Gift of Life

Historian and author Cynthia Greenlee said, 'Black women's maternal death rate has been shockingly high for decades, with few voices outside public health communities calling for action. What will it take to get people to recognize not just the racial disparity in death rates but the disparity in concern over U.S. Black women's health and lives'

The United States has the highest mortality rates of any developed country. While the crisis of maternal mortality in this country plagues us all, an acute burden is experienced disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, and other women of color. Beloved members of our community are dying at rates greater than any other high-wealth nation. The neurological and physiological effects of historic and systemic patriarchy and racism have dire consequences. Education alone cannot change the stats. These painful truths demand artists' immediate attention: women shouldn't die giving life.

As a call to action, the Women's Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC (WCADC) invites artists based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia to submit work focused on the theme of maternal health. Through our art, we can raise awareness of and resources for this critical issue.

Artwork focused on any of the following imagery will be considered:
- Pregnancy and birth
- Nursing / breastfeeding / nurturing
- Maternal and infant morbidity
- Mothering / parenting
- Women's health conditions
- Maternal health conditions, i.e. eclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.

Artists may submit 1 to 3 pieces for consideration.

KEY DATES

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
January 17, 2025

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS
On or around January 26. All artists who have submitted artwork will be notified by email. The email will come from [email protected]. You will receive notification even if no artwork has been selected. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam or trash folder and contact WCADC.

HAND-DELIVERY OF ARTWORK
The artwork must be hand-delivered on March 3, 2025. Shipped artwork is not accepted for this exhibition.

EXHIBITION DATES
Wednesday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 26, 2025

ARTIST RECEPTION
Friday, March 7, 5 to 8 pm

PICK-UP OF ARTWORK
Thursday, March 27, time to be determined

ELIGIBILITY
Women artists based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia are eligible to submit. Payment of $25 for Women's Caucus for Art members and $35 for non-members per entry.

NON-REFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE
Payment of $25 (twenty-five dollars) for Women's Caucus for Art members and $35 (thirty-five dollars) for non-members per entry. An entry consists of one to three pieces of artwork submitted. Credit card payment through PayPal only. You do not need a PayPal account to pay through PayPal.

PLEASE READ - WCA MEMBERS
On the last page before finalizing your entry, there is a field to the right of the screen, above the SUBMIT THIS ENTRY button that reads - If you have a coupon code, enter it here before you submit your entry. Enter WCADC for the coupon and the $25 fee will be reflected in PayPal.

WHY IS THERE A FEE?
A portion of entry fees for this exhibition will be donated to WCADC's Visual Arts Scholarship which recognizes artistic excellence among Black, Indigenous, and other students of color enrolled in high school within the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. To learn more about the scholarship program, please visit https://www.wcadc.org/scholarship.

CATEGORIES ACCEPTED
Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, hangable assemblage, collage, mixed media, and fiber art.

This exhibition cannot accept jewelry, sculpture or works requiring a pedestal, video, film, performance art, or works requiring an external electrical source and installation.

ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE
2-Dimensional Work: no larger than 48 x 48 inches


ARTWORK PRESENTATION
Artworks must arrive exhibition-ready. Be sure to wire 2-dimensional pieces for proper hanging.

VENUE
Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Dr., Suite 210,
Rockville, MD 20852

JUROR: Justyne Fischer, Curator and Social Justice Printmaker
Justyne Fischer is an award-winning printmaker whose work focuses on social and historical issues. Fischer examines blackness, the legacy of racism and memorializes pivotal figures and events in American history. Fischer's recent print collections include 'Social Memorials', 'Bad Asses from History', and her newest series 'Burned in History'.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS
Each JPG/PNG image file must be named with the artist's first_lastname_title (example: Vincent_Vangogh_Starrynight.jpg). Image file should not be larger than 5MB and 1400px wide. Images should be clear, good quality, and taken without frames or additional text added.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE - LIABILITY
During the term of the consignment, the Gallery shall make every effort to provide safekeeping of all the Work consigned while in possession of it. The Artist shall not hold Gallery employees, staff, or volunteers liable for any damage or loss for any reason. Events, workshops, and parties may be held in the gallery spaces throughout the duration of an artist's exhibit, both during and after operating hours. The Gallery shall make every effort to ensure that potential renters respect the space and the Work. It is strongly recommended that the Artist carry insurance or obtain a rider for the duration of the exhibit. Artist agrees to indemnify and save the Gallery harmless against and from any and all liability, damages, expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, claims and demands of every kind, that may be brought against it, for or on account of any damage, loss or injury to persons or property in or about the Premises during the term of this exhibit, or during any occupancy by Artist prior to the commencement of this exhibit.

SALES OF ART
75% of the sale will go to the artist, 25% of the sale will go to Artists & Makers Studios. Items sold must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] with any questions.