We Share One Sky

"We Share One Sky" is Newburyport Art's theme for the 2024 calendar year, building off of the successful 2023 launch of the NBPT Murals Project. Last year, the project saw the completion of five exterior murals for our neighborhood and continues into its second phase this Spring. The exhibition We Share One Sky is a special opportunity to connect our entire artist community to the project and the theme! Artists may explore any design, subject, or narrative that ties in any way, shape, or form to the words "we share one sky". We are particularly interested in concepts that come under the "We Share One Sky" theme of the Murals project and express lesser-known perspectives of Newburyport and our coastal region, and/or focus on non-traditional imagery or artistic approaches. This show is open to members and non-members, as well as all media, ages, and artistic levels. The show will run throughout the Sargent, Hartson, and Mural Galleries, and it will be on view during Newburyport Art's first (and hopefully annual) Arts Symposium.

Important Dates

• Submission deadline: March 19 (by 11:59pm)
• Notification of selection: March 22 (by 11:59pm)
• Receiving for accepted works at NAA: March 27 (1–5pm), March 28–30 (11am-5pm)
• Exhibition opens: April 5
• Exhibition Reception: April 5 (5pm–7pm)
• Exhibition closes: April 28
• Pick-up of unsold works: April 28 (3pm–5pm)

Eligibility

This call is open to both members and non-members of Newburyport Art — all media, ages, and levels are welcome to apply. A maximum of three works may be entered per artist; each work is treated as a separate entry/submission.

Entry Fees

Newburyport Art is a 501(c)3 non-profit and entry fees help to cover the basic costs associated with putting on an exhibition.

• NAA Artist Plus members: Up to two entries free, 3rd entry is $15
• NAA Artist and Early Career Artist members: $15 per artwork entry
• Non-members: $25 per artwork entry
• Every effort will be made to include at least one work from each applying artist. If, however, none of an artist's works are selected, then the NAA will refund that artist their entry fees. If one work is accepted but other works by the same artist are not accepted, there will be no refunding of entry fees.

Selection Process

All works should adhere to the theme as described in the exhibition statement above. The exhibition will be lightly juried to ensure a focus on the theme, while enabling a varied and diverse group of participating artists and media. Due to limitations in gallery space, all submitted work may not be selected for the exhibition, even if on theme. All accepted works for the exhibition will be made available for viewing and purchasing online, but the number of accepted works may exceed gallery capacity. Please be assured that every selected artist will have at least one work represented in the gallery. Additionally, if no works are selected from a particular artist, then that artist will be refunded their entry fee.

Artwork Requirements

• All work must be original.
• All work must be for sale. We do not accept works on loan from any private collection.
• No wet paintings.
• (2D) Works must be ready to hang with screw eyes/D-rings and wire. Metal frames must have hardware that screws securely in the track.
• (2D) Plexiglass or glass-covered drawings, prints, photographs, and watercolors are accepted.
• (2D) Frameless glass or plexiglass, frames with tension, or saw-tooth hangers cannot be accepted.
• (2D) Photos printed on metal with proper hanging hardware are accepted.
• (2D) Gallery wrapped canvas must be stapled on the back. Gessoed or painted sides are acceptable.
• (2D) Total 2D dimensions must be no larger than 60 inches on any one side.
• (3D) Sculpture and 3-dimensional work must be less than 7 feet in height, 90 pounds or less, and fit within a 3x3 foot area. 

Submission Guidelines

• Artists must upload at least one digital image per work. This image should be of the artwork only (excluding any mat, frame, and background, unless integral to the work). A second upload is permissible if the artist wishes to provide a different angle, show the work framed, or focus on a specific detail shot.
• Digital images of submissions are ideally high resolution (300 ppi or higher) to allow for the possibility of being used on print posters/banners. Lower resolution is acceptable, but image dimensions should be at least 540 px on the shortest side or they may fail to adequately represent the work in our online store.
• No artwork substitution is allowed. Artists must bring in only the work(s) selected for exhibition.
• Submission of your entry constitutes your agreement with all terms found in this Call for Art.
• Submission of your entry acknowledges the right of the NAA to reproduce artwork for marketing purposes.
• The NAA reserves the right to decline any submission, or to remove a selected work, for any reason. 

Sales and Insurance

• All work must be for sale, unless there is an agreement made with the Executive Director.
• The NAA retains a commission of 40% for works sold.
• If a work sells, the artist will be notified by an NAA Gallery Associate. At that time, the artist should -- for the purposes of receiving their consignment check -- confirm their mailing address or, alternatively, indicate that they wish to pick up a check at the gallery for the sale.
• Newburyport Art will make every effort to issue consignment checks to artists for any show sales within 30 days following the close of the exhibition.
• Works will be handled with all possible care. The NAA provides insurance up to 60% of the value declared by the artist from the day of receipt of the artwork to the final published pick-up date. The NAA is not responsible for any work not picked up by the end of the designated pick-up window of time.
• A late fee of $20 may be charged at the discretion of the NAA for any work left beyond the pickup period unless prior arrangements are made with the office.