Comunidad: A Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Exhibition & Residency Opportunity

Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America or other regions that identify with the aforementioned cultures. Blue Line Arts will host an exhibition open to Latin and Hispanic artists whose works celebrate or reference their cultural backgrounds, or engage with contemporary political and social issues through their unique cultural lens.

Blue Line Arts recognizes that Hispanic and Latin artists have been historically underrepresented at the institution and is committed to furthering inclusivity and equity in the gallery. The organization encourages all artists who identify as Hispanic, Latinx, Chicanx, whose ancestors hail from Central or South America, Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, any of the indigenous tribes of South and Central America, or any other regions that identify with these cultures to apply. The exhibition is open to all artists 18 and older. Entry fee is $25. Artwork must be submitted as 1-10 images and cannot have been previously exhibited at Blue Line Arts. All artwork must be for sale. Accepted artwork that differs significantly from the submitted image will be disqualified.

Cash prizes include $500 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd Place, $100 for 3rd Place, and $100 for People's Choice Award. The juror is Luis Garcia, an artist, scholar, and former high school art educator. Exhibition dates are September 17 to October 23, with installation September 12-16. Opening reception is September 18 and closing reception is October 18. Non-member artists receive a 50% commission from gallery sales; members receive 60%. Artists are responsible for shipping costs using FedEx or UPS only with prepaid return labels. Two-dimensional artwork must be ready to hang with wire backing only.

An optional Artist in Residence & Teaching Program is available for Hispanic artists living in the Greater Sacramento Region. The selected artist receives a $1,000 stipend plus 50% workshop registration net income. Requirements include collaborating with staff to develop curriculum for K-12 students, teaching at least one youth workshop and one adult workshop, maintaining a minimum of 20 hours in the studio space during gallery hours, and participating in a video interview and virtual reception. The artist will have unrestricted access to studio space during open hours (9-5 Tuesday-Friday, 11-5 Saturday) for the duration of the exhibition and may exhibit and sell current works on consignment. Residency applicants must submit a single PDF containing CV, cover letter, at least 18 image samples with image list, artist statement, teaching philosophy, and optional supporting documentation and professional references.