Plants, Birds & Pollinators: Art Serving Science

Denver Botanic Gardens and the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) announce a juried exhibition for GNSI members highlighting plants, birds, and pollinators. Original art only (including digitally created work) in two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats will be selected. Oil or photography will not be accepted. The exhibition will display contemporary artist renderings of plants only or animals only (birds, pollinating mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians). Judging weight will be given to images that emphasize plants and their relationship with their pollinators or seed scatterers.

Open to current GNSI members only. The exhibition will be mounted in Denver Botanic Gardens' indoor courtyard/gallery area. Two-dimensional and small three-dimensional works will be selected for installation indoors. Smaller three-dimensional works will be mounted within a glass display case and will not be accessible for touching. Artists must submit one image of the artwork to be evaluated by jurors, with the option to submit up to two artworks for consideration. A brief artist statement (not exceeding 250 words or 1000 characters) offering context for the artwork and rationale for relevance to this show is required. The $25 entry fee per artist allows up to two artworks for consideration.

Eligibility: Only artists maintaining current GNSI membership are eligible. Artists must be willing to deliver or ship artwork to and pick up from Denver Botanic Gardens at their own expense. All two-dimensional artworks must arrive matted only, with no frame. Mats must be 4- or 8-ply white rag, fitting exactly into a 16" x 20" frame (interior measurement, vertical or horizontal). Smaller 3-D works cannot exceed a depth of 11". Once accepted, artists may make artworks available for sale, subject to a 30% commission. Artworks must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Acceptances will be sent via email by September 30, 2013. Artwork must be delivered to DBG no later than October 28, 2013 at 5pm.