Abandoned and Discovered in the Midwest

Abandoned and Discovered in the Midwest is a juried exhibition exploring the Midwest's unique regions—the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Rust Belt, and Heartland—and their constant state of change. The exhibition invites visual artists, sculptors, and photographers 18 and older from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to submit work interpreting themes of abandonment, discovery, environmental and industrial change, and regional transformation.

The exhibition runs June 4–29, 2024, at the gallery located inside the historic Alberta House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, one block from the Soo Locks. The opening reception and awards ceremony is June 8. Cash awards include $400 for best of show, $300 for runner up, and $100 for third place. The juror is Charles Colbert, an art historian with a PhD from Harvard University and a 37-year teaching career at Boston College, Middlebury College, and Portland State University. He is also an active visual artist working in landscape painting, portraiture, and collage.

Artists may submit 1–3 images of original artwork in any medium, including sculpture, photography, fiber, and mixed media. Both 2-D and 3-D work are accepted; all 2-D art must be gallery ready to hang. All work must be for sale with a 30% gallery commission. The entry fee is $25. Applications are due May 4, 2024. Notifications will be sent May 8. Selection drop-off or shipping receiving date is June 1, with art pick-up on July 1. Shipped work must include pre-paid return shipping.