Blue Sky 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers

Blue Sky, the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, is accepting submissions for the 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers exhibition. Photographers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia are eligible to apply. There is no application fee. Since 2007, Blue Sky has been showcasing diverse photography from the region through the Pacific Northwest Drawers program, which selects photographers to exhibit 10 prints in accessible drawers for one year. An outside jury determines the strongest and most evocative work representing a wide range of styles, subject matter, themes, and photographic processes.

The PNW Drawers exhibition is unique in that visitors are encouraged to handle the art. The exhibition attracts students, curators, collectors, and daily visitors. Blue Sky features all images of each PNW Drawers artist on its website, along with artist statements and bios. Gallery events throughout the year support and celebrate the PNW Drawers artists. The 2023 juror is Crista Dix, Executive Director at the Griffin Museum of Photography.

Submissions must include exactly 10 images (no watermarks) from a single series or body of work created within the last five years. If previously featured in PNW Drawers, submissions must be new or different work. Applicants must provide details about each print (title, medium, dimensions, price, date), an artist CV, and a brief artist statement not exceeding 300 words. If accepted, works must be delivered matted and/or mounted, with matted or mounted sizes not exceeding 20" x 24" x 1.5" when stacked. Accepted artists will be notified no later than February 1, 2023. Works must be received by March 15, 2023, and will debut publicly on April 6, 2023. All prints selected are eligible for sale with 50% commission retained by Blue Sky. Only one entry per artist is permitted.