West Michigan Area Show 2018

West Michigan Area Show 2018 runs May 26 - September 2, 2018. Eligibility is open to all artists 18 years or older residing in the following Michigan counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.

Only original work of the artist's own design, completed within the last 2 years will be accepted. Digital media, 2-D, and 3-D works in any medium are eligible. Work may not exceed six feet (72") on any side and must be on view the entire duration of the exhibition. All wall-hung works must be framed with proper hanging devices (wires and/or "D"-rings) attached; no clip frames are permitted. The KIA reserves the right to refuse any work that is inappropriate, framed inadequately, or misrepresented by entry image.

Entry fee is $20 per work; maximum 3 works may be submitted. Submissions must include 1-3 images and/or 0-3 videos (minimum 1 total sample). Works accepted into the exhibition must be received no later than 2 p.m., May 19, 2018. Hand delivery is available May 17-19 (Thursday/Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 12 – 2 p.m.), or works may be shipped via UPS or FedEx with return postage and return mailing labels. Works requiring special installation must be pre-arranged by calling 269.349.7775, ext. 3131, no later than May 14.

Awards include: $1,000 Helen Sheridan Memorial Grand Prize, $500 Second Place, $400 Third Place, $300 Fourth Place, $200 Fifth Place, $500 Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo's People's Choice Award, and numerous category-specific awards including the Portage Community Art Award ($1,000 plus fall exhibition in Portage City Hall). Special award categories exist for art quilts, mixed media/intermedia, printmaking, glass, jewelry, fiber, ceramics, and other media. Artist notification is May 8, 2018. Opening reception is Thursday, May 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., with awards announced at 6:30 p.m. Accepted art pickup is Tuesday, September 5, 2018. All work is submitted at the owner's risk; the KIA will not insure works during transit or while on its premises.