An AVA Member Print-Making Show

Gallery Open Call: AVA Member Printmaking Exhibit
Exhibit Dates: April 23–June 6, 2025
Exhibit Reception: Wednesday, April 23, from 6–9 PM
Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 30, by Midnight, 2025
Delivery Dates: Wednesday, April 16–Sunday, April 20, 2025
Where: AVA Main Gallery



Eligibility

This call is open to all AVA Member Artists working within the realm of printmaking. There is no fee for AVA members to submit. Membership will be verified by AVA staff upon submission.

What constitutes printmaking?
We are seeking AVA Member Artists working specifically in any of the following processes:

  • Relief Printmaking (e.g., woodcut, linocut, letterpress, etc.)

  • Intaglio Printmaking (e.g., etching, engraving, drypoint, etc.)

  • Planographic Printmaking (e.g., lithography, monotypes)

  • Serigraphy Printmaking (screenprinting and, by extension, stencil work)

  • Embossing is welcome.

  • Mixed media or installation works that primarily feature print-making techniques are also welcome but should be clarified with AVA’s Curator. 

Within these categories, there are many varied techniques. Printmaking lends itself particularly well to editioned works or works in a series. We will be including a browse bin in the show, and artists will have the option to submit additional editions from a print run, where applicable.

For more information on membership, visit: AVA Membership



Limitations & Restrictions

  1. Originality: All artwork must be original. No master studies, student work from classroom assignments, or reproductions will be accepted. Artists may submit a total of up to three distinct prints (monotypes or editioned) for display on the wall. Additionally, where applicable, up to four additional editions of a distinct print may be submitted to accompany the main print in the browse bin. Each individual edition from a print run constitutes a separate work and must be framed and ready for display. Three works from a series are considered three separate works.

  2. Framing & Display:

    • Framed 2D works MUST be ready to hang at the time of delivery (using d-rings and wire with little to no slack, placed a quarter to a third of the way down on the back of the piece, or with a sawtooth hanger for smaller works).

    • Absolutely NO loose works on paper will be accepted without an approved display plan, which must be confirmed by the AVA Curator for standalone works.

    • Additional editions from a print run may be displayed in the browse bin. These artworks should be properly matted or affixed to rigid backing and enclosed in a fitted, sealed sleeve. Each sleeve must include the artist’s name, title of artwork, medium, edition, and price visible on the back.

  3. Size & Weight: There is no size limit for this exhibit, but the show is most successful with a variety of sizes. Framed 2D works cannot exceed 20 lbs., as our hanging system can accommodate only works within this weight limit.

  4. Delivery: Works must be delivered to AVA within the allotted time frame prior to the exhibit. If the artist needs to ship the work, shipping and handling are the responsibility of the artist. The Curator will contact artists about logistics for picking up their work after the exhibit.

  5. Rejection of Works: AVA reserves the right to reject works that are misrepresented in the submission process or are not properly outfitted for display in the gallery.

  6. Sales: AVA handles all sales transactions and receives a 30% commission from all gallery sales after processing fees (for works purchased by credit card).



Submission Requirements

  1. Images: Submit images of each work. Image(s) must meet the following criteria:

    • Saved in .jpg format (no HEIC files).

    • No added filters.

    • File name should include the artist’s last name and the image’s title. Example: JONES_UNTITLED.jpg

    • The image must be clear, centered, and evenly framed. No keystoned images. The image should feature only the artwork, with a neutral background (you may use AVA’s white room to photograph your work). Here’s a helpful YouTube tutorial on taking good photos of artwork.

    • The image will be used for the online gallery and store on AVA’s website, so it should represent the work as clearly as possible.

    • If submitting additional editions of a particular print, please submit up to four images along with the main featured print.

  2. Listing Information: Include the following for each work submitted:

    • Artist Name

    • Title

    • Medium/Process (please specify the print process used)

    • Framed Dimensions

    • Edition: __/__ (where applicable)

    • Price (account for the sales commission in your price) for framed works

    • Price for loose editions (if applicable)

  3. Contact Info: Include your preferred social media handles/links, website, or contact info for promotion. These links will be included on the wall labels.

  4. Artist Statements & Biographies: Due to the size of a group exhibit like this, we will not include artist statements or biographies in the exhibit materials.

  5. Business Cards: If you would like to leave business cards at AVA during the exhibit, bring them at the time of delivery.



All materials should be submitted via the submission form link below. Contact AVA’s Curator, Tim Goldsmith, via email with any questions. AVA’s staff is happy to assist!

Submitting your work indicates that you have read and understand all guidelines and criteria contained in this prospectus. You understand that it will be your responsibility to deliver your work to the AVA Gallery, ready for installation and on time, according to the given schedules. All works will be insured while on AVA’s premises.


You will need to resubmit this form for each separate submission.


For more information regarding this exhibit or other AVA programming, visit AVA’s website or contact Curator and Education Director Tim Goldsmith at tim@avarts.org or 423-265-4282.



Non-Discrimination Policy

No person will be excluded from participation or otherwise subjected to discrimination in regards to services, programs, and employment provided by the Association for Visual Arts based on color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.