The Capital Region is amazing. (I don’t have to tell you that.)
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why – at least in my humble opinion – is how eclectic we all are. That variety includes our art, actually, maybe it’s because of our art. It adorns our alleys, our boring concrete and/or vacant buildings, and our old brick walls that now have even more character thanks to a little paint and a lot of creativity.
Back when we were all excited about the Franklin Alley project, I had heard a few folks were a little upset that a local artist wasn’t commissioned to decorate the brick walls. While my previous article did explain why that happened this time, the whole process awarded me the opportunity to become professional acquaintances with Belinda Colón, curator at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, who now promises to share any and all Calls for Art that come her way.
So, here are four wonderful ways for artists to share their talents with the rest of us who only wish they were as creative. (…or maybe that’s just me?)
First, in the realm of public art, there is The Uniting Line. A partnership between The City of Troy, Collar Works, The Arts Center, and TAP, Inc., this grand project brings an opportunity to submit a proposal to create public art on the pilings underneath the Hoosick Street Bridge. The submission deadline has been extended to February 15th.
For more information, artists can check out artscenteronline.org/publicart/uniting-line.
Second, the 120˚ Intercollegiate Arts Regional calls for student artwork. This project is a revolving juried exhibit between The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC), and Saratoga Arts. Students currently registered in a for-credit higher education college or university within a 120-mile radius of Troy and Glens Falls are invited to apply. Anthony Cafritz, Founder and Executive Director of Salem Art Works will be this year’s juror. The submission deadline has been extended to February 15, 2021. For more information and to apply, students may visit artscenteronline.org/submissions
The third is More Than A Sketchbook: The Diary of an Artist. The Arts Center is looking for 25 artists to sketch a portion of a sketchbook and submit one completed work during the winter of 2021. Sketchbooks will be on display with accompanying artwork for Arts Center visitors to look through. This project gives artists a chance to share their processes, thoughts, likes, dislikes, and personal creative journeys with the viewer.
This is an opportunity for artists to present their work with the potential for discussion, education, and understanding. Our community members, viewers, and patrons can appreciate the skill, time, and development needed to implement an idea into a finished piece by engaging themselves with the process. The submission deadline has been extended to February 15, 2021. For more information and to apply, go to artscenteronline.org/submissions.
Lastly, the Arts Center announces their 2021 open call for art, Artist Applications: All Mediums. Submissions will be considered for opportunities including solo exhibitions, small and large group exhibitions, performance, installation possibilities, and more. Artists in all media – clay arts, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, video, photography, performance, and mixed media presentations are invited to submit artwork for consideration.
Artists must live within a 100-mile radius of Troy, NY to be considered. For more information and to apply, go to artscenteronline.org/submissions.
For more information or questions about any of the above opportunities with The Arts Center of the Capital Region, please email callforart@artscenteronline.org.
