Appalachian Nature Art Competition & Exhibition

The Allegany Arts Council invites entries to the Appalachian Nature Art Competition & Exhibition, a national competition open to all artists working in traditional media. The exhibition will be held at the Saville Gallery, 9 N. Centre St., Cumberland, MD (two hours from Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC) from June 17-July 9, 2016. The opening reception is Saturday, June 18 at 6 pm, with a demonstration by juror Paul Rhymer.

The competition seeks artwork expressing the rich diversity of nature, including wildlife, flora, landscapes, sporting art, and decoys. Artwork constructed of natural materials celebrating nature in conceptual or abstract ways is also accepted. Traditional media such as paint, printmaking, ceramic, stone, bronze, and wood are eligible. Photography, digital painting, and other digital art forms are not accepted. The juror is Paul Rhymer, a nationally known wildlife artist whose work is installed at the National Zoo, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Denver Zoo. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded, with prizes given in each category (Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional) if the juror sees merit.

Entries must be submitted through the CaFÉ online entry system by May 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Artists may submit 1 to 6 digital images or videos of their work. The entry fee is $30 for up to two entries and $5 for each additional entry (Allegany Arts Council members pay $20 for up to two entries). Each artist may enter up to 6 pieces total. Artwork must have been created in the last three years and never previously exhibited at the Saville Gallery. Two-dimensional work may not exceed 48" in width including the frame; three-dimensional artwork may not have a footprint exceeding 48" x 48". All accepted work must be for sale and priced with intent to sell. The Allegany Arts Council retains a 40% commission on all artwork sold. During the exhibition, artwork will be insured for 60% of its retail value. Artists are responsible for shipping costs and must arrange return shipping in advance.