Call for Entries Deadline February 28, 2022
We are proud to continue the longstanding tradition of our late founder Jan Sullivan. The purpose of the exhibition is to promote the creation and recognition of original quality 2-dimensional works of art, as well as ceramic arts. The exhibition attracts entries from aspiring and established artists from Northwest Indiana, Chicago suburbs and Southwest Michigan and beyond.
The entry process is entirely online with a deadline for submissions at midnight on February 28, 2022. To learn more visit www.artbarnschool.org. The exhibition opens April 2 and will run through May 19, 2022 with an opening reception scheduled for April 9 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Awards presentation begins at 7:00pm.
Artist James Swanson will bring an expert eye to this year’s artwork selection process, and as juror he will help Art Barn ensure the highest standards and integrity.
Art Barn provides numerous purchase and merit awards totaling $4,000.
All proceeds generated from this exhibition, aside from awards, support Art Barn School of Art educational programs and exhibitions
The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age and up and living in the United States. We accept up to 2 entries for $35, plus $5 for one additional entry. All entries must be of original design and personal execution.
We accept 2-dimensional media including, but not limited to, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography and/or printmaking. Additionally we accept ceramics works which may be 2 or 3-Dimensional and be functional or non-functional (only single pieces, no sets).
Our 2022 Juror, James Swanson, originally from Beloit, WI, sought to be a forest ranger but found (in his words) he “was better at painting trees than identifying them”. He received his BFA from The Columbus College of Art and Design where he studied illustration and later worked as an art director for ad agencies in Chicago, IL. He created and illustrated posters, ads, books, magazine covers and animations. Clients included: Budweiser, Bud Light, ESPN, US Tennis Open, The USA Olympic Volleyball Team, The Belmont Stakes, McDonalds, Kraft, and Soap Box Derby. Swanson discovered his passion for Plein Air painting (painting outdoors) while painting with friends.
James Swanson is represented in galleries around the United States. He is a Signature Artist member of The National Oil & Acrylic Society, The American Impressionists Society, and The Oil Painters of America. He has received numerous Best of Show Awards as well as the Quinquagenary Grand Prize in Painting at the 73rd Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition at the Swope Art Museum, which was later purchased by the Art Museum for their collection.
In 2014 Swanson began “Dog Day Month” challenges to celebrate the life of his Golden Retriever Atticus. He paints an oil painting a day for one month using images sent to him by social media followers. Purchase proceeds are then donated to Paws Chicago. Learn more about this charitable endeavor visit https://www.jamesswansonpainting.com/dog-day-month-4.
James Swanson also regularly teaches classes and workshops and has reached international audiences online through Zoom. April 22 - 23, 2022 Art Barn School of Art will host a 2-day in-person workshop “K-9 Portraits with James Swanson”.
Juror’s Statement
“I have worked in many mediums over my career and appreciate all kinds of artwork. During my review of submissions I'll be looking for strong ideas, design and composition, as well as excellence in draftsmanship, use of color and technique.”
Artwork documentation workshop:
Image quality provides the juror a more accurate representation of one's artwork, so proper documentation is key for a good submission. In order to assist those new to online submission processes Art Barn is offering a workshop on Friday, February 11 from 10:00am to noon. Instructor Deb Armstrong will walk students through how to set up lighting and will provide tips on how to capture their artwork, basic file management, and how to upload digital images. There will be time for Q&A before and after class. The cost to participate in the workshop is $35/person.
ABOUT ART BARN SCHOOL OF ART
Art Barn School of Art is dedicated to fostering a love of art in its unique 69-acre environment in Porter County, IN. The Art Barn offers a full range of art education classes for children and adults and is a venue for performing arts and weddings. In September, Art Barn hosts its annual outdoor Art Blitz which engages visitors in art-making, demonstrations, live music and food..