VAGF is calling all visual artists in North Texas to submit their finest work for this "best of the best" open-theme exhibition.

Submission deadline: October 14, 2023

Entries will be accepted in the categories of Painting, Drawing, Photography, Mixed Media, and Sculpture (see sculpture guidelines below). The subject matter is open. All works must be the original concept of the artist and must not have been previously shown in juried VAGF shows.

If interested, submit up to 3 images of your artworks as JPEG for consideration by October 14, 2023. The show will be curated by several visual art professionals.

Artists will be notified of acceptance into the show by October 18, 2023. Accepted works must be delivered to the Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N Dallas Parkway, Frisco TX 75034 on Sunday, November 5, 2023 between 12:00pm - 2:00pm.

The works must be picked up on Sunday, December 10, 2023, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please note that the failure to pick up the artwork during the designated time will incur storage fees of $10 per day. 

A number of works will be selected for the extended run of the show at the Sweetwaters Coffee Shop in Frisco; those artists will be contacted to make arrangements for transfer of the artworks from Frisco Discovery Center.

All submitted works should be ready-to-hang with wire taut at the upper fourth of the frame. Saw hook hanging will not be accepted. All works on 1/2” canvases should be framed. All the works on 1” to 2” canvases need to have neatly painted edges if not framed.

Hanging artworks should be no wider than 48 inches, and no taller than 60 inches. 

Sculpture guidelines: Due to the nature of the venue, we can accept sculptures that are freestanding and not easily damaged. Alternatively, we will have a small number of vitrines available for sculptures up to 24x20x20 inches. If the sculpture is big and heavy and not designed to be displayed on the floor, we encourage the artist to provide a pedestal for display of the artwork. Multi-unit works must be connected so that they can be hung / displayed as a single unit.

This is a juried exhibition with cash prizes as follows:

Best in show $1,000.00

2nd place $700.00

3rd place $500.00

Honorable mentions of $200.00 each, and

"Art that Speaks to Me" Award, $200.00

VAGF retains 20% commission from all sales generated through the show. Prizes are funded by submissions fees, VAGF membership fees, donors, sponsors, and grants.

The Opening Reception: Sunday November 12, 2023, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Frisco Discovery Center.

Exhibition runs November 8 through December 10, 2023. A portion of the commission from artwork sold during the show will be donated to Frisco Fastpacs. 

Show Jurors

Main Juror – Nancy Cohen Israel, Manager of Docent Programs, Meadows Museum.

Nancy Cohen Israel is a Dallas-based art historian, writer and educator. Over the past 30 years, she has been a presence in the local art world, serving in a multitude of roles, including museum educator, gallery director, lecturer, curator and juror, as well as the owner of Art à la Carte. In the latter capacity, she organized and led art tours for 15 years through her popular program, Second Saturdays. Nancy has been a regular contributor to Patron magazine since its inception in 2011. She continues to cover the visual and performing arts in North Texas and beyond, for Patron as well as for the Dallas Arts District Guide. Prior to joining the Meadows Museum in her current position as the Manager of Docent Programs, Nancy spent many years lecturing through the museum’s dynamic public programming. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Humanities Honors program at the University of Texas at Austin, where she concentrated on Late Medieval Art and Literature. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Art History from the George Washington University, where her focus was on Renaissance painting.

Special Juror, "Art That Speaks to Me Award" – Heather Canterbury, Executive Director, Frisco Fastpacs

Heather Canterbury has served as the Executive Director of Frisco Fastpacs since 2016, driving the overall vision and strategy for the organization. Originally from Oklahoma, Heather attended Northeastern State University majoring in Psychology and moved to the area to obtain her Master of Science in Kinesiology from University of North Texas. Her introduction to non-profit organizations was as a high school student volunteer, where a passion grew for serving others. Heather has been working and advocating for non-profits for over 20 years; Special Olympics Texas and C.H.A.I. Dallas, to name a few. Heather serves on the Frisco Bowl Golf Classic committee, the Leadership Frisco Advisory Council through the Frisco Chamber and the District Advisory Council for Frisco ISD. She is an 11-year member of Frisco Women’s League (FWL), where she serves in a volunteer capacity with numerous organizations around the community. Heather has previously served on the FWL board of directors, as Chairperson for the Frisco Young Professionals, and is a proud graduate of Frisco Leadership Class 20. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband Chad and two girls, Peyton and Campbell.

LIABILITY: 

Visual Arts Guild of Frisco (VAGF) is not responsible for any damage, breakage, replacement or cost associated with any damage or breakage that may have occurred during transport or unpacking. Photos of damages upon receipt will be promptly sent to artists. Every precaution will be taken in handling the entries, but VAGF assumes no liability for any loss or damage to any artist’s work while in our care, custody or control, before, during or after the exhibition. Each artist, if they wish, should provide their own insurance. 

USE OF IMAGES: 

Any image submitted may be used for marketing and promotional purposes directly related to this show or future shows without further remuneration to the artist. This use may include publication in any publications, printed materials, advertisements, or electronic media. Copyright and all other rights remain that of the artist. 

Please email all inquiries to info@vagf.org.

In partnership with Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea Shop in Frisco, VAGF presents Art Exhibit at Sweetwaters! The theme for this show is "Mythology".

Submission is for current VAGF members only. Non-members may participate in the show by joining VAGF online here prior to the submission deadline.

Free submission for up to two images. Entries will be accepted in the categories of Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Mixed Media. 

Submit your artworks as JPEG for consideration by October 15, 2023. You will be notified of acceptance into the show by October 18, 2023.

Accepted works must be delivered to the Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea at 13030 Preston Rd, Ste 100, Frisco TX 75035 on Sunday, October 29, 2023 between 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and picked up on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

A "Meet the Artists" event will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Artists accepted to the show will receive calendar invites to these events from vagfsuggestions@gmail.com.

Failure to bring the artwork during the dropoff time will result in exclusion from the show. Failure to pick up art during the pickup time will result in storage fees of $10 per day starting with the pickup day. 

All submitted works should be ready-to-hang with wire taut at the upper fourth of the frame. Saw hook hanging will not be accepted. All works on  1/2” canvases should be framed. All the works on 1” to 2” canvases need to have neatly painted edges if not framed.

Due to space limitations, art pieces cannot exceed 36 inches in either dimension (including the frame).

All artwork sold must remain on display until the end of exhibition. VAGF retains 20% commission from all sales generated through the show. Pieces must have value of at least $100. Artwork that is not for sale will not be accepted. 

LIABILITY: 

Visual Arts Guild of Frisco (VAGF) is not responsible for any damage, breakage, replacement or cost associated with any damage or breakage that may have occurred during transport or unpacking. Photos of damages upon receipt will be promptly sent to artists. Every precaution will be taken in handling the entries, but VAGF assumes no liability for any loss or damage to any artist’s work while in our care, custody or control, before, during or after the exhibition. Each artist, if they wish, should provide their own insurance. 

USE OF IMAGES: 

Any image submitted may be used for marketing and promotional purposes directly related to this show or future shows without further remuneration to the artist. This use may include publication in any publications, printed materials, advertisements, or electronic media. Copyright and all other rights remain that of the artist. 

Please email all inquiries to info@vagf.org