Call for Art!

HERE Now: Art Inspired by the Immigrant Experience
The Arts Council of Lake Oswego invites immigrant artists based in the U.S. to submit works around the theme of the immigrant experience. Works will be curated as an exhibition in our ARTspace gallery.
HERE Now: Art Inspired by the Immigrant Experience is a planned exhibition that will bring together works by artists from a wide range of backgrounds to explore American immigration through personal experience. Works may encompass a variety of media and styles, engaging the deeper meanings of transcultural migration to the United States.
The exhibition will take place from February 15, 2019 to April 5, 2019 and include a variety of concurrent programming including a First Friday Reception and an Artist Talk/Lunch Time Lecture. The Lunch Time Lecture will take place in partnership with the Lake Oswego Public Library as part of their L.O. Reads program. This year’s Lake Oswego Reads book is, The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez and includes themes of immigration.
In this novel, the word “unknown” takes on different meanings. These characters are unknown within the country they have worked so hard to be able to call home—but they are also, in large part, unknown to themselves and to each other. Their futures, too, are unknown, and the longer they stay in America the more unknown they become to the people from their pasts. As Henríquez’s characters struggle with unknowns, identity, they come to embrace the reality of the American dream— the feeling of being unseen and unknown. In spite of all of that the characters persevere toward success and happiness.
As the only dedicated visual arts gallery in the city of Lake Oswego, the Arts Council and its ARTspace have a unique opportunity to inspire thought and conversation through art. The Arts Council of Lake Owego’s mission is to ensure that arts are accessible and an integral part of life in our community.
Eligibility
This exhibition is open to all artists working in the theme of US immigration from contemporary personal experience. All media will be considered.
• Works may not exceed 32 inches in width and 6.5 feet in height (must fit through gallery door)
• All work must be ready for exhibition upon arrival – Framed with wire for hanging
• Any special hardware should be provided
• In the event a work must be assembled, include clear instructions

• If entries from out of area are accepted, no reimbursement for shipping or delivery will be provided
• Works will be assessed for exhibition based on quality, subject matter, and overall aesthetic
• Accepted artists are required to become a Friend and purchase a membership ($50 fee) to help offset costs in producing the exhibition, promotion and associated programming
Applications should include:
• No more than three pieces per artist will be considered
• Photos in JPEG, PNG or PDF format
• A brief description of each work including title, date, medium and dimensions
• Artist statement
• Contact info for artist including website and/or social media
Email applications as a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “Call for Art; HERE Now”. While emailed applications are preferred, applications by mail should include a CD or jump drive with digital photos and can be sent to: Arts Council of Lake Oswego, PO Box 369, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034
Deadline: December 1, 2018

Artists will be notified of their acceptance status by January 1, 2019. Accepted artwork shall be delivered to the Arts Council no later than February 4, 2019.
It is free to submit entries for this exhibition.
Artist Benefits
Accepted work will be exhibited in our ARTspace gallery from February 15 to April 5, 2019. The gallery is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays, 11am to 4pm. Artists are asked to offer their works for sale, with the understanding that the Arts Council takes a 30% commission. Numerous and varying programs are planned during the exhibition to add dimension and provide more opportunities for visitors to see and engage with the art work.
About the Arts Council of Lake Oswego
Our Mission:
The Arts Council of Lake Oswego works to ensure that arts are an integral part of life in our community, now and into the future.
Vision:
Our collective actions and commitment will result in:
• Enlivening our built and natural environments, while adding value to Lake Oswego’s economy;
• Effective collaborative partnerships that strengthen our community;
• Increased visual art appreciation and understanding by all of our residents and visitors;
• Increased arts tourism and visitors as economic drivers for the city and our organization.
For more information, please visit www.ArtsCouncilLO.org