West Chicago seeking submissions for banner art
The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission has chosen "Home" as the theme for its 2020 banner design competition.
Organizers say they hope the theme evokes emotion and inspires creative expression for the concept, physical structure and/or larger community in which the artist feels a sense of belonging.
"Home is the place where the heart resides, or longs to reside," said Rosemary Mackey, commission staff liaison. "Home is a set place for some, or a journey for others. Either way, our home contributes to who we are, and the commission is eager to see how this theme resonates with area artists."
All media are welcome, with no limit to technique or subject matter, as long as it relates to the theme. Each selected design will be reproduced, at the commission's expense, on vinyl street banners.
Selected artists will receive credit on both the banner and in printed materials related to the exhibit. Additionally, they may submit a brief statement about their inspiration for inclusion in publicity materials.
Banners will hang on Main Street and West Washington Street in downtown from May to September 2020.
A reception honoring the artists will be held during the annual Blooming Fest in May 2020. The original artwork selected for the Banner Exhibit also may be featured in a City Museum exhibit that will run from May to August, 2020.
Here's some of what participating artists should know ...
Banner specifications
Banners will be 60 inches tall and 30 inches wide, with an image field measuring roughly 42 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Applicants should make sure their art work is reproducible at the specified dimensions and at an adequate resolution.
The commission will work with artists to obtain proper file sizes for reproduction once juried into the exhibit. However, all submissions should reflect the size specifications.
Judging
Judging of submissions will be based on .jpg files only. The submitted files must represent actual work. Submitted and accepted artwork will not be used for any other purpose.
An independent juror not affiliated with the city or commission will select the winning art works anonymously.
The commission reserves the right to refuse to exhibit any work it deems unacceptable due to significant departure from jpg representation or inappropriate content.
Exhibition
Residents will be invited to vote for an artist/banner to receive the People's Choice Award. The winner of the People's Choice Award will receive their banner free. All other banners may be sold, with the artist receiving the first right of refusal, and proceeds will be used for future art programming.