TOYS: RE-Invent, Re-Imagine, Re-Discover

Deadline: August 26, 2011 (RECEIVE)

TOYS: RE-Invent, Re-Imagine, Re-Discover
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
In Association with the Smithsonian Institution
Solomons, Maryland
October 14, 2011 - January 8, 2012


This exhibit seeks works of art that use toys and children’s playthings as the inspiration, subject matter, and/or medium with the goal of creating playful, amusing, nostalgic, or poignant commentaries on the role of toys in our lives. Many of us hold fond memories of special toys that yielded hours of entertainment and can vividly remember when a treasured toy was lost, broken, stolen, or otherwise retired. For these reasons and more, toys can be a powerful art medium, conjuring up both treasured and difficult memories of childhood, past friendships, and other recollections. From the utterly outrageous to the sappy and sentimental, this exhibit will include all media, small to large scale. The exhibit will be installed in the Main Gallery of the Arts Building, but a small number of outdoor works will be considered for the Sculpture Garden. Cash awards will be presented. The exhibit will be up during Garden In Lights, Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center’s award-winning holiday light show. In the spirit of the holiday season, and with the thousands of families in mind who will visit during this festive time, the jury seeks works that are engaging, and fun, and above all, playful!

Exhibit Eligibility
All media types are welcome; small to large scale; indoors and outdoors. The exhibition is open to artists age 18 and older working in the U.S. Video entries must be submitted on DVD.

Entry Fee
Artists must submit a $25 non-refundable entry fee for up to four entries.

The Jurors:
Andrew Wodzianski, Professor of Art, Division of Communication, Art & Humanities, College of Southern Maryland
Name of second juror to be announced shortly.

Cash Awards
Annmarie will present cash awards to outstanding work. Jurors will review installed works (not application images) for award selection. If possible, selection will occur prior to the exhibit opening and awards will be presented at the opening reception. Award amounts are contingent upon sponsorship; typically there are at least three awards ranging from $250-$750 each. All award winning artists will receive an invitation for a solo or group show.

Download prospectus: www.annmariegarden.org/toys_prospectus.pdf

Visit website for more information: www.annmariegarden.org


Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
In Association with the Smithsonian Institution
Solomons, MD
410.326.4640