Call for Artists

Sunflower Biennial: Contemporary Art from Young Kansas Artists

Salina Art Center, January 29 - March 9, 2025

History & Purpose

Salina Art Center will host the 4th Sunflower Biennial exhibition. The Sunflower Biennial is a juried exhibition of visual art to recognize artists in Kansas ages 15-24 for dedication, achievement, and contribution to exchanges that reveal life.

The Salina Art Center is a nonprofit, contemporary art and education center with the mission to “create exchanges among art, artists, and audiences that reveal life.” Located in historic Downtown Salina, the Art Center has a national reputation as an innovative, artist-supportive, and audience-responsive institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

A committee of artists, art educators, and Art Center staff are responsible for planning and implementing the Sunflower Biennial. An independent juror selects exhibitors and award winners in various categories from entries across the state of Kansas. 

Award winners will receive the cash awards and recognition at the opening reception. All artists selected to show will be included in a professional gallery program. Exhibition programming will also highlight many young artists, allowing them to lead workshops or give gallery talks about their work and plans.

We want to provide young artists an opportunity to share what is current in their world. Salina Art Center will provide a platform that encourages exchanges of ideas and respect. The exhibition allows young artists to gain experience with exhibition submissions, building a portfolio, public speaking, marketing their talents, and much more.  

Juror Awards:

• Best in Show                                     $500

• Award of Excellence, ages 19-24         $300

• Award of Excellence, ages 15-18                 $300

• People’s Choice Award                 $100     

  
  
  

Eligibility

• Open to all visual artists, student or non-student, ages 15-24

• Artists must reside in or attend school in Kansas or the Kansas City Metro Area

• Work must be completed in 2023 or 2024

• All visual mediums are eligible

• There are no entry fees

Entries

• All entries must be submitted online.

• All entries must be received by midnight, November 22, 2024.

• 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)

• All decisions of the juror are final. Substitutions for accepted work will not be permitted. No work may be changed or altered after entering.

Conditions of Acceptance

• Applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 18 , 2024

• 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, March 16, 2024

• Selected artists grant the Art Center permission to reproduce their work for publicity purposes.

Shipping and Insurance

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 January 17, 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 March 21, 2025

Dates to Remember

Nov. 22, 2024             Call for Submission entries due by midnight

Nov. 23 - Dec.15, 2024            Juror selection process

Dec. 18, 2024              Artists notified

Jan. 17, 2025           Selected pieces must be at the Salina Art Center

Jan. 29, 2025             Exhibition opens

Feb. 8, 2025              Opening reception and awards (3-5 pm)

Feb. 19, 2025             Art Byte w/ Juror and Young Artists Panel, 12-1 pm

March 9, 2025         Exhibition closes

March 21, 2025         Works must be picked up or returned