Frequent Show Entry Problems
Here are a few common issues we see when artists enter our shows. (Last updated 2 Jan 2024)
1. MEASUREMENTS: Make sure your measurements are right.
If you exceed the size limits you risk being not invited to the show or worse – removed from the show when you bring your painting in for hanging.
The megabyte size of the image you submit on the internet may also create issues. When it is very small may be pixilated or blurry when expanded on the computer or TV screen. Submit the best photo you have and in the largest size allowed by the prospectus to give the juror a good look and provide you with an advantage. Remember, if you don’t get in the show you can’t win any awards.
2. TIME CRUNCH: Don’t wait till the last minute to take your painting to the frame shop. Make sure it’s there in plenty of time to be framed before the show starts. Let the framer know when you need to pick it up and give yourself a little extra time so issues can be corrected. Make sure the hanging system complies with th prospectus.
3. GLASS or PLASTIC GLAZING: Most of the time the prospectus will require either a polycarbonate or acrylic glazing and glass will not be acceptable. Does the prospectus include alternative finishing and if so just what does that mean?
4. REFERENCE MATERIAL: Most submissions require that they be accomplished from your own reference material. You cannot use someone else’s photograph or someone else’s painting as a reference for your own painting. Your work must be totally your own and not done in a classroom where an instructor, friends or students provided oversight and suggestions on how you should improve your painting. An internet search for similar art/photos is completed with the image you provide in your application.
5. WHEN DID YOU COMPLETE THE PAINTING: You might be surprised at how often artists try to submit artwork that was done before the allowed submission period. A simple drag and drop into the Google Image search section brings up other images of your work that have been online. Often the dates associated with the image are nearby.
The show chairperson or juror will most likely perform a simple check. He/she will drag and drop your jpeg image into the Google (image) search box and let Google do the work. If they find similar images you might need to be ready to possibly show your reference material – if ask.
DISCLAIMER: These are just a few of the issues that prevent artists from being in our shows. Being in a National Show is a big deal. The standards are tough. But the artists in SWS are among the best anywhere. Don't allow these simple errors to get in the way of your painting being in the show. Because being in the show is the first step in winning a national contest - and that's a big deal!
USING CAFE
TO ENTER A SHOW ON CAFE' "www.callforentry.org"
1) Develop a new account (Artist Signup) or login to your existing CAFE' account and upload your new images to build a portfolio.
2) Use the Cafe Search area and search open call "Spokane Watercolor Society "
then follow the prompts
3) Thoroughly read the prospectus - it's the reference for all questions - but don't hesitate to contact the show chairperson if you can't find an answer to your question in the prospectus.
4) Members will have access to a coupon code for use with the first painting (check the "My SWS" section or your mailbox!). As you fill in the number of paintings you plan to enter, continue to the 'next page', and the coupon code option will appear.
5) All paintings to be entered for a show must be entered at the same time to take advantage of the reduced price for the second painting.
6) All prospectus and entry information for our show is available at the www.spokanewatercolor.org website and on the CAFE site. You can also download and print your own copy but entries are only accepted through the CAFE website.
7) There are helpful "How to" videos on the CAFE website.
8) Please read and carefully follow the prospectus and don't hesitate to ask questions if you are uncertain about something.
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