PLAY : where ideas are born

This is an opportunity for artists to share with others how they approach the idea and the importance of play in their art making.   Play has very different meanings for each of us. As artists, we use this term loosely… “I was playing around with the idea….” Or “I just got this new tool and can’t wait to play with it.”  …. “these colors are so much fun to play with”…..   Play can be about experimenting with materials, ideas, resources and concepts.  For others it could mean getting out of the studio and spending time with nature, or the grandchildren, or cooking.

Play leads to creative discoveries.  Play is important to artists and creatives in assisting to get into the state of flow, which is essential to art making.  Play is not just about having fun or being child-like.  It is a state of mind where possibilities arise and ideas are born.

The broad theme allows artists to share how play is interpreted by them.  Each piece of art will be accompanied by a short statement about the role of play in their creative process.  Each statement must not exceed 100 words.

Pick up:  Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 9:15-10:15
Note: Before you apply, please be sure you can commit to the delivery and pick up times and dates or can arrange to have someone act on your behalf.

 Eligibility:

PLAY: the role of experimentation in art is open to all members in good standing of any affiliated Arizona Art Alliance Member Arts Organization as listed on the AzAA website.  This is a juried exhibition.  Artists may submit up to 3 pieces.

Specifications:
– 2D artwork no greater than 48 inches on the longest side
– 3D artwork small enough to display on a pedestal approx. 16” across
– All large 3-dimensional artwork must be installed and/or moved by the artist.

 Entry Fees (non-refundable):
 $30 for 1 piece |  $35 for 2 pieces | $40 for up to 3 pieces

Cash & Ribbon Awards:

1st Place $400 |  2nd Place $300  | 3rd Place $200  | Honorable Mentions (ribbon only)

 Submission:

  • Entries are submitted online through the Arizona Art Alliance Website.
  • Images must be no larger than 5MB or 6 inches on the longest side.
  • Image files requirements: name your files with your last name, a space, entry number. Example:  Smith 1.jpeg; Smith 2.jpeg; Smith 3.jpeg.
  • If submitting more than one photo for the same piece of work (3-D only)make sure to adhere to the file naming convention above and add a sequence number for additional views. Smith 1 view 1.jpeg | Smith 1 view 2.jpeg | Smith 1 view 3.jpeg
  • Be sure your image number corresponds with your entry number.
  • Information required: title, medium, dimensions, price and short statement on your inspiration
  • Payment online through PayPal or Credit Card

Artist Statement on the topic of PLAY
A short bio and short ‘PLAY statement’ must be included with your submission.  The statements will be posted along with your work at Desert Foothills Library, on the AzAA website as well as AzAA and Desert Foothills Library Social Media pages.  100-word limit.

Accepted Art:
If your artwork is accepted, you will receive an email notification stating exactly which pieces have been accepted. Review the details associated with the pieces since that is the information that will appear on the gallery tags. The Art Description Contract will be attached to this email and you will need to fill it out and bring it with you when you deliver the artwork. The information on the Art Description Contract should match the details for each piece as documented in the Acceptance

Notification email.

No substitute or additional images will be accepted after completing the application process.
If you need assistance or have problems with your entry, contact Arizona Art Alliance Executive Director, Tess Mosko Scherer at info@AzArtAlliance.com
2-D Art:  images of artwork should have no background/frame visible.  One image per piece
3-D Art and Jewelry:  image may show a simple background. You may include three views of sculpture

 All artwork must be:

     –  the artist’s original work.  No copy giclee prints allowed (photography & digitally-produced prints are allowed as originals).
–  for sale (No NFS)
–  Artwork that has shown in the Desert Foothills Gallery since 2023 will not be accepted.
–  clearly labeled with the artist’s name, title of work, medium, and price upon delivery to the venue.
–  Dimensions for 2-D work are not to exceed 48 inches on the longest side high with the frame.  Maximum weight of 30 pounds.

 Art must look professionally framed:

–  with wire adequate to support the work (no saw-tooth hangers).
     –  The wire on the back of your artwork should be no more than one-quarter of the way down the length of the piece.
–  mats and glass must be clean.
–  Gallery wrap canvases:
1.25” deep or more, must have sides painted & no staples.
less than 1.25” deep must be framed.

Gallery Sales:

  • The Desert Foothills Gallery (Library) handles sales directly with the purchaser.
  • Total commission on all sales is 25%. The Desert Foothills Library will retain 20% of the total commission and the Sonoran Arts League will retain the remaining 5% of the total commission.
  • The purchaser will pay Desert Foothills Library and take possession of the artwork at the end of the exhibit, unless arrangements are made for a replacement piece.
  • Desert Foothills Library will inform the Exhibition Committee chairperson who will communicate with the artist to arrange for a replacement piece of artwork for the remainder of the exhibit if necessary.

Artwork not meeting criteria for the exhibition will be returned to the Artist.

Artists:

–  MUST adhere to delivery and pick-up times.

–  retain copyright to the artwork, however Arizona Art Alliance, Sonoran Arts League and Desert Foothills Library reserves the right to photograph & publish images of artwork for this and future exhibitions, and for use in the Arizona Art Alliance virtual exhibition.

JURORS – To be Announced
This show will be curated by the Desert Foothills Gallery Committee.

 *notice the compressed time frame between notification and installation

PLAY is an Arizona Art Alliance exhibition in partnership with the Sonoran Arts League and the Desert Foothills Library Gallery.

Important Dates:
Exhibition Dates: January 9, through March 12, 2025
Location: Desert Foothills Library | 38443 N School House Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Entry Dates: November 1 – December 4, 2024
Notification to Artists: December 14, 2024
Deliver accepted work to Desert Foothills Library*: Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 9:30-10:30
Reception and Awards Ceremony: January 24, 2025  |  3:30-5:30
Presentation: February 6, 2025
Pick up: Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 9:15-10:15

*Note: Before you apply, please be sure you can commit to the delivery and pick up times and dates or can arrange to have someone act on your behalf.  There is a very small window between the notification dates and the delivery date.

Submissions open November 1, 2024.  Click the botton below to enter the show.