2012 Capitol Christmas Tree Juried Art Exhibition - Into The Woods

Into The Woods is a national juried art competition inviting artists to submit work inspired by and representational of National Forests. The exhibition will select an official artwork for the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be displayed on the U.S. Capitol lawn and accompanied by a traveling exhibit across the country.

Theme: Into the Woods encourages submissions inspired by natural scenic beauty, national Christmas tree depictions, outdoor recreation, the relationship between people and the environment, and current forestry issues including fires, pine beetle impact, and conservation. Artists may work in any medium including acrylics, oil, watercolor, textile, metals, photography, and stained glass. Finished artwork dimensions should be approximately 25-35 inches high by 20-30 inches wide; smaller works are acceptable. Artwork may be framed or unframed but must be designed to hang on a wall.

Eligibility: Professional (U.S. artists, 18+), Emerging (U.S. artists, 18+), and Youth (ages 5-18) categories. Entry fee is $30 for the first image; additional images are $5 each. Youth may apply free with a coupon code. Artists may submit up to six works. Award Notification: October 8, 2012. Artwork Shipment Deadline: October 19, 2012. Exhibition Kick-Off Reception: October 24, 2012. Exhibition runs October 24 - December 31, 2012.

Prizes include Grand Prize $2,000, Professional Prize $1,000, Emerging Prize $500, Plein Air Prize $500, plus Youth Winner, three Honorable Mentions, and three Viewers Choice Winners. All winning works will comprise the traveling exhibit accompanying the Capitol Christmas Tree. The Grand Prize winning artist must agree to convey reproduction rights for one-time printing as CD cover art. Award-winning artists must ship original artwork by October 19, 2012. All artists must agree to include their work in the traveling exhibit, which concludes in December after the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Works will be returned to artists upon request after the tour, except the Grand Prize winning piece which remains on permanent display in Washington D.C.