Forthcoming Art of the Sleeping Bear Dunes calls for submissions
From staff reports
For decades artists have come to Leelanau Peninsula to paint its remarkable natural beauty, finding particular inspiration in what is now the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. The Leelanau Press, a nonprofit publishing company, is undertaking a major effort to recognize the work of artists who have painted in this unique northern Michigan gem. A future publication, Art of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and a major exhibition at the Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City will celebrate what has recently been media-designated as America’s Most Beautiful Place.
Artists are invited to submit up to two entries for inclusion in both the juried exhibition and the professionally designed, full-color hardcover book. Entries will be juried from digital images by two guest jurors using a “blind” numerical identification system. Guest jurors are Mary McNichols, PhD, professor of Art History at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, and Chicago-based artist EW Ross, retired program director of Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck, Mich.
The publication and exhibition will highlight artistic interpretations of the majestic beauty and ever-changing landscape of the Sleeping Bear Dunes — towering dunes, clear waters, pristine forests, historic farmlands and meandering trails- in all seasons. The fine art publication, which will also include essays by Leelanau writers including Jerry Dennis and Kathleen Stocking, has long been the dream of Leelanau Press co-founder Barbara Siepker. “This area is such a special place for so many people, whether they have lived here for decades for come for a short visit. Fortunately artists and writers have found ways to express what resonates with us all and we thought it important that their work be recognized.”
Original, two-dimensional art completed within two years of the entry deadline by artists, 18 or older, is eligible. Eligible media includes: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, mixed media, pastel, pencil, pen and ink, tempera, batik alkyd, scratchboard and original prints. There is a $20 per work entry fee and artists may submit up to two entries.
Deadline for submission of entries is Friday, Oct. 19. Release of the printed book and exhibition opening at the Dennos Museum Center is September 2013. For more information and to receive the project’s prospectus, please contact saxondesigninc@gmail.com.
