Wings From Chains

The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia invites artists living or working in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia to submit work for Wings From Chains, an exhibition timed to coincide with the annual meeting of the Women's Caucus for Art (WCA) in Washington, DC. A portion of all sales will benefit the WCA.

The exhibition theme invites artists to consider women's roles and responsibilities in society—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—and explore the transformation from oppression to liberation, shame to pride, or drudgery into art. Possible concepts include transforming traditional female home chores into high art, transforming the shackles of traditional gender norms into means of retribution or liberation, transforming the perception of oppressed fictional or historic female characters into stories of freedom and satisfaction, or exploring what women might find within themselves when faced with oppressive situations. Contemporary, historical, stereotypical, and fictional references are all welcome. Creative interpretations of the theme are encouraged.

Works will be selected by Athenaeum Gallery Director Twig Murray based on artistic excellence, successful interpretation of the theme, and how individual works create a solid exhibition. 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 from February 4–March 13, 2016. Entry fee is $35.00 ($30.00 for Women's Caucus for Art members). Submit 1–3 images. The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 20% commission on works sold, the Women's Caucus for Art will receive a 20% commission, and the gallery will issue a check for 60% of the sales price to the artist no later than thirty days after the show closes. Work does not have to be for sale to be included in the show. All works will be insured by the Athenaeum Gallery for 100% of the retail price from January 31–March 13, 2016.