Art Show Prospectus: “Art as Inquiry” 

(exhibition with Climate Co-lab project)

1. Title of Show:

“Art as Inquiry” (with Climate Co-lab)

2. Description and Theme:

Artists for Climate Awareness is featuring 2-D and 3-D artwork to be displayed in a gallery exhibition from during the month of April at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, Bloomington, IN and online. The exhibition, named “Art as Inquiry” (with Climate Co-lab), is displaying 2-D and 3-D artwork in a gallery exhibition April 2-29, 2026 at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, Bloomington, IN. This juried exhibition, a featured part of our Earth Month celebrations, is intended to raise awareness about urgent climate and environmental issues through artistic expression and community engagement. The show represents 25 Artists for Climate Awareness members in several states. See the accepted works here.

This exhibition is intended to raise awareness about urgent climate and environmental issues through artistic expression and community engagement. Artworks will be submitted digitally for judging; the deadline was March 2. Prizes will be awarded. See below to learn more.

The month-long event will host additional climate awareness events, including:

• Climate Co-lab project and show: In partnership with three IU organizations –The Ostrom Workshop, the Environmental Resilience Institute, and the Environment, Society, and Sustainability Institute, we will host a series of sessions to facilitate collaboration between scientists and artists, with artwork reception on April 19.
• “Nature Walk,” a musical and narrative presentation at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center; music led by IU School of Music student Thejas Mirle and four composers; narrative provided by Distinguished IU Biology Professor Roger Hangarter. April 12 and 19.
  
• Public Art Sand Art Mural in Switchyard Park: Working with the Bloomington Sustainability Commission and a local girl scout troop, we’ll have interactive art for the public to engage with climate change  In the form of a  temporary sand art mural at the Switchyard Park Earth Day Event on April 18, 2026
• MDWST Fable will create SOLACE, an eco-health public installation at Pillar Arts Alliance Center to allow the public to co-create and participate in art and climate awareness. April 18, 25, and 26.
• Working in partnership with local Bloomington Schools and organizations, we aim to use art as a tool to talk and learn about climate change

3. Entry Criteria for Work:

a. 40% Thematic Content:

• • 1. Inspired by nature and/or climate and environmental concerns. The style can range from aesthetically pleasing, traditional, and representational to wildly provocative and abstract. The art should be evocative, educational, and inspirational, possibly including written words. Special consideration will be given to artworks related to the theme of the intersection of science and art.
       
    2. Communication Impact: Each piece will include a gallery label with a 30-to-200 word written statement about the work, explaining its climate and environmental context. The relationship to the theme can be symbolic or personal, or it can contain a clear external message.

Note: Editors can assist with statements before judging. Email art4climate@carolrhodes.net for help. Artworks should encourage viewers to reflect on their relationship with the environment and actions to protect it.

b. 40% Merits of Art:

• 1. Skill and technique; composition; creativity and originality; use of color, form, and space; craftsmanship; and conceptual framework.

c. 20% Sustainability of Art Supplies:

• 1. Is the artwork made from sustainable materials? Or is the art itself a use of reusable materials?

4. Prizes, Awards and Award Categories:

• $500 Best of Show
• $300 First Place
• $100 Second Place
• Honorable Mention gift certificates

5. Fees for Artists Who Show:

There is an entry fee of $15 for each piece. Entrants must also be current members of Artists for Climate Awareness. Membership verification will be conducted. For status inquiries, email art4climate@carolrhodes.net. Non-members will be instructed on how to join. See section 8 below for How to Submit.

6. Commission:

25% commission to Pillar Arts. Sales will be conducted through the Pillar Arts Alliance Center. Art is encouraged to be for sale but not required.

7. Limitations:

• Locations: All Artists for Climate Awareness members from all US states are invited to submit.
• Number of Pieces: Up to three pieces may be submitted per entrant.
• Original work only — photographic work welcome, but no prints of paintings or drawings
• Size Restrictions: For pieces larger than 4’x4’, please email art4climate@carolrhodes.net.
• Materials:
  • If shipping a framed work, please use plastic instead of glass.
  • Accepted mediums include any 2-D and 3-D mediums.
  • No part should be toxic, allergenic, or spillable.
  • For artworks to be hung, no sawtooth hangers, please

8. How Work Will Be Viewed by Jurors:

Photographic images sent by the artist.

How to Submit Photographic Images and Verbiage:

• Photographic images should accurately represent the work.
• Up to six photographic images are permitted per piece. (This enables judges to get a good view of the work.)
• Format: JPG or PNG
• Exclude the frame from the digital image
• How to Submit: 
  1. Upload images at: https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/submit-art-as-inquiry/ (OK to ignore security warning if you get it– this is because it isn’t public yet.)
  2. Send a written description (30-200 words) describing each of the works’ climate/environmental theme(s) to art4climate@carolrhodes.net. If you need help writing, please let us know. We do not want the writing to be a barrier to entering.
     —Please state the size and medium of the final piece.
  3. Remit $15 for entry fee HERE.

9. How Accepted Work Will Be Received at the Gallery Location on April 1:

• By personally delivering work to Pillar Arts Alliance Center on April 1, 2024.(Timeframe to be announced.)
• By shipping (if long-distance) to Carol Rhodes, who will deliver the artwork on behalf of the artist. Include $30 or a return shipping label. (See instructions below.) Deadline for shipped work to be received – March 31.

10. Calendar:

• Deadline for Electronic Submission: March 2, 11 pm
• Judging: March 2-15
• Decision/Notification to Artists: March 15-18
• Out-of-Area Works Received: by April 1
• Hanging/Take-in at Arts Alliance Center:  April 1, 12 pm to 2 pm (contact art4climate@carolrhodes.net if other times are necessary)
• Artwork Installation: By close of business April 2
• Reception: Sunday, April 12 at 3 pm (after “Nature Walk” performance at 2 pm)
• Climate Co-Lab Reception: April 19, 3 pm (Includes “Nature Walk” performance)
• Pickup by Artists: April 30
• Shipping Back to Artists (if needed): May 1-5

11. Insurance Coverage:

Insure your artwork for shipping damage. Artists for Climate Awareness and Arts Alliance Center are insured for liability damage.

12. Photography Release:

By entering the show, you agree to give the sponsors permission to photograph or make a video recording the work, and use the artist’s photo in a catalog or for marketing the exhibition.

13. Contact for Questions or Concerns:

Carol Rhodes, at art4climate@carolrhodes.net

Sponsored by: