Whimsy: Botanical Art and Illustration

This exhibition is open to artists who have participated in courses at Denver Botanic Gardens' School of Botanical Art and Illustration after June 2015. Two-dimensional artworks of all levels and in any media taught in the school are welcome. All artwork must be original; photography and digitally generated work will not be accepted, nor will giclée prints or offset lithographs.

The organizing theme centers on plates that are playful, humorous, unusual, or unique. Artists are encouraged to take poetic license. Jurors will look for works that either offer a unique interpretation of the subject matter or feature a plant that is inherently whimsical. All submissions—whether traditionally based, contemporary, or experimental—are welcome. If scale is included on the plate, only metric units are allowed.

Each artist may submit up to three two-dimensional entries. Digital files must be submitted via CallforEntry.org as JPG files only, with a minimum of 1920 pixels on the longest side and 5.0 MB maximum. File names should follow the format: LastName_Title (e.g., Smith_Planta communis). Submissions are accepted September 1–September 22, 2017, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on September 22. Upon acceptance, artists will submit matted artwork only (no frame). Mats must be 4- or 8-ply white rag, fitting exactly into a 16" x 20" frame (interior measurement), with both a backing board and face mat. Artwork must be delivered in appropriate housing labeled with the artist's name. While on site, artwork is insured by Denver Botanic Gardens. A valuation of each piece must be provided on the entry form. Denver Botanic Gardens curators will review submissions, judging according to the standards of the media (composition, technical skills, and botanical accuracy) along with thematic relevance. Contact [email protected] with questions.