Best of the West Three Dimensional Art Competition of Western Maryland

The Best of the West show is a collaborative effort of the Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett county arts councils to draw attention to the creative strength of Western Maryland artists. This traveling exhibition will feature three-dimensional artwork from artists residing in or maintaining studios in Frederick, Washington, Allegany, or Garrett counties.

Three-dimensional art is defined as any artwork which, in its final form, is not flat. This includes ceramics, woodworking, metal work, furniture, glasswork, 3D printing, fiber art, found-object sculpture, multidimensional photographic and installation art. Printmaking, painting, and other typically two-dimensional art manipulated to be displayed in three-dimensions would also qualify. Framed or unframed two-dimensional art which hangs on a wall does not qualify.

The first venue will be the Allegany Arts Council's Saville Gallery in Cumberland, opening October 14 and running through November 12. The second venue will be in Frederick at a location and dates yet to be determined, expected before the end of the holiday season. Other venues are yet to be determined, with exploration of pop-up possibilities in Baltimore, Annapolis, or Washington DC. Fifteen pieces from each county will be selected by a committee organized by the participating Arts Councils, with individual artists represented by up to 5 pieces. Entry fee is $20.00 plus a $10.00 media fee. Applicants may submit 1-6 total work samples (images and/or video). All artwork will be dropped off at Saville Gallery on Tuesday, October 11 at 9 N. Centre St., Cumberland. Professional art handlers will transport artwork from Cumberland to Frederick. Artists are responsible for picking up their artwork from the last venue or arranging for shipment with prepaid shipping.