Palimpsest: Exploring Contemporary Calligraphy

Palimpsest: Exploring Contemporary Calligraphy is an exposition for Southeast calligraphers, presented as part of the Bob Jones University Division of Art + Design Legacy Series exhibitions. The exhibition will be held October 1 - November 30, 2021, in the Art + Design Department Exhibition Corridor in the Sargent Art Building on Bob Jones University campus in Greenville, SC.

This call invites calligraphers and lettering artists in the Southeastern United States to submit work displaying significant exploration of contemporary innovations in the art of fine lettering. The exhibition is also open to all Bob Jones University Alumni. The theme, Palimpsest, asks applicants to explore layers of knowledge stemming from early manuscript writing and illumination to recent playful manipulation of letter forms. Work must creatively respond to this theme while exemplifying technical proficiency. Eligible mediums include 2-D work in any stable medium on any flat surface that can be matted and framed, 2-D work on gallery-ready support, or 3-D work in stable form including original art books. Eligibility is open to artists who live in the Southeastern United States and are 18 and older, as well as all BJU Alumni. Submissions must be original works created within the last five years. Due to the educational purpose of the exhibition and University mission, works that are explicit in language, content, or tone will not be considered for selection.

Entry fee is $30.00 (nonrefundable), which permits submission of up to three works. Each artist may submit up to three pieces in digital format (JPEG only) with file dimension of no less than 1200 pixels on the longest side and no greater than 5MB. Flat pieces must arrive matted or mounted on a horizontal or vertical 16 x 20 inch or 24 x 36 inch white or off-white mat. 3-D, gallery-wrapped canvas, mounted panel pieces, or calligraphic books must be gallery ready. Frames will be provided by Bob Jones University for selected flat pieces. Results will be emailed the week of September 7, 2021. Selected works must be received by September 24, 2021. Shipping to and from the exhibition is the artist's responsibility. The exhibition will be juried by Kathryn Bell, retired Department Head of the Department of Art Education at Bob Jones University, who has 40 years of experience in calligraphy and lettering. Artworks will be offered for sale at a price set by the artist, with a 15% commission fee deducted from the sales price. Artists can choose to designate work as "not for sale."