Saratoga Library 2011-13 Art Wall Exhibition Call to Artists

Library Art Committee + Santa Clara County Library

The Saratoga Library, a Santa Clara County Library, invites you to submit artwork for consideration as an exhibitor on the Saratoga Library Art Wall. You are offered this opportunity to present your art to enhance the library surroundings and to benefit our community. The selection process will encompass a two-year exhibition schedule beginning in 2011.

ELIGIBILITY: All artists 18 and over are eligible. However, submitted work must be two-dimensional; the library cannot accommodate standing art at this time. Each selected artist will be assigned 30 linear feet of exhibition space.

ENTRIES: Work in any medium, including photography, calligraphy, fiber arts, etc., is welcome. The selection committee will make choices based on quality of work and general scheduling. To be considered, artists must submit 5 samples of their work and include the attached application form. Work may be submitted in one of four ways: photograph, slide, and digital image.  Submissions will not be returned. Please label each entry with your name, phone number, title, medium and framed dimensions.

Click here for application form.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIGITAL SUBMISSION:  All digital images should be provided as jpgs only, 72dpi, image width not to exceed 1024 pixels on the longest side. 
Emailed files should be titled as follows: LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg.  E-mail digital files and application information to saratogalibraryartexhibit@gmail.com or send CD with your images along with application form.

EXHIBITION SELECTION CRITERIA: Artistic integrity and highest quality of aesthetic experience will be the primary considerations in the selection of public art for exhibition. In addition to any exhibit-specific criteria established by the Library Art Committee, the following criteria shall apply:

1. Audience: The artwork will be suitable for display to a diverse audience including children. It should enhance its setting and help create a sense of place.

2. Style: The artwork should be suitable in scale, materials, and form for its surroundings.

3. Public Safety: The committee will not consider works that they determine may pose a threat to public safety.

PHOTO RELEASE: The library may photograph loaned items and use the images for publicity in all media, including the Internet and other electronic forms of communication.

FEES: No entry fee or commission will be charged to participants.

DELIVERY AND SET-UP: The Library Art Committee will notify artists of show dates, delivery date and pick-up date. Artists are responsible for properly framed and ready-to-hang artwork and for delivery of their work to the library at the scheduled date. Plexiglass is preferred; glass is allowed on pastel or charcoal only.   Artists will handle their own installations in consultation with the Library Art Committee. Exhibits are normally scheduled for a 2-month period beginning July, 2011.  All artwork must remain on the wall for the duration of the scheduled exhibit. 

DEADLINE FOR ART SUBMISSION: Tuesday, March 1, 2011, (must be received by 5:00 p.m.) addressed to: The Library Art Committee, c/o Betsy White, Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 (408-867-6126x3817) or delivered to the library by that time.

LIABILITY:  The library is not responsible for loss or damage to any exhibited art work.