  Artists may be asked to exhibit existing work or to create new work for an exhibition.  @Central Gallery reserves the right to reject artwork that varies significantly aesthetically or in quality from that which was submitted.

Completed submissions should be postmarked or hand delivered by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.  Mail or deliver submissions to: @Central Gallery, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004.  Please note, the Nov. 6 deadline is a "postmark deadline" meaning that any submission with a postmark dated Nov. 6 or earlier will be considered on time even if it is received after the deadline.

Submission Fee:
A non-refundable fee of $15.00 must accompany all submissions. Make check or money order payable to the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Selection Process:
Submissions will be juried by a panel consisting of the @Central Gallery Coordinator and local artists and art professionals.  Selections will be made based on aesthetic quality, artistic merit, technical ability and appropriateness for the library setting.  Group exhibitions may be created around themes that emerge during the jury process.

Sales:
Sales are encouraged; however it is not necessary for your work to be for sale to be considered for exhibition. All transactions will be handled by the artist. @Central Gallery does not take a commission, but asks that a donation of 20% from works sold be made to the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Contact:
For additional information or questions call 602-256-3521 or e-mail centralgallery.lib@phoenix.gov.

Every effort will be made to ensure the safe handling of submitted materials; however, @Central Gallery, the Phoenix Public Library, the City of Phoenix and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library will not be responsible for any loss or damage.

 

Burton Barr Central Library will host an exhibit of digital art by Corinne Geertsen, titled "Psychological Images of Sophistication and Quirk," Nov. 10 - Jan. 3 at the library's @Central Gallery. A free artist reception, hosted by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. during First Friday art walk on Dec. 4.