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Exhibition Dates: August - September 2024
Call Open Dates: June 1 - July 31 2023
Location:
A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
150 E. Main St.
Trinidad, CO 81082
Art is a powerful form of communication, capturing the essence of our history, reflecting our present, and envisioning our future. It has the remarkable ability to shape our perceptions and be shaped by them in return. Notably, Western art holds significant influence in shaping people’s perceptions of the American West. Often those stories represent rugged and resourceful cowboys and Native men, while portraying women as beautiful objects. Women’s Work aims to expand that catalog with more meaningful and nuanced stories of women and their contributions. By expanding the catalog to include more stories from and about women, we can depict our history more accurately and duly celebrate the remarkable women of the West.
To increase the recognition of Western women artists and makers, and women’s role in the West, Women’s Work seeks to connect juried artists with women on working ranches. Juried artists will spend time on their chosen and/or assigned ranch, learn from the women’s connection to family, land, plants, and animals, and create work for the show inspired by the people and places with whom they are connected.
Women's Work also seeks to provide a platform for Native women to authentically share their own stories. It strives to honor, amplify, and celebrate the traditions, culture, and narratives of Indigenous women, highlighting their unique experiences and deep connections to the land and its history as the original inhabitants. Recognizing the intrinsic connections Indigenous women have with their own tribes, Women's Work strives to provide a supportive space for indigenous women to tell their own stories.
In addition to showcasing the remarkable achievements of women, the art presented in Women's Work aims to foster a reconnection between the viewer and our shared history, the land, and the communities that cultivate our food supplies. It seeks to bridge the growing gap between urban dwellers and the people and places deeply rooted in agricultural practices, reminding us of the vital connections between our lives and the land that sustains us.
By fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, we aim to celebrate and uplift the rich heritage and contributions of western women, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
Women’s work is open to fine artists and traditional artists.
Call Open: June 1- July 31, 2023
$50 flat rate entry fee
Artists will submit 5-10 works created within the last three years as work samples. These works do not have to be available and are not for the show. Artists will create work for the show after acceptance. Artists will also submit an artist statement, bio, and CV.
Categories accepted in 2-D and 3-D Media:
Painting and drawing media, sculpture, traditional Western and Indigenous arts. All items must be handmade. *No AI work in any form (neither in part, nor or in whole) is accepted in this submission or in work created for the show. By applying to this show you are agreeing not to submit AI generated work. If you submit work that is in part or in whole AI generated, you agree to pay a $5000 breach of contract fee. By submitting your application you agree to this term. *Digital drawings and paintings not accepted.
For 2-D works submit the following for each work:
Required: One tightly-cropped image of the work (full image, no frame, glass, or background). If the frame is a part of the actual artwork, include the frame in your image.
Optional: To give context or a feel for your work you may submit additional images of your work framed or displayed in a physical space.
For 3-D works submit the following for each work:
Required: 1 image of each piece.
Recommended: 3 to 4 images of each piece from different angles to give the curatorial committee a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the piece as a whole. Please photograph with non-distracting backgrounds in a professional manner.
Optional: To give context or a feel for your work you may submit additional images of your work displayed in a physical space or in use. You may also submit one video of your work in addition to your photographs.
Technical Notes:
Files must be 10 MB or less jpg files
No specific file name requirements
*Fine artists, it is highly recommended that you submit some work samples that show your handling of the human form. (This does not apply to traditional artists.)
*Traditional Artists please note: The media of traditional arts, and the language used to describe it, can vary greatly. To ensure proper labeling: Please choose the “Traditional Arts” category then write how you'd like your work label if it is accepted in the area designated "Traditional Arts Media” for each submission.
All works submitted with your application require pricing. If the work is sold, please submit what it was sold for.
The curatorial committee will consider artworks based on:
Further, the curatorial committee will consider accompanying documentation for consideration if the artist appears to be a good fit for the show.
Traditional and contemporary styles accepted. Contemporary work should be representational, i.e. not abstract. This exhibition is to represent works about women, by women, and thereby shares a story.
Prizes TBD
The curatorial committee, comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and cultural perspectives, collectively determines the curatorial decisions.
Artist Requirements
Upon acceptance, artists will submit their contract. This show offers accepted artists two distinct avenues for their creative exploration. They can choose to partner with a ranch, immersing themselves in the ranching lifestyle and drawing inspiration from the women working there. Artists who are already partnered with a ranch will submit their intentions, sharing their general plan and partner organization, if applicable. On the other hand, artists who require assistance in partnering with a ranch will submit their request to the designated contact, as well as in their application. Artists are responsible for their own expenses.
Alternatively, Native artists have the option to partner with their tribe, allowing them to create works that genuinely reflect their own stories, traditions, and culture. Artists may only partner with a tribe or Native Organization that they are affiliated with. Women's Work aims, in part, to provide a platform for Native women to authentically share their own stories while honoring their cultural connections. The intention is not to help non-native artists gain access to Native organizations.
Artists must gather their own reference materials. Work must be completed and high quality images submitted by the beginning of June 30. Artists will document their process and share created content with CGA and A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art for educational and promotional purposes.
Artists are given an allocated space in the museum. Size of space is dependent on how many artists the curatorial committee accepts. Size and space details will be sent after curatorial decisions are made.
Artists and partner organizations are encouraged to attend the opening weekend and participate in artist talks.
Ranch Partnerships
Participating ranches will offer a tour of at least one day to an accepted artist to learn from the women who work the land, and sustain the families of the place. Ranches will grant at least one additional day for the artist to gather inspiration through activities like plein air painting, photography, interviews, and more. Ranches should keep in mind that gathering reference material can take some time and ranches are encouraged to work out a plan for the artist to stay on or visit the ranch for several days. Further, we encourage artists and ranches to have a phone or video discussion beforehand to develop a plan that will most benefit everyone involved. The participating artist will create one or more pieces of art inspired by this visit to display in Women’s Work, with credit given to the women on the ranch and the ranch itself.
Participating ranches are invited to participate in the show opening as programming is created. Ranches may share images of the work created from their ranch for non-commercial use, and must always give credit to the artist.
Participating ranches may become an official sponsor and get voting rights for “Sponsor’s Choice” at a discounted rate.
Liability of guests on participating ranches is the responsibility of the ranch, not A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art or Cowgirl Artists of America. The artist is responsible for travel and associated expenses.
All partner ranches must complete the application and be approved as a partner. This includes ranch partnerships coordinated by the artist.
Tribal Organization Partnership
Since Indigenous artists will already be deeply connected to their tribe/nation, there is no application requirement. If a tribe/nation or Native Organization would like to become an official partner with the show they must complete the application so we can gather pertinent information to include in our materials. This is our preference as we wish to adequately represent all parties involved in this exhibition.
Other Partnerships
We recognize that a submitting artist may have a partnership in mind for this show. The curatorial committee will consider other agricultural / land based partnerships, but keep in mind that this is a western art show and curatorial decisions will be made toward a western aesthetic. All official partners must complete and submit the partner paperwork.
Standard terms are a 60/40 split (60% of sale funds going to the artist). 40% going to A.R. Mitchell and CGA.
Any work in the exhibition sold by the artist after the show, as a direct result of the show, is subject to the same 60/40 split.
The opening reception will be August 2, 2024. Sponsors will be invited to a preview dinner where they can cast their votes for Sponsors’ Choice. Artists will give artist talks and participate in artist demos throughout the weekend.
If accepted, artists must sign and return the artist agreement by August 31, 2023.
2023
Call Open: June 1- July 31
Jury Process: August 1-15
Acceptance Notifications: August 18
Signed Contract Due: August 31
2024
June 30: Images for catalog submitted
Delivery of Work: July 10-20
Opening Reception: August 2
Show Closes: September 30
Pick up Work: October 1-5
Payments Sent by October 31
Who is eligible?
Female western and Indigenous American artists and artisans, age 18+, and residing in the Americas. Artists working with ranches must be able to travel to their partner ranch in the US.
Do I have to be a member of CGA to enter?
No, you do not have to be a member to enter. Members do get a discount, which can be found in the member space. Discounts can not be applied retroactively so if you are a member make sure you use your discount code at checkout.
What media is accepted?
Fine art media includes painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Traditional western and Indigenous arts including, but not limited to pottery, precious metal, beading, quillwork, leather, weaving, etc...
Is photography and digital drawing/painting accepted?
These media are not accepted in this show. (We do have a photography exhibition in the works and will have more details soon.)
Does the artwork have to have a woman in it?
This is a twofold question.
1st: Artwork submitted on the application is for sample only and not for the exhibition. These works do not have to have a woman featured. However, for fine artists it is highly recommended that artists submit at least some work that shows your handling of the human form.
2nd: Artwork created by juried artists for the exhibition must be about women and their contribution to the history, culture, and story of the American West. For fine artists, this literally means that the work(s) feature a narrative composition of a women. For traditional artists the subject and theme must be around a woman/women and their contributions, though the work does not have contain a woman/female form in it. For example, a bootmaker may create a pair of boots with specific functionality based on the woman she gathers reference materials/ inspiration from. On the other hand the boots may contain design elements that harken to the story or work of this woman. Further, many traditional arts may have an innately female element to them. For example, a basket may have been made to do a task that was traditionally done by women, and contain elements of that story in the object itself.
Are Indigenous artists only allowed to submit traditional work?
No, Indigenous artists may submit work in any of the acceptable categories. The "are you an indigenous artist creating culturally relevant work," option it to clarify that only Indigenous artists may submit work representing their heritage. The intention of the exhibition is not to have non-native artists submit representations of Indigenous groups. Women's Work provides a platform for Indigenous artists to tell their own stories, not to have them told by non-native artists.
I'm an indigenous artist, but my work has special meaning for my tribe and is not meant to be sold to the public. Can I enter this work?
Yes! We understand that some indigenous artists may need special sales terms, or may not wish to have their work for sale in a public setting. We honor this, and will work with artists individually.
I'd like to partner with a ranch close to me. Can I do that? / How long does it last?
Ranch partnerships can be set up across the contiguous United States. If there is a ranch close to you that you'd like to work with they'd just need to fill out the ranch partnership agreement and have a women/women you can shadow. (Ranch partners get special benefits for allowing an artist to visit their ranch for reference materials.) Our basic requirement for visits is two days- one day to shadow the woman/women on the ranch, and one day to gather reference materials. (You can gather reference materials on both days.) If you'd like to have longer, that is something you'd have to work out with the ranch. Visit https://www.cowgirlartistsofam... to see the ranch partnership agreement for more details.
I want to apply but I don't have any pieces I can apply with.
Because you are submitting work as sample only the artwork submitted on your application does not need to be available. You may submit work that has already sold or is in another show. If accepted, you will create new work specifically for this show.
I'm concerned/confused about the timeline?
Please note that there is a span of a little over a year from the time of the open call to the actual exhibition. Pay close attention to the year on the timeline.
Am I allowed to use photography for my reference material?
Yes! Photography is not accepted as a final media but may be used to gather reference materials.
I already have a connection with a ranch. Can I partner with them?
Yes! They just need to fill out the partnership agreement and have a woman/women working on the ranch that you can shadow.
If accepted, I would like to feature a woman in farming, land management, etc. Is that a possibility?
Yes, but keep in mind that the aesthetic and theme of this show is western. When you fill out your application there is a space provided to share if you have another idea. Please do so thoroughly so the curatorial committee can understand your idea, and decide if it is a good fit.
Where is the submit button for my application?
There is not "submit button." The application acts as a workspace that auto saves your progress. Once you have uploaded something it is in the system.
I made a mistake, uploaded the wrong photo, etc. on my application?
No worries, you can log back in and edit your application until the call closes.
I took longer than 60 minutes to fill out my application and it timed out.
No worries, you can log back in and edit your application until the call closes.
How do I add a new submission? / I only see where I can enter one piece for the application.
Once you have uploaded all images for your first piece you will see a button at the top right where you can add a new "application." Click that button and you will be prompted to fill out the info and upload images for your next piece.
I have another question.
Please email us at info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
