2018 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition

Bank of the Arts is housed in a historic turn-of-the-century former bank building featuring impressive original plaster work pillars and decoration illuminated by a large skylight and modern lighting fixtures. The Craven Arts Council & Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of local, regional, and national art in three gallery spaces. New Bern, the first colonial capital of North Carolina, is a prime destination for retirees, families, and tourists with a rich history and active art community.

The 2018 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition offers $6,000 in awards, including the $1,500 CAC&G Permanent Collection Purchase Award. The juror is Adam Justice, Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC. The exhibition will also feature the "Ekphrastic Poetry Competition," where poets create original compositions inspired by artwork in the exhibition, with awards and readings during the October 5th Artwalk Reception. The poetry juror is Joe Mills, a poet in residence at Salem College and contributor to Garrison Keillor's NPR program The Writer's Almanac.

Artists 18 years or older may submit up to three original works created within the last three years in the following categories: 2D (paintings, mixed media), Photography, Contemporary Crafts (pottery, jewelry, textiles, wood, glass and metal art), Indoor Sculpture, and Outdoor Sculpture. Works must not have been previously shown at the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. The entry fee is $35. All work to be hung must be professionally framed and/or securely wired. Hanging pieces must not exceed 8 feet in any direction. Gallery sculpture must not exceed 100 lbs. Outdoor work must be able to withstand coastal conditions for one year and pose no threat to public safety. All entries are available for sale with a 30% commission taken by the Craven Arts Council & Gallery; no NFS (not for sale) or POR (price on request) pieces will be accepted. Accepted works should arrive between August 14th and September 1st, 2018. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs and arrangements. The Craven Arts Council will insure up to 70% of the consignment value, not to exceed $2,500. Outdoor sculpture will be displayed for one year and may be picked up in September and October of 2019 by appointment. Gallery work not picked up by 5:00pm on January 2nd, 2019, becomes the property of the Craven Arts Council & Gallery.