I have a lot on my mind…
change, specifically. 

It is time for a little change.

On September 12th, ArtAndArtDeadlines.com will officially be one year old.  And the site has survived a number of changes, I think it is time for a few more.  Here are a few ideas of my own, but feel free to leave a comment with your own suggestions too:

1.  New Sponsors.  I am going to take a closer look at the way sponsorships work here at AAAD.  I want to make sure my links are going where they will best support the art and artists that are talented and inspired.

2. A Makeover.  I have been inspired by the recent Toni’s Treehouse makeover (AAAD is a sponsor) to make a few visual changes to the header and sidebars.  These will be gradual, I promise.

3. Showcases.  I was recently inspired by a Tweet of Catherine Roach‘s new business cards, of all things, to showcase a handful of things that some folks do really well.  For example, most of the graphic designers and illustrators out there have phenomenally creative business cards.  It is a networking opportunity for those featured and hopefully an inspiration for my readers.

So if you have more suggestions, let me know by leaving a comment.  In the meantime, while I was contemplating what sort of art would newly reside behind the “Art” in the header, I thought of grafitti as an option.  Then, like kismet, I tripped across the call for entries…inspired by grafitti.  Here’s the call:

artspace announces an open call to all artists working in any medium to submit entries for Strassen Kunst, an international exhibition of work inspired by graffiti. The exhibition juror, Martin McFadden LRPS, Director and Curator, 12 12 Gallery, Richmond, Virginia, will award up to $1000 and a solo exhibition in artspace’s Helena Davis Gallery.

ELIGIBILITY International artists age 18+, working in 2D or 3D whose work consists of or is inspired by any aspect of graffiti, including painting, tagging, stenciling, etc., may submit 3 digital images of work to be considered for the exhibition. Additional images may be submitted at additional cost, for up to a total of 5 works. Work that has been previously exhibited at artspace is not eligible.

ENTRY PROCEDURE Entrants may submit ONLY digital images on CD or online. Only one digital image may be submitted for each work. Diptychs or triptychs must be on one image. Limit size of framed work to 60 inches, in either direction, and up to 65 lbs. Space limitations do not allow for installations of work. Digital files for viewing should be JPG format at 300 ppi, saved at 10-12 quality level, with the longest dimension being 1900 pixels. Label each file with the last name, first initial, and the number corresponding to the entry number (e.g. SmithJ1). Please identify images on the entry form with the title of the work.

CD, completed entry form, entry fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope, for the return of your CD and notification of acceptance, must be postmarked by Friday, July 9, 2010 and sent to artspace, Zero E. 4th Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23224. If no SASE is provided, notification will be sent via e-mail.

ONLINE SUBMISSIONS In the body of an e-mail include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. In this e-mail provide information for the images you wish to submit. Attach images of the work corresponding to the information provided and send to the exhibition e-mail at artspacestreetart@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Friday, July 9, 2010. Notice of acceptance will be e-mailed.

ENTRY FEE All submissions require payment of a non-refundable entry fee of $25 for three (3) entries, which is accepted via PayPal, personal check or money order mailed to the gallery by the postmark deadline. Additional entries may be submitted at $5.00 (US) each, for up to five (5) total entries.

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION Notice of acceptance will be mailed or e-mailed Friday, July 23, 2010. Artist bios, resumes, and statements will be requested upon acceptance to show.

QUESTIONS Contact the gallery by telephone at 804.232.6464 or by e-mail at artspacestreetart@gmail.com with questions regarding the exhibition, prospectus, or online entry process.