GALEX 58 National Competition & Exhibition

Deadline to Apply: January 18

ELIGIBILITY

• GALEX is open to all artists residing in the United States.
• All work must have been completed within the last three years and MUST NOT have been previously shown in the Galesburg Community Arts Center galleries or gift shop.
• Art must be the original work of the artist.
• All mediums are accepted; however, work is not to exceed 100 pounds or be unstable.
• Two-dimensional work may not exceed 48 inches in either length or width and must be wired and/or ready to hang. Plexiglas is preferred for framed work.
• No work will be suspended from the ceiling.
• One entry (up to three individual works) per artist.

JUROR

Niels Lewis has been awarded the honor of jurying GALEX 58, though his credentials are not typical. This honorable judging position comes on the heels of Niels’ 25 years of dedication to the Arts Center in Galesburg. Over this time, Niels has held all positions on both the board and executive committees, lending him unique insights into the history and mission of the Arts Center. This final extended term was as board president, in which he oversaw the acquisition of GCAC’s new building, financing, design, and growth into this “state of the arts” center that invites all ages to explore the world of imagination and art appreciation. He recognizes himself as an amateur artist and avid collector of all styles of artwork. Professionally, Niels is a Sales Director for a chemical company, Veolia, where has worked for the past 35 years. Niels currently lives in Galesburg with his wife, Linda, and their dog, Shae.

Niels Lewis: “GALEX 58 National Juried Competition and Exhibition welcomes all artists of diverse backgrounds and expertise. I am looking for unique pieces that inspire awe and wonder, and that have a strong aesthetic sensibility. It is exciting for me to find art that sparks conversation and remains as a fixture in the minds of the viewer for future discussions, or even inspiration for future pieces by others.”

AWARDS

Blick Art Materials Purchase Award $1000
One piece is chosen each year to expand the Art Center’s Permanent Collection. The artwork is not returned to the artist, $1000 is awarded regardless of the price of the piece.  It is optional to be considered, please indicate eligibility on your application, and the identification form that is sent with your piece.

Lonnie Eugene Stewart Award of Excellence $600
Merit Award $400
Medallion Award $300
Kent Leasure Memorial Fine Print Award $100
Robert Reed Memorial Sculpture Award $150

ENTRY FEE

The non-refundable entry fee is $25 per artist (this applies to all non-member applicants or current GCAC regular, non-artist members). There is a discounted entry fee of $20 for current Artist Members of the Galesburg Community Arts Center. Please note that the GCAC Artist Membership is a separate tier, and only Artist-Members receive the discounted entry fee as a perk/part of their membership benefits! Renew your membership or become a new member now!

NEW THIS YEAR: GALEX GALA & SPECIAL AUCTION

In addition to our general opening reception on Friday, February 28, 2025, we will also be hosting our inaugural GALEX Gala on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 6-9pm. This formal, ticketed evening event will celebrate achievement in the arts, raise funds to support the endowment of the Galesburg Community Arts Center, and serve as an annual commemoration of the GALEX legacy — all against the backdrop of this highly-anticipated national exhibition. Artists are welcome and encouraged to attend the Gala. All accepted GALEX artists will have the option to have their work specially auctioned the night of the GALA at a 50% commission rate, but with the potential for a much higher final sale price due to the competitive nature of the auction and the high demand for GALEX-caliber pieces by our collectors. Artists art not required to include their work for consideration in the auction, but if they would like to opt in, they should indicate so by checking the “I agree to have my work considered for inclusion in the one-night-only GALEX Gala 2025 special auction” when completing the application. Additional details to come.

AWARDS

Blick Art Materials Purchase Award $1000
One piece is chosen each year to expand the Art Center’s Permanent Collection. The artwork is not returned to the artist, $1000 is awarded regardless of the price of the piece. It is optional to be considered, please indicate whether your piece is eligible – mark your application and identification form, included with notification, with a yes or no.
Lonnie Eugene Stewart Award of Excellence $600
Merit Award $400
Medallion Award $300
Kent Leasure Memorial Fine Print Award $100
Robert Reed Memorial Sculpture Award $150

IMPORTANT DATES

January 18 ……………………….………….. entry deadline
February 3 ……………………………… notifications sent
February 13, 14, 15 ………………………… artwork due by 3pm
February 28, 5pm  ……………………………. exhibition opens
April 5  ………………………..……………..exhibition closes
April 8, 9, 10…. artwork must be picked up or shipped back to artist (GCAC is not responsible for artwork abandoned more than 30 days after the close of an exhibition)

March 1, 6-9pm …………………………………. GALEX Gala

ENTRY FEE AND PROCESS

The non-refundable entry fee is $25 per artist for up to three works of art (3 images and/or video), or $20 for current members of the Galesburg Community Arts Center. Renew your membership or become a new member now!

All entries are to be submitted digitally through www.callforentry.org (CaFÉ). Please retain a copy of the information you provide on the entry form. If you have not registered with CaFÉ, setting up your portfolio is free. After completing the entry information, a credit card number or check number will be required to confirm the entry process. CaFÉ requires all images to conform to a specific format, please review the instructions and tutorials for formatting images and entering before beginning the actual entry process. Entries will be accepted through the CaFÉ website through January _____, all entries must be completed by 11:59 CST on January 27, 2024. Accepted works that do not reasonably meet the quality indicated in the image can be refused. The Art Center reserves the right to reject any work that is not structurally sound or ready to hang. For technical assistance with your entry, please see https://www.callforentry.org/cafehelp.phtml or contact cafe@westaf.org.

ACCEPTED DELIVERY/RETURN OF ARTWORK

Artists are responsible for the cost of ALL shipping. The Art Center prefers the use of a prepaid shipping label (UPS or FedEx) sent with the piece for return shipping. All shipped works will be returned in original containers with original packing.  If selected, instructions for shipping and picking up or returning artwork will be sent to the artist during the notification process.

Accepted works may be hand-delivered or shipped to the Galesburg Community Arts Center.  Attach identification tag (emailed with notifications) to the back of your work listing artist name and address, title of piece, medium, price and indicate “top” as well as eligibility status for the Blick Art Materials Purchase Award. In the case that your work sells, but you would still like your shipping box returned to you, please include a note clearly indicating your preference with your original shipment.

If selected, instructions for shipping and picking up or returning artwork will be sent to the artist during the notification process.

Art Center hours are Wednesday – Saturday 10am-4pm,
Telephone: 309.342.7415, email: exhibition@galesburgarts.org

SALES

All sales made during the exhibition are subject to a 30% sales commission. Work that is not for sale may be submitted, but the insurance value must be listed.

LIABILITY

All accepted work is insured for up to $1,000 for the duration of the exhibition. The Art Center is not responsible for items damaged due to improper packing or from damages that occur in transit. Work will not be insured for more than the retail value.

DECLARATIONS

• The Galesburg Community Arts Center reserves the right to photograph works for the purpose of documentation, education and publicity.

• The Galesburg Community Arts Center is not responsible for work left longer than 30 days after the close of the exhibition.

• The Juror reserves the right to reject any work not conforming to eligibility requirements.

• Sending an entry to this exhibition constitutes agreement with all conditions of the prospectus.

For questions about exhibition guidelines, please contact exhibition@galesburgarts.org. 

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14547