AAW's Professional Outreach Program (POP) is pleased to announce that its 19th annual exhibition and auction theme is "Open/Closed." Each year, the POP exhibitions feature an exciting mix of excellent work created by a roster of nationally and internationally established, mid-career, and emerging artists.
POP themes provide a dynamic springboard for creative ideas and showcase extraordinary small-scale work. Psychology has shown that limits spur creative thinking, and the size restriction (all pieces must fit in a 6"/15cm cube) provides a second creative constraint that we hope will spark your imagination and ingenuity.
"Open/Closed" will premiere at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and be on view from March 16 to May 18, 2025, before traveling to the 2025 AAW International Woodturning Symposium, also in Saint Paul, June 12-15, 2025. The Live/Online auction will happen on June 14, 2025.
Artworks will be professionally photographed and compiled in a full-color catalog and participating artists will receive complimentary copies.
Application details:
Apply online here between December 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CST. All artists will be notified by February 15, 2025.
For more information contact Tib Shaw at gallery@woodturner.org. To see past exhibition catalogs, visit galleryofwoodart.org.
Eligibility: Current AAW membership at any level, including Affiliate (trial) membership, and to full-time students in art, design, or industry-related degree programs, regardless of AAW membership status.
Fee: $25 for up to three separate pieces. Fees waived for students in full-time accredited art- or wood industry-related programs or apprenticeships.
Work for the annual POP exhibition is juried through photographs; all entries are anonymous. Accepted works that differ from the submitted images may be refused at AAW’s discretion.
All types of turnings are welcome: sculptural, functional, segmented, ornamental, green-turned, traditional, etc.
Work, as it will be displayed, must fit into the area of a 6" (interior dimensions) cube. No exceptions.
A theme statement of up to 100 words is required. Describe your interpretation of the theme.
You are free to use any media, but the work must be created at least partially on the lathe.
Applications accepted December 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025
Images Submit digital images in .jpg format, maximum size 2 MB per file. There are a number of free, easy online resizing sites, including this one.
You may submit up to three images for each entry. The main image should be an overall shot; the remaining two images can include details or alternative views. Since the show is juried through photographs, it is important that images be clear, properly exposed, and in focus. A plain background is strongly preferred for jurying. Do not watermark or include your name on the images.
Exhibition Dates Balance will premiere at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and be on view from March 16 to May 18, 2025. The exhibition will then travel to the AAW International Woodturning Symposium, also in Saint Paul, June 12-15, 2025. The live/online auction will be held June 14, 2025.
Delivery and display Accepted work can be shipped to arrive at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art in Saint Paul by March 1, 2025. Artwork must be in excellent condition, be as shown in the entry images, and ready for installation. Proper packaging for shipping must be included. All work must be freestanding or with an easel or other support provided. Support subject to approval.
Sales/Auction Funds raised support POP programs, including the Instant Gallery awards, critiques, fellowships, Artist Showcase, panel discussions, and other professional development initiatives. Artists may set a reserve price and retain up to 50% of the proceeds.
Catalog Artworks will be professionally photographed and compiled in a full-color catalog. Participating artists receive complimentary copies.
For more information contact Tib Shaw at gallery@woodturner.org. To see past exhibition catalogs, visit galleryofwoodart.org.