by Katie Wilde
Thursday, May 5, 2016 promises to be a densely artistic evening in downtown Guelph, thanks to Guelph Pride.
Guelph Pride is currently seeking artists to take part in “Come Together”, an open art exhibition exploring themes of equality, togetherness, and respect. Details on how to submit can be found below.
The opening night of the exhibition will be May 5, from 7-9pm at 10 Carden St., across from City Hall. This public celebration and social is a great time to view the art, meet artists, organizers, and other community members. Attendees can expect thought-provoking art, light food and drinks, music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Organizer Taras Lachowsky says he “Wants families to enjoy this show, to take time to think seriously,” and describes how, within the wider context of Guelph Pride festivities, the art show is there “with its own purpose”, providing an opportunity to reflect on the themes of equality, togetherness and respect. The show is installed for the month of May, so there will be time to come back and give the work another quiet look after you enjoy the opening festivities.
We’ve consistently seen this show attract diverse, high-quality and interesting visual art. You’re guaranteed to be exposed to something new and wonderful, so make sure you come out to the opening. Many works will be for sale; don’t be too shy to ask about your favourites. Stick around to see who will be awarded prizes for Best of Show, Honourable Mention, and People’s Choice.
Following right on the heels of the “Come Together” exhibition opening, the art goes aural, with an open mic-style spoken word event featuring slam poetry and readings, at The Common on Wilson St. at 9pm. At roughly 50 feet from 10 Carden’s door, it’s a natural next step.
If you’d like to try spoken word for the first time, Guelph Pride is inviting community members who want to read their poetry (slam or not) or read a favourite piece of literary work. There will also be a selection of awesome authors from the Out on the Shelf collection available to read from. Again, the event is open mic-style, so no need to sign up ahead of time.
From there, jaunt around the corner to join the dance party at the eBar, part of the proceeds from which will go to Guelph Pride.
That’s just Thursday! Check out the rest of Guelph Pride’s fantastic artistic and social events all week long here: http://guelphpride.com/events.html
“Come Together” Guelph Pride Art Show 2016 – SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Eligibility
The theme is equality, togetherness, respect.
2D wall-mounted artwork that’s ready-to-hang. Small to medium sized works are best but large pieces could be accommodated and will be considered. Submit up to two works.
LGTBQ+ and allies are welcome and eligible to apply. All ages.
Guelph Pride has the right to refuse any artwork that is deemed inappropriate, offensive or hateful.
This exhibition is inclusive and not juried for artistic quality. If you have something you’d like to express with your art, don’t worry that you’re not ‘good enough’. Send in your submission.
Accessibility: The exhibition space and washroom are not 100% accessible, but do have ramps.
There is no charge to artists to apply or show. You could even win award money or sell your work to someone who loves it. Get a few business cards ready to be sure your contact information is easily visible and “takeable” next to your work, since attendees will need to contact you directly to inquire about a purchase.
What to send
All submission can be emailed to ‘[email protected]’ with your name, phone number, email, the medium and dimensions of the artwork. Please attach a jpeg photo of the works you’re submitting. Indicate whether the work will be for sale and your asking price. No commission will be taken. Submissions due by Saturday, April 23rd, 2016.
