WCU Fine Art Museum - 54th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

Western Carolina University's Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition is one of the longest-running Catamount art traditions. This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Entries are reviewed by an outside art professional who selects the works for exhibition at the WCU Fine Art Museum. Selected works will be on view at the Museum from February 15 through March 18, 2022. An awards ceremony will be held at the WCU Fine Art Museum on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM. This year, the exhibition juror is Catherine (Cat) Shteynberg, the Assistant Director and Curator of Exhibitions at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at Western Carolina University are eligible to submit artwork for consideration. "Undergraduate" is defined as any student enrolled in a 400 level course or below during the current academic year. Artwork must have been created during the students' time at Western. Art majors and non-art majors are welcome to apply. Artwork previously exhibited in a Juried Undergraduate Exhibition at the WCU Fine Art Museum is not eligible for consideration.

Work Sample Requirements: Submit up to 4 works for consideration with 1-3 views of each entry. Images may include 1-12 total samples. Audio submissions are optional (0-2 files). Video submissions are optional (0-4 files). 2-D and 3-D media should be submitted as images. Graphic design work may be submitted as images or video in JPG format. Websites should include a screenshot and URL link in the description field. Site-specific work must include a photograph, maquette, or other reference. Time-based work (motion graphics, animation, video, sonic art, film, performance art) should be submitted as MP4 video files. Submit a one-paragraph artist statement (50-150 words).

Awards: This exhibition includes cash awards in several media categories, including two awards in 2-D Media, two awards in 3-D Media, 1 award in Design, and 1 award in Time-Based Media, as well as an overall Best in Show.

Artwork Requirements: Artwork must not contain any highly flammable materials, dense organic matter, or strong-smelling materials. The Museum reserves the right to refuse entry to any artwork that may compromise the safety and preservation of its permanent collection or that does not meet accessibility requirements or exceeds gallery size accommodations. 2-D work must be equipped with D-Rings. All 2-D work that fits within a 24x30 inch frame or smaller requires a 45-minute matting and framing appointment with the Museum's Exhibition Designer during February 1-4. All 2-D work that will not fit within a 24x30 inch frame must be submitted framed and ready for display. 3-D work must be stand-alone, have its own pedestal, or fit the Museum's standard pedestals. Site-specific work requiring assembly should be discussed with the Museum's curator prior to application.

Delivery and Pickup: Accepted entries must be delivered to the WCU Fine Art Museum no later than February 4, 2022 at 4:00 PM. Works selected for exhibition will be covered by the Museum's insurance once artwork is received and a receipt is issued. The Museum's insurance does not cover works in transit. Accepted entries must be picked up during Museum open hours from March 22-24, 2022. The Museum reserves the right to dispose of artwork not picked up during this time period.

Deadline: January 18, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Notification of acceptance: January 28, 2022.