2019 Athenaeum Invitational: Board: Out of Our Minds!

The Athenaeum Invitational celebrates the visual arts of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and West Virginia at the Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, VA. This theme-based exhibition features works by specially-invited artists and artists selected through an open call to anyone living or working in VA/DC/MD/WV. The 2019 theme is "Board: Out of Our Minds!" Artists can submit work relating to board games in any way—exploring a real or imagined board game, an environment where board games are being played, people playing board games, or developing an original board game using their chosen style and media.

Artists may submit 1-3 images. All entries must be wall-mounted, wired and ready to hang with picture hooks. Works must be less than 6 inches deep and weigh no more than 20 pounds. All visual media is welcome, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. Works requiring electricity will not be accepted. All entries must include a brief artist statement or description (up to 750 words) explaining how the work relates to the theme or the key concepts of the game. Selection criteria include aesthetic excellence, mastery of media, creativity, thoughtfulness, relevance to the theme, and creative concept and game design.

The exhibition runs September 12 - November 10, 2019. Entry fee is $40. Artists will be notified of acceptance by August 8, 2019. Accepted works must be delivered to the gallery by Monday, September 9 between 10 am and 3 pm. The opening reception is Sunday, September 15, 4-6 pm. Unsold works must be removed on Sunday, November 10 between 4-5:30 pm. The Athenaeum Gallery retains a 40% commission on works sold and issues payment within 30 days of the show closing. All works are insured by the Athenaeum Gallery for 100% of retail price or stated value during the exhibition. Prizes include $1500 for best work by an invited artist, $1000 for best work from the open call, $500 for best core concept and game design, and a $500 viewers' choice award.