Distant Thunder 2025 Prospectus

Art Show Prospectus: “Distant Thunder”

1. Title of Show:

Distant Thunder

2. Description and Theme:

Artists for Climate Awareness is calling for 2-D and 3-D artwork to be displayed in a gallery exhibition from April 3 to 29 at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, Bloomington, IN. This juried exhibition is part of our Earth Month celebrations.

We will host additional climate awareness events, including:

  • A reception on April 5 at 6 pm, followed at 7 pm by music featuring environmentally themed and indigenous-inspired music composed and performed by Grace McKenzie, IU Jacobs School of Music and Daixuan Ai, IU Jacobs School of Music
  • A talk by artist Avon Waters April 11, on using art to raise environmental awareness and action (time TBD)
  • A pastel workshop by nature artist Avon Waters April 12 at Arts Alliance Center (Title TBD)
  • “Nature Walk,” a musical and narrative presentation by IU School of Music student Thejas Mirle and Biology Professor Roger Hangartner (dates TBD)

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.
  2. Communication Impact: Each piece must 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

5. Fees for Show:

There is an entry fee of $15. Entrants must be 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.

6. Commission:

25% commission to Arts Alliance gallery. 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: Only one piece may be submitted per entrant.
  • 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.

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.
  • Format: JPG
  • How to Submit:
    1. Upload at: upload link. (TBD)
    2. Send a written description (30-200 words) of the work’s climate/environmental theme to art4climate@carolrhodes.net.
    3. State the size of the final piece.

9. How Accepted Work Will Be Received by Gallery:

  • By personally delivering work to Arts Alliance Center on March 30, 2024.
  • 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.

Shipping Instructions for Accepted Art:

  • Use standardized art shipping boxes like those offered at Airfloat Systems, or work with experienced art shippers like FedEx.
  • Ship to: Carol Rhodes, 1317 E. Fairwood Dr., Bloomington, Indiana 47408– to be received by April 1.
  • Return shipping options: Include $30 or a return shipping label, using one of the following methods: a) Mail a check to Artists for Climate Awareness, b) send a return shipping label, or c) PayPalMe to https://paypal.me/art4climate or via Zelle. (For Zelle, contact art4climate@carolrhodes.net)

10. Calendar:

  • Deadline for Electronic Submission: March 2
  • Judging: March 3-15
  • Decision/Notification to Artists: March 15-18
  • Out-of-Area Works Received: by April 1
  • Hanging/Take-in at Arts Alliance Center: 11 AM to 3 PM, April 2
  • Art Hung: By close of business April 2
  • Reception: Saturday, April 5 at 6 pm with ensemble performance at 7 PM
  • Workshop at Arts Alliance: April 12, with artist Avon Waters
  • 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 the work or 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