RAM Annual Invitational: Call For Works
Submissions:  Friday, April 27, 2018
Exhibition dates: June 8 – September 2, 2018
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 7, 2018, 5-7 pm, free for members, $10 for non-members

The RAM Annual Invitational is a national competitive exhibition that has been hosted by the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum since its inception in 1948 (With the exception of 2017). The purpose of this exhibition is to encourage and recognize professional artists. In addition, this exhibition aligns with the museum’s mission to foster art appreciation in the community. All works will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit RAM’s educational programs and the participating artists.

The theme of this year’s open invitational is It’s alive!
Merriam-Webster defines ‘alive’ as: 1. Having life; not dead or inanimate. 2. Still in existence, force or operation. 3. Knowing or realizing the existence of something. 4. Marked by alertness, energy or briskness. 5. Marked by much life, animation or activity.
This exhibition will explore the beautiful and diverse subject matter It’s Alive. Flowers growing in a field, children playing by the ocean, depiction of a feeling, a piece of trash flying through a post-tornado breeze…anything that evokes the feeling of It’s Alive will be your focus for this year’s Annual Invitational.

Jurors: Jane Owen, Director, Center for Art & Education, Van Buren, AR Tammy Harrington, Prof. of Art, Univ. of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR Ernest Cialone, Assistant Prof. Studio Art, Windgate Art and Design, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

Cash prizes & RAM purchase award will be granted. Cash awards will be made at the Juror’s discretion. Museum Purchase Award will be selected by RAM’s Executive Director & Permanent Collection Committee. The People’s Choice Award will be based on votes collected throughout the course of the exhibition. The winning piece will be announced when the exhibition closes on social media.

Prizes:
FIRST PRIZE – $3,000 & a solo show at RAM in 2019
SECOND PRIZE – $1,500
THIRD PRIZE – $750
PURCHASE AWARD
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Send submissions to:
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, RAM Annual Invitational
1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Deadline for submissions: Friday, April 27
Accepted entries announced: Friday, May 11
Deadline for delivery: Friday, June 1
Winners announced: June 7 at opening reception
Exhibition dates: June 8 – September 2
Dates for pickup of unsold artwork: September 14

Submissions must include:
•Payment for entry ($25 RAM members; $40 non-members).
Checks must be written out to Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.
Click here to make payment online prior to sending your submission.
•Up to 12 clearly labeled high resolution CD images, slides or color copies will be accepted
•Details for each work: title, year, media, & dimensions (H x W x D)
•Amount artist requires for work in the event of a sale
•Artist résumé including list of solo & group exhibitions
•Artist statement of why the submitted piece represents It’s Alive
•Copies of press clippings about previous exhibitions, if available

Drop offs can be made during museum hours only: Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–6pm; Sunday, 1–5pm
Submissions can be any media: painting, photography, fiber, sculpture, installations, & video.

Museum will not accept original artwork as a submission.
No submissions will be accepted via email.
Submission packages will not be returned.
No refunds for submissions.

Artists from any state are welcome to enter!