2018 Athenaeum Invitational: The Cabinet of Curiosities

The 2018 Athenaeum Invitational: The Cabinet of Curiosities, underwritten by TTR Sotheby's International Realty, celebrates the visual arts of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia. The exhibition features works by specially-invited artists and artists selected through an open call. A $1,500 prize will be awarded to an invited artist, and a $1,000 prize will be awarded to an artist from the open call.

The exhibition theme explores Cabinets of Curiosities and Wunderkammers—collections of objects from nature, science, archaeology, and the arts that were popular in Renaissance Europe. Artists are invited to explore any aspect of this theme, with interpretations that may be literal or abstract. Topics may include the human desire to collect unusual objects, what collections reveal about collectors, how items relate to each other, and collections as metaphors for life. All entries must include a brief artist statement discussing how the work relates to the theme.

Eligibility is open to artists living or working in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. All visual media is welcome, but work must be wall-mounted, less than 9 inches deep, and arrive wired and ready to hang. Sculpture must weigh less than 30 pounds. Works requiring electricity will not be accepted. The entry fee is $40. Work must be available from September 9 through November 11, 2018. The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 40% commission on works sold. All works will be insured for 100% of retail price during the exhibition. Accepted artists will be notified by August 13, 2018.