Call For Artists

10,000 Birds - Pop Up Exhibition

Salina Art Center, March 7 - April 20, 2025

History & Purpose

Starting this year the Salina Art Center is hosting pop-up exhibitions to allow local artists more opportunities to show their work, while also staying in a selective concept. This will allow new and seasoned artists alike to participate in exhibitions displaying their interpretations of the decided theme.

This exhibitions theme is based around the symphony composed by John Luther Adams titled 10,000 Birds. This piece of music encompasses many musicians playing their instruments sporadically, making what is interpreted to be bird calls. The birds showcased in the piece are different species all across the Great Plains of America and each call is based on the ones you would hear if you were to listen in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night. 

John Luther Adams created this work to connect humanity more with nature. That is why the piece is performed not as a cohesive sound but a symphony of different songs from the native birds. Musicians performing get to choose when they play their song and for how long. In turn it engages the audience as they search for the song they are enchanted by as humans look for the birds in the trees as they call.

Artists are encouraged to use any medium they feel encompasses this concept. It is also encouraged that when making/submitting pieces they stick to the species of birds Adams was trying to project, the birds of the Great Plains.

Entries

  • All entries must be submitted online.

  • All entries must be received by February 9, 2025.

  • Artists may submit up to three separate works and no more than two media files per work, for a total of six files.

  • Media files must be clearly labeled with the title of the work and the artist’s name.(last name_first name_Title of Work_year created)

  • Artists must include a written statement about their work. (not to exceed 250 words)

  • This exhibition is free to enter

Conditions of Acceptance

  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance by February 14 , 2025

  • Selected applicants must submit an insurance value for their work

  • Once accepted, work may not be removed from the Art Center prior to the exhibition’s close, April 20, 2025

Shipping and Insurance
Selected artists grant the Art Center permission to reproduce their work for publicity purposes.The Salina Art Center will insure work wall-to-wall under its fine art policy.

Artists will be responsible for delivering work to and from the Art Center, including any round-trip shipping/insurance costs. Work must be shipped in sturdy, reusable packaging and adequately protected against the normal stresses encountered while in transit. All packaging should be clearly marked with the artist’s name and address. Shipments should be sent to:

Salina Art Center
242 S. Santa Fe
Salina, KS, 67401

Work may be hand-delivered during public hours, Wednesday - Saturday, 11 am-5 pm, or Sunday from 11-3 or by appointment during our office hours, Monday - Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

We have volunteers willing to travel to collect work from schools if shipping or delivery is a barrier to participation.

All selected pieces must arrive at the Art Center by February 23 , 2025, by 5 pm.


Presentation

Work must be received in ready-to-exhibit condition. The Art Center will not be responsible for framing, mounting, or otherwise preparing works for exhibition.

A professional presentation of artwork is required for inclusion in the exhibition. Framing is preferred for 2D works, but professional mounting/installation will also be accepted; 3D works must be stable. It is highly recommended that works on paper are framed. Any works that are matted must be in a frame. The Art Center reserves the right to reject any work that is not presented in a professional manner, deemed unsafe/unstable, or otherwise unsuitable for handling or display. Please contact the Art Center if you have any questions or concerns.


Return of Work

Work must be picked up or returned to the artist by April 27, 2025


Dates to Remember

Feb 9, 2025                             Call for Submission entries due by midnight

Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025              Selection process

Feb 14, 2025                           Artists notified

Feb 23, 2025                           Selected pieces must be at the Salina Art Center

March 7, 2025                         Exhibition opens

March 7, 2025                         Opening reception (5-7 pm) 

April 20, 2025                         Exhibition closes

April 27, 2025                          Works must be picked up or returned