Culture
OU to Host Statewide Art Competition
< < Back toHigh school art teachers around Ohio now have some extra motivation to work on projects of their own this summer.
The School of Art + Design at Ohio University has started accepting submissions for its 3rd annual “State of the Arts” exhibition. The juried event, which accepts works of any media, is open to all high school educators teaching visual arts in the state, as well as the surrounding region.
The deadline for online applications is September 4, and there is an entry fee of $5. Details can be found at ouschoolofart.slideroom.com.
“There are fantastic art educators in high schools across the country,” said Director of the School of Art + Design David LaPalombara, who added that invitations went out to more than 1,400 teachers.
An opening reception for the show will be held at the Ohio University Art Gallery, in Seigfred Hall, October 12 at 1 p.m. Accepted works—everything from paintings to mixed media—will be on display at the gallery from October 12 through October 30. A cash prize of $500 will be awarded to the 1st-place winner, with $250 going to 2nd place and $100 to 3rd.
Describing the event as the only exhibition of its kind in Ohio, LaPalombara said it provides a good opportunity to showcase the work of those whose job it is to train future artists.
“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it weren’t for my high school art teacher,” LaPalombara said. “And I think, in a lot of cases, your first great inspiration, your first great mentor can be a high school teacher.”
The reception will coincide with “Experience the Arts Day,” an all-day event organized by the College of Fine Arts that provides high school students and their parents an inside look at Ohio University arts programs.
Ohio University faculty will select the works included in the exhibition, and an outside juror will determine the awards.
A maximum of three entries per applicant will be accepted.
Artists selected for the exhibition will be notified by September 30 and will be responsible for delivering (and picking up) their work. Entrants will have the option of sending their works via UPS or FedEx with a prepaid return label, as long as the packages arrive by October 2. Organizers also will accept artwork in person October 3 and 4, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All works must be shipped ready for installation.
Ohio University Art Gallery, located at 536 Seigfred Hall, is free and open to the public.