Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long are the gallery exhibits?
The exhibits generally run three weeks. They always open on First Friday and close the Friday before the next month's First Friday. If your work is accepted into a juried it exhibit it will be up the entire duration.
2. How do you choose the work displayed in shows or does all work submitted get accepted?
We do two non-juried shows a year, plus a non-juried holiday show that is just for members. For those non-juried shows we accept all work that is properly prepared and fit the shows' themes (See the 2008 schedule.) The rest of our shows are juried, which means that we bring in professionals from outside universities, galleries, and museums to pick which work will be in the exhibit.
3. Do I need to attend the opening?
No. There is an opening reception where the public gets to see your work for the very first time, but artists are not required to attend. We have artists from all over the country so we understand that attendance isn't always possible.
4. What if I am out of town during a show, can I still submit my work?
Yes. You can either have friend drop it off, ship it, or make arrangements with gallery staff to bring it a day or two earlier. It is very important that you have arrangements to have your work picked up by a friend if it does not get into a juried show since we have limited storage space. There is a daily storage fee for works not picked up on time.
5. When is the work judged?
The exact time varies, but it is always early in the week before the First Friday opening. The jury results are posted on our website usually by the Wednesday before First Friday.
6. How are exhibits judged?
Our shows are juried by professionals from outside universities, galleries, and museums. Most of our shows are juried with actual work that has been entered. Twice a year (for our annual Scope show and N.E.W. show) we will jury with slides or jpegs. The juror arrives at VAE and looks at the work and picks the top 50 or so to be included in the exhibit and picks the prize winners.
7. Are there prizes?
We award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as honorable mentions. The amount of the awards varies. Usually first is $100, 2nd is $75, and 3rd is $50. The awards are higher for the Scope show and N.E.W. show. Each month VAE also awards a one-year membership to a non-member in the show who deserves special recognition.
8. Is all the art work up for sale?
Not all works are for sale in the exhibits. If the artist chooses he/she can mark a piece NFS (Not For Sale).
9. Are there framing requirements?
All work submitted must be properly presented and wired. All two-dimensional work must be dry, wired and ready to hang. No clip frames or alligator hangers. Frames should be minimal and preferably black or natural wood. Colored mats (other than white or off-white) are strongly discouraged. Works on gallery-wrapped canvas do not need to be framed as long as the edges are cleanly finished. Canvases with stapled sides should be framed.
10.Are there any size limits on works entered into a show?
Two dimensional work must not exceed 72 inches in any dimension (including frame) or weigh more than 75lbs. Three dimensional work must not exceed 72 inches in any direction and may be required to come with proper display materials (pedestals, mannequins, etc).
11. Can I exhibit glicee prints of my paintings at VAE?
All submissions must be original and not previously exhibited at VAE. No copies, mechanical reproductions, molds or kit work will be accepted.
12. Where are the jurying results posted?
Questions: 919-828-7834 /rachel@visualartexchange.org.