24th Annual Art Connection Members Exhibition
- Online artwork registration opens: July 24
- Artwork Drop Off: Sept 7-8* (*pieces must be registered online prior to drop off)\
- Artwork pickup: Nov 10 from 2-4PM
- Exhibit Dates: Sept. 14 – Nov. 9, 2024
- Reception & Awards Ceremony: Sunday, Sept 15 from 2-4PM
About Irving Arts Center
Irving Arts Center (IAC) combines family entertainment and cultural events with a convenient location in the center of Dallas/Fort Worth. The Arts Center boasts two fully equipped theaters, five galleries, meeting and classroom facilities and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden on a ten-acre site. Art Connection is the IAC’s membership program for the visual arts. Members can join at a variety of levels, including a dual membership with the Smithsonian Affiliations program. Call (972) 252-ARTS for more information.
About the Art Connection Members Exhibition
This annual, non-juried exhibition is open to all current members who wish to participate. The entry fee is $5 per work, and artists may submit up to two pieces. Eligible entries will be judged for cash awards in three categories: Youth, Non-Professional and Professional. An overall “Best of Show” prize will also be awarded.
OPTIONAL: 2024 Theme/Design Challenge – “Art Creates & Celebrates Community”
Participating members are invited to create artwork that reflects on the theme “Art Creates & Celebrates Community.” Artists opting to participate in the thematic & design challenge are required to provide a digital image of their artwork. Selection of the thematic & design winners in the three categories (Youth, Non-Professional and Profession) will be done by the public voting online via social media platforms as well as in-person voting by QR code for the duration of the exhibition, Sept. 14 – Nov. 9. Monetary prizes will be awarded to members who choose to compete in this challenge.
Eligible Participants
All Art Connection Members are eligible to participate. Membership fees must be current. To join or renew, go to the Art Connection Page or call the IAC Box Office at 972.252.ARTS (2787).
Art Connection members who are employed by the Arts Center or who serve on the Irving Arts Board, as well as their families, may participate in the exhibition, but are not eligible for cash awards. PLEASE NOTE: Youths under the age of 14 may participate only if they are part of a household with a Smithsonian Affiliate/Family Membership or above. Student Art Connection Memberships are for individuals age 14 and older.
Eligible Work/Show Conditions
- All entries must be original works completed within the last two years. Entries that have been in any previous exhibition at Irving Arts Center (IAC) are ineligible.
- Eligible media include: painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, printmaking (hand-pulled graphics), digital printmaking, photography, textiles, fiber, mixed media, and fine art crafts (no work from kits). Video will be accepted (submitted on a thumb drive); however, equipment availability for viewing/displaying is limited.
- 2-D work must be professionally framed with glass or Plexiglas (acrylic) and ready to hang, equipped with wire or D-rings. (Please no sawtooth hangers or clip systems.) Works on stretched canvas must be dry to the touch and can either be framed or have finished gallery-wrapped edges with proper hardware attached to the back. The IAC will not be responsible for damage to artwork resulting from improper or inferior framing/presentation.
- It is strongly suggested that framing for works be consistent with gallery or museum standards, i.e. simple black, metal frames or natural wood frames with white or off-white mats.
- Maximum size for 2-D work is 60” in any direction, including frame. 3-D artwork should not exceed 200 lbs. and should not occupy more than a 4’x 4’ area on the floor. Work must fit through the Main Gallery’s 9’ x 5’ doors.
- Diptychs, triptychs, or other works with multiple panels or elements that constitute one piece, must not exceed the 60” width restriction.
- Work with special or complex display needs or that is not properly prepared for installation may not be accepted.
- Work will not be accepted that violates fire, safety or health codes. Work that could present a risk to public safety because of sharp edges, moving parts, etc. may also be excluded.
- Art Connection Members of all ages, including youths, will be participating in the Members Exhibition. Please submit work that is suitable for family viewing.
- By participating in the show, the artist gives the IAC the right to photograph the artwork and/or use existing photographs and digital images of the artwork for promotional and educational purposes. Photographs and or video may be taken of the artist during the exhibition and reception. These may also be used for promotional purposes.
- Artwork will remain as placed in the Main & Focus Galleries, and adjacent areas if necessary, by IAC staff and cannot be removed before Nov. 10.
Entry Fees & Procedures (“The Rules”)
- Entry Fees: $5 entry fee per piece; maximum of two pieces of artwork per member. Entry fees will be waived for Art Connection Members who have a Patron level membership or above. All fees are non-refundable.
- Entry forms and payment will be online for the 2024 ACMS Show. The entry form can be accessed beginning July 24 with the weblink and unique password provided during the online payment/registration process.
- The entry form must be filled out and submitted online by the artist (or parent/legal guardian if the participant is under 18).
- A digital image of each piece is required.
- Guidelines for digital images: File size limit of 5MB per image. Only 1 image per entry.
- Acceptable file format and extensions are .JPG .TIF .PDF & .PNG.
- Please submit your best photographs. Images need to be in focus with the artwork well-lit, centered and cropped accordingly. (No background clutter or distractions behind the artwork.) We prefer high quality images at least 300 DPI. If you need assistance with image editing, contact Dave Reedy at dcreedy@cityofirving.org.
- A copy of your artwork registration receipt (emailed to you upon successful online registration) needs to be printed and the identification labels attached securely to the back or bottom of each piece of art submitted.
- Members may drop off their work on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 – 5 p.m. or Sunday, Sept. 8, 1 – 5 p.m. at Irving Arts Center.
- Out of town members are welcome to ship their artwork to arrive at the IAC by Friday, Sept. 6, 5p.m. Please include paid return shipment and shipping labels or make alternative arrangements for the return of your artwork.
- Artwork received after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8 will not be considered for the exhibition.
Awards
Cash prizes will be awarded. Members may enter in one of three categories: Youth (17 years old and younger), Non-Professional and Professional.*
Prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the 2024 awards judge, Du Chau.
Du Chau is an artist, co-founder of Goldmark Cultural Center and recipient of the 2024 Moss/Chumley North Texas Artist Award. Du Chau was also recently named as one of this year’s Art Influencers by Patron Magazine, one of nine individuals recognized for their exceptional leadership, creativity and contributions to the art community.
Best of Show: $300
Youth:
1st – $150
2nd – $100
3rd – $50
Non-Professional:
1st – $200
2nd – $150
3rd – $100
Professional:
1st – $250
2nd – $200
3rd – $150
Cash prizes for the optional 2024 thematic/design challenge (“Art Creates & Celebrates Community”) will also be awarded in each category. ($50; one prize per category.)
(*Artists who make all or part of their income from the sale of their artwork are considered Professional for the purposes of this competition.)
MORE FINE PRINT
Liability
All artwork will be handled with care; however, the City of Irving and Irving Arts Center will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to the artwork while in transit or on the premises of the IAC.
Agreement
Submission to this exhibition constitutes the Member’s agreement to all conditions of this show as well as the terms and conditions of the IAC Loan Agreement.
Sales/Commission
Artists 18 and older are welcome to offer their work for sale. Purchasing inquiries will be forwarded to participating artists, and all sales transactions are directly between the artist and the buyer. The artist is responsible for all taxes, and a 20% commission payable to the Irving Arts Center is required. All work is to remain in the galleries until the conclusion of the exhibition. Payment should be made by the Artist/Lender to the IAC within 30 days of the purchase. Works not for sale should be listed “NFS” on the entry form and a value must be stated on the entry form for insurance purposes.
Calendar
- July 24: Online artwork registration opens. Members will receive their registration link via e-mail after paying for the artwork entry fees.
- Sept. 7 -8: Hand-deliveries of artwork accepted on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 8, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Sept 8, 5:00PM: Online Registration closes. No artwork or registrations will be accepted after this time.
- Sept. 14 – Nov. 9, 2024: Exhibition dates for The 24th Annual Art Connection Members Exhibition in the Main & Focus Galleries.
- Sunday, Sept. 15, 2- 4 p.m.: Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony. Art-making activities for kids & families will also be offered. The reception and BONUS Family Funday event are free and open to the public.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 – 4 p.m. Hand-delivered artwork must be picked up. The IAC is not responsible for works left after Nov. 10. Artwork picked up at the conclusion of the exhibition by anyone but the Artist/Member must have written authorization.
Contact Information
Marcie Inman, Director of Exhibitions & Educational Programs
(972) 252-7558 x1225 or minman@cityofirving.org.
