[UPDATE] Common Threads Exhibition - Information and Submission Instructions

2023 marks the centennial anniversary of the Camas Public Library. Throughout 2023, the Library will celebrate its long history as well as the history of Camas and its community. The Second Story Gallery is taking this opportunity to present the exhibition Common Threads. The exhibition will run May-June 2023. We encourage local artists to submit artwork that engages with the history of this region, and/or reflects on its community and environment. 

[UPDATE: Submission Deadline extended until MARCH 17, 2023]

Theme:

The theme is local history. However, the history of this region encompasses far more than just what is included in news headlines. It includes personal, social, cultural, and environmental history. We invite artists to reflect on the many facets of our region’s rich history in their artwork.

Eligibility

• Artists must reside in the greater Camas, Vancouver, and Washougal area.
• Work must have been completed within the last five years.
• Artist must be at least 16 years old.
• Work submitted must be original in both concept and design.
• Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork can be submitted.
• The jury retains the right to refuse work that, in its judgment, does not meet the eligibility requirements.

Submission Process

All submissions must be entered via this online form: CamasPL.org/submit-art. You may submit up to 4 pieces of artwork. Your submission must include the following:

• A digital photo of each piece of artwork.
• Dimensions of artwork.
• Medium / material.
• Sale price if artwork is for sale.
• Artist Bio.
• Artists Statement (optional).

Additional Notes:

• If the artwork is 2-dimensional, it must be ready to hang with hooks or wire installed.
• The number of pieces accepted will depend of space available.
• The Gallery has an Arakawa hanging system with cables and a variety of hooks. Each hanger will hold 50 pounds.
• Any work sold during your exhibit must remain on display until the end of the show. Your name and contact information will be posted in the gallery. Sales will be between the buyer and the artist. If a buyer is dropping payment off for the artist, the Library is willing to hold the payment for the artist, but cannot process credit card transactions.
• While every endeavor will be made to keep the art safe, the gallery is not responsible for any damage to the artwork incurred while in the gallery.
• Artists who are accepted into in the show must sign a Gallery Agreement.

Criteria

Artwork submissions will be reviewed and selected by the jurors (listed below). Works will be judged based on originality, technical quality, and thematic depth.

Jurors

• Bradley Richardson, Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum
• Deborah Nagano, local artist and Camas Representative for the Clark County Arts Commission
• Uta Zuendel, local artist and longtime Camas resident          
• The Second Story Gallery Citizen Advisory Board
• The Second Story Gallery Library Committee

Timeline

• Submissions can be submitted starting on Friday, November 4^th.
• Deadline for submitting is Friday, MARCH 17th.
• Artists will be notified if their work has been accepted into the show by Friday, March 24^th.
• Artists that were included in the show, can drop off their artwork at the gallery between Monday, April 3^rd and Friday, April 14^th.
• Exhibit runs through the months of May and June.
• Opening reception is on Friday, May 5^th from 5-8 pm.
• Artists can pick up their work from gallery from Monday, June 26^th –June 30^th.

Inspiration

If artists are interested in digging deeper into the history of our area, we recommend a visit to the Clark County Historical Museum and The Two Rivers Heritage Museum. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the submission process, feel free to email secondstorygallery@cityofcamas.us