Library seeks original artwork for 2012 Art Purchase Prize contest

Calling all artists! The Iowa City Public Library is seeking original artwork for the 2012 Art Purchase Prize contest.

Purchased works will be added to the Library’s Art-To-Go collection, a collection of framed posters and juried artwork available for checkout to Library cardholders.

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. Artists may enter two artworks -- original art only. Any two-dimensional or low-relief media are acceptable, including: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, paper/textile and mixed media.

Artwork should be no smaller than 12 x 12 and no larger than 36 x 36. Works chosen for final judging must be matted and/or mounted as necessary to create a finished piece, and all works must be suitable for framing and covering with Plexiglas. Archival quality materials must be used. The Library takes responsibility for framing works chosen for purchase. Works must have been created in the last three years.

To enter, artists should submit a digital image representation of their original work(s), and those should be in .jpeg format, with a minimum resolution of 72 dpi and a minimum size of 1024 x 768 pixels. Entries can be emailed to csmith@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, and the following for each artwork: Title, Medium, Size & Matted Size (if appropriate), and Price. Artwork should be priced under $400.

Entries will be accepted starting September 1, 2012; the deadline is October 5. Chosen finalists will be asked to bring their finished work to the Library on October 22 for final judging, which takes place on October 23.

Previous winners who have had one work purchased must sit out for two consecutive contests before entering again; winners who have had two works purchased are ineligible for entry. Library employees and their immediate families are ineligible.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Candice Smith at 887-6031 or csmith@icpl.org. For a printable flyer with framing guidelines, see http://www.icpl.org/art/prize/

The Art Purchase Prize is funded by a special appropriation from the Library’s Gifts and Bequests Fund and contributions from the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation and Book End Committee, Barbara Haring (in memory of Stan Haring), Emily Martin and Nils Varney.

Contact Person: Candice Smith
Contact Phone: 319-887-6031