The Athenaeum Invitational, 2016

The Athenaeum Invitational celebrates the arts of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia. Underwritten by TTR | Sotheby's International Realty, the exhibition features works by specially-invited artists and artists selected through an open call for submissions. The show is open to anyone living or working in Virginia, the District of Columbia, or Maryland. The exhibition will be held at the Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, VA from September 18 - November 6, 2016.

The theme is "Oh! The joy!" and asks artists to reflect on a moment of pure joy, inspired by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Artists are invited to explore a singular burst of relief and satisfaction after enduring a difficult task, the magic of being struck by something unexpected and delightful, or the sudden transformation experienced in sheer ebullience. All entries must include a brief statement discussing how the work relates to the theme. Works will be selected based on artistic excellence, innovation, creativity, and demonstrated relevance to the theme. A $1500 prize will be awarded to an invited artist, and a $1000 prize will be awarded to an artist from the open call. The show is juried by Athenaeum Gallery Director Twig Murray, with prize winners selected by a noted art expert.

Entry fee is $35.00. Submit 1-3 images of work. All visual media is welcome, but every work must be wall-mounted and less than 9 inches deep. Painting, drawing, collage, etc. must be framed or fully finished, wired, and ready to hang on picture hooks. Sculpture must be less than 9 inches deep and lighter than 30 pounds. Work must be available for exhibition during the full run of the show. The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 30% commission on works sold and issue a check for 70% of the sales price no later than thirty days after the show closes. All works will be insured by the Athenaeum Gallery for 100% of the retail price during the exhibition.