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Art Purchase Prize

• Purchase Prize Information
• 2011 Entry Form and Framing Guidelines
• Purchase Prize Winners

The Library is seeking original artwork for inclusion in Art-To-Go, a collection of framed posters and juried, original artwork available for loan to Library cardholders.

Who May Enter

Any artist over 18 who lives, works, or exhibits in the Iowa City/Johnson County area, and who has participated in at least one juried competition may enter. In order to foster new talent, previous winners who have had two or more works purchased by the Library are ineligible for entry. Previous winners who have had one work purchased must sit out for two years before entering again. Library employees and their immediate family are ineligible for entry.

How To Enter

Each artist may enter two artworks. Artists should submit a digital image representation of their original work(s). Digital images should be in .jpeg format, with a minimum size of 1024 x 768 pixels and a minimum resolution of 72 dpi. Entries can be emailed to: candice-smith@icpl.org or mailed on disc to Candice Smith / Iowa City Public Library / 123 S. Linn St. / Iowa City, IA 52240. Entries should include the artist's name, address, phone number and email, as well as the following information for each artwork:

• Title
• Medium
• Unframed size
• Framed size
• Price

The Library will begin accepting slides September 1, 2011. The deadline for slide submission is October 2, 2011.

A printable flyer with the framing guidelines may be downloaded online.

Criteria For Entry

Any two-dimensional or low-relief media are acceptable, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, paper/fiber/textile, and mixed media. Artworks must have been created within the last three years. Original art only!

The framed work must be no smaller than 12" x 12" and no larger than 36" x 36". All artwork (including oil paintings) must be framed with Plexiglas ONLY and be ready for hanging with wire (no sawtooth hangers). Frames must be sturdy and suitable for transport to the offices and homes of library card holders. Archival or "museum" quality materials must be used for printing, mounting and matting. (see additional framing guidelines).

Pricing

Artwork should be priced under $500, as the committee hopes to acquire several pieces for the total available funds of $2,200.

Selection

Judging is a two-step process. The Library Art Purchase Prize Committee will view digital images on October 11. Finalists will be asked to bring their FRAMED artwork to the Library on October 24 for the final jurying. Unframed work will not be considered. Artists not chosen as finalists will be notified by mail. Final judging will occur the afternoon of October 25, and artists may pick up their artwork between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. that evening, at which time they will be notified of the Committee's decision.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Candice Smith at 319.887.6031 or candice-smith@icpl.org