Artists from near and far will certainly be interested in an upcoming program to be offered at the Art Gallery of St. Albert. Well, artists who want to snag an exhibit slot for the 2015 calendar year, that is.
Inside Scoop gives attendees a tour of the space and introduction to some of the gallery’s key contacts. What’s even more important is that they’ll get some vital tips on how to make a winning submission to the selection jury.
Glenda Haughian, the education curator at the public art gallery, said that the event has grown in popularity since its inception in 2011 and the proof of its importance lies in the results.
“Last year was a really successful workshop. It was really well received,” she said, mentioning that nearly 40 participants were on hand. “We saw the need – a number of years ago – for artists to learn how to actually put a submission together that would attract the attention of the jury.”
“By everything that we’ve heard back from the artists and by what we’ve witnessed ourselves, it’s been very successful and it has made a difference. There were artists who were previously slipping through the cracks who are now getting in.”
This is the fourth time out for the unique gathering of artists from all experience levels. Led by Haughian, the tour will start by featuring the gallery space and the current exhibits: Beyond Traditions by Rachelle LeBlanc and Fruits Off the Looms by artists from the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts.
They will also get to meet Jenny Willson-McGrath, the interim director of the gallery, and Tracy Wormsbecker, the rental and sales gallery associate. Haughian suggested that it’s also an excellent opportunity to mingle and network with other artists.
But the real reason that they’ll be coming is to learn about artwork presentation, artist contracts, insurance forms, curriculum vitae, artist statements – “What’s essential and what should be left out” – and educational programming surrounding exhibitions. An important part of the talk will also be about how to properly photograph and submit digital images.
“We want them to understand that that photograph that you send us will make or break your success. If it’s poor quality – if it’s not lit well, if it’s low resolution – our jury will go, ‘Nah … I don’t think so.’ It doesn’t mean you have to hire somebody professional.”
The gallery saw more than 100 submissions last year for the 2014 exhibition schedule. Haughian said that some of those submissions have come from places as far abroad as the United States, France, and Croatia.
“They find us. They see what we’re doing and we’re getting these amazing submissions. We want to keep this ball rolling!”
Inside Scoop takes place on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 19 Perron Street.
Attendance is free but donations are gratefully accepted. People can register by contacting Haughian at [email protected] or by calling 780-460-4310.
The deadline for submissions for the 2015 exhibition schedule is March 1, 2014.
Visit www.artgalleryofstalbert.com for more information.
