Call for Entries: "Open/Closed", 2025 POP Exhibition and Auction 

Submission Period: December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
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The Professional Outreach Program (POP) is pleased to announce the theme for its 19th annual show and auction: "Open/Closed", an exhibition of boxes. Each year, these shows have featured an exciting mix of excellent work created by a roster of national and international established and emerging artists. POP themes are chosen to provide a dynamic springboard for creative ideas and a showcase for extraordinary small-scale work. Psychology has shown that limits spur creative thinking, and the format of the box and limitation in size (6"x 6"x 6", or 15cm x 15cm x 15cm) provide creative constraints that we hope will spark your imagination and ingenuity.

Eligibility/submission details
• The show is open to any current AAW member anywhere in the world, and to fulltime students in art, design, or industry-related degree programs, regardless of AAW membership status. 
• Entry fee: $25 for up to three separate pieces. Fees are waived for students in full-time accredited art- or wood industry-related programs or apprenticeships.
• A 100-word or shorter theme statement connecting your piece to the exhibition theme is required.
• Work must be a box, actual or conceptual.
• All types of turnings are welcome: sculptural, functional, segmented, ornamental, green-turned, etc. 
• All entries must include turning, but any material may be used.
• Work, as it will be displayed, must fit into the area of a 6" (interior dimensions) cube.  

• Submission period: December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CST. All artists will be notified by February 15, 2025.

Other info:

About photographs: Since the show is juried through photographs, it is important that images be clear, properly exposed, and in focus. You may provide up to three images for each entry, and we strongly recommend sending multiple images. The main image should be an overall shot; the remaining two images can include details or alternative views. Do not watermark or include your name on the images. A plain background is preferred for jurying, and Instagram-style images are discouraged. 
Submit digital images in .jpg format, maximum size 2 MB per file. 

On view: Open/Closed will premiere at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and be on view March 16 to May 18, 2025. The exhibition will be on view at the AAW International Woodturning Symposium, also in Saint Paul, from June 12-15, 2025. The live/online auction will be held June 14, 2025.

Delivery and display:  Accepted work must be shipped to arrive at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art in Saint Paul by March 1, 2025. Artwork must be ready for installation—freestanding or with an easel or other support provided. Support subject to approval.

Sales/auction: This show concludes with a live and online auction at the AAW Symposium. Funds raised support POP programs, including the Instant Gallery awards, critiques, fellowships, Artist Showcase, panel discussions, and other professional development initiatives.
Artists may set a reserve price and retain up to 50% of the proceeds.
Catalog Artworks will be professionally photographed and compiled in a full-color catalog. Participating artists receive complimentary copies.

Questions? Contact Tib Shaw, [email protected]