2024 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. The historic city of New Bern, the first colonial capital of North Carolina, has become a destination for retirees, families, and tourists, with a rich history and cultural environment that has attracted an active art community.

The 2024 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition offers $5,000 in awards, including a $1,500 CAC&G Permanent Collection Purchase Award. The juror is Jeff Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council. The exhibition will also feature an "Ekphrastic Poetry Competition" where poets create original compositions inspired by artwork in the exhibition, with awards and readings during the August 9th ArtWalk Reception.

All artists 18 years or older may submit original works of art created within the last three years that have not previously been shown at the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. A maximum of three works may be submitted across five categories: 2D (paintings, mixed media), Photography, Contemporary Crafts (pottery, jewelry, textiles, wood, glass, and metal art), Indoor Sculpture, and Outdoor Sculpture. Entry fee is $40 for nonmembers and $35 for current members. All work 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. All outdoor work must be able to withstand outdoor coastal conditions for one year and pose no threat to public safety. Artist notifications will be sent May 25th. Artwork drop-off deadline is June 22nd. The ArtWalk Opening reception is July 12th with awards announced at 6:00pm. Artwork pick-up is August 27-31st.