Call for Artists: September Shows at RiverArts

“The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.” – Charles Dickens

Chestertown RiverArts is calling all artists for two exciting themed shows in September. The first, The Literary Muse, requires you to dust off your bookshelves and find your literary afflatus (formal noun: ‘a divine creative impulse or inspiration’). Artists of any medium are encouraged to submit up to two original works inspired by literature for this exhibition.

All artwork should have a point of reference in a work of literature; subject matter examples include a favorite literary character, a specific scene or setting, a thematic refrain or element, a cherished book title, or a well-known author. Let your imagination run with the wind but tell us what reference point you started from. Artists are encouraged to be either literal or abstract in their approach to their literary inspiration. The show is set to coincide with The 5th Annual Chestertown Book Festival which takes place September 19, 20 and 21.

“I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little further down our particular path than we have yet gone ourselves.” – E.M. Forster

Our second opportunity, an extension of our literary theme in the Studio Gallery, is Portraits: Conversing with the Sitter. We ask artists to consider how the portrait tells the sitter’s story. Again artists of any medium are encouraged to enter up to two of their best, most personal portraits for inclusion. The show promises to highlight our region’s talented portraitists.

Both shows are curated by William Brockschmidt and artists’ questions can be directed to him at [email protected]. Hanging fees are $10 per entry for RiverArts members, $20 for non-members.

Check-in for the show is Sunday, August 31, from 1-3 p.m. and Monday, September 1, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Opening reception is Friday, September 5, from 5-8 p.m. Entries not sold may be picked up at the end of the show on either Sunday, September 28 from 1 until 3 PM or Monday, September 29 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

For more information visit our website chestertownriverarts.org.