Work by Denny Tentindo, 2014 Festival
Attention! Visual artists considering “showing” their works at the 7th annual Salem Arts Festival (June 5-7) in the juried gallery should take note of a big change in the submission process. Rather than electronic submissions of work as has been conducted in the past, the Festival is moving to an on-site review of works the weekend before the Festival (May 29 – June 1).
According to Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, which oversees the Festival, this new process “will hopefully better serve the artists by letting their work speak for itself. Using electronic images in the past has been so problematic – colors can appear differently on different screens and printers, the impact of 3-D work is often lost in a 2-D format, and inevitably, an unfair advantage is given to the individuals who are better at presenting their work digitally. Members of the festival committee have been advocating for this type of jury process for several years, and we’re excited that we finally have the capacity this year to make the change.”
Over 5,000 people attended last year’s family-friendly Festival which transformed downtown Salem, MA into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase a wide range of talents: painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, writing, film, new media, performance, theatre, poetry, and more!
Artists this year may submit up to 3 pieces; at least two of which must be for sale. Dates/times for drop off at Old Town Hall (32 Derby Sq.) will be May 29 from 5-8pm and May 30 from 9am-noon.
Hung artwork may not exceed 36″ in any direction (including frame) and must be wired to hang – no sawtooth hangers. Larger artwork must have an easel or a stand. While installations are welcome, be mindful that Salem’s historic spaces come with some limitations. Accepted work will be presented at Old Town Hall during the Salem Arts Festival (June 5 through June 7).
For full details of requirements and regulations, please see the admission form.
This special exhibit is to be judged and juried for prizes by a panel comprised of individuals from the Salem arts community and beyond. Jurors will made up of regional artists representing diverse media, including Karen Ristuben, Bob Packert, and Denny Tentindo.
The Salem Arts Festival is organized by Salem Main Streets and a collaboration of Salem organizations which provide support for the festival, including the City of Salem, Salem State University Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Arts Association and Creative Salem.
