3 thoughts on “CALL for ENTRIES: Collage, Digital & Mixed Media”

1. No need to apologize! As I said in my other comment, the online show is part of our future and eventually we’ll all have to reconcile ourselves to the concept. It’s actually a clean and concise way of showing art and conducting an exhibition. There is no need for white wine, cheese, 4×6 invitations, or any of the other traditional trappings associated with an opening. It’s easy to hang and you never have to take it down. You don’t have to measure those 60″ centers and there is no need to repair the walls after the show.

   Of course, from an artist’s perspective I just don’t see the upside. Sure, it’s easy to send a jpeg and any publicity is good publicity. I also can’t argue with another line on the old resume, although it seems more like fluff and artificial padding than an actual show. On the other hand, twenty-five bucks is twenty-five bucks and it’s hard justify given what you get: a 72ppi slice of cyber space and your name written in ones and zeroes.

   Now, I realize that many of these shows offer more than just space. The current listing, for example, offers “Cash Awards of Excellence” and “Special Recognitions” given at the
   juror’s discretion. There’s also the potential for world-wide exposure and other benefits. But you’ll have to excuse me if I’m not bowled over by statements like the following: “Specially recognized artists will be reviewed in the juror’s statement published worldwide and sent in a press release to the artist’s local newspaper(s). Also the exhibition artists will also published through our international press release program.”

   I would never go so far as to label these sites as “scams.” I’m sure most of the people involved are well meaning and probably qualified. But they seem to offer few tangible rewards in exchange for the jury fee. It’s also a little disconcerting when there is very little information about judges, jurors, or the people behind the website. In this instance, for example, I can only find one person (other than the website designer) associated with the exhibit and he is listed as the juror for each and every monthly show. Now, this individual appears to be a professor at a branch campus of a major midwestern university. So, on some level, that inspires some confidence–just not enough for me to part with my $25.

   Oh well! If nothing else these Calls have inspired me to think about starting my own on-line gallery. I could really use the money. I’m saving up to buy a new printing press and they tend to be heavy and expensive.

   Thanks again for listening to my typing! And keep up the good work! I really do like your site, although the comments are killing me (or at least my fingers).

   Dave

2. Dave, you make some good points. One of which, is do your diligence and if it’s a good fit, go for it. My issue with online exhibition is that you can’t really experience the work or have a relationship with it in the virtual realm. I love Rothko, but to see his work online is entirely different than being confronted with it in person.

3. I think you’re right. Due diligence is a must for many of these Calls. It’s even a good idea for a brick and mortar gallery. Four walls and a roof is no guarantee that the artist won’t be ripped off by an unscrupulous gallery owner. It’s probably a good idea to remind artists of this fact and to remind them that your site can’t be held responsible for “bad” Calls. You post some great information but there is no way that you can vouch for everything listed. On some level, I think most people understand this. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to be reminded.

   Dave

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