Call for Artists: Physical and Online Exhibitions

Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring

Curated by: Sergio Gomez for the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE APROACHING IN…

About the Exhibition

Curated by Sergio Gomez, "Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring" is an innovative dual-exhibition that spans both the tangible and the digital spaces. This exhibition invites viewers on a journey through the myriad ways artists interpret the awakening of the earth as winter's grasp loosens and spring's first tendrils emerge. Through a curated selection of contemporary paintings, the exhibition explores the multifaceted narratives of spring—a time of unparalleled growth, blossoming beauty, and the rebirth of nature's vibrant palette.

"Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring" celebrates the cyclical dance of life, where death and dormancy give way to life and vibrancy. It reflects on the broader implications of growth and renewal in our lives and communities, prompting a dialogue on how the themes of bloom and rejuvenation can inspire positive change. This encourages us to consider our roles in nurturing and protecting the environment that sustains us.

The physical exhibition at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago offers an intimate exploration of spring's transformative essence, where each piece serves as a window into the artist's personal engagement with the season. Simultaneously, a parallel augmented reality exhibition extends this experience into the digital domain, accessible online at www.sergiogomezcurates.net. This larger exhibition transcends the physical limitations of space and time, allowing a global audience to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy and diverse perspectives of spring from anywhere in the world.

Curated by Sergio Gomez, this exhibition is a testament to the power of art to connect us with the natural world and with each other. Whether experienced in person at the Zhou B Art Center or through the augmented reality platform online, "Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring" is an ode to the beauty of life's perpetual renewal and the endless cycle of life.

The exhibition runs from March 15 to May 10, 2024.

How It Works

There are 3 categories of participation, physical exhibition, online exhibition, and exhibition catalog. Artists may be selected for one or multiple opportunities. Your submission will be considered for ALL opportunities.

Physical Exhibition: A select group of artists will be featured in our physical exhibition, held in the prestigious second-floor gallery at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. Only artists chosen for the physical exhibition will be required to ship their art to the following address:
Zhou B Art Center 1029 W. 35th St. Chicago, IL 60609. www.zhoubartcenter.com
Online Exhibition: Chosen artists will be showcased in an innovative online virtual reality exhibition powered by ArtPlacer and hosted at www.sergiogomezcurates.net
Exhibition Catalog: All selected artworks will be documented in our exhibition catalog, available for purchase online via Blurb.com. Share the legacy of this exhibition with friends, family, and art enthusiasts.

About the Curator

Sergio Gomez is a highly regarded visual artist recognized for his powerful large-scale figurative abstraction paintings and charcoal drawings that explore profound life cycles. With an extensive artistic career, his work has been showcased in over 45 solo exhibitions across the United States and in various international museums, including those in Romania, Italy, Mexico, and Vienna.
In addition to his remarkable studio work, Sergio Gomez is a prolific curator, having curated over 100 exhibitions since 2010. His curatorial journey includes serving as the Director of Exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center, founding the 33 Contemporary Gallery, and co-founding the acclaimed coaching academy, Art NXT Level®. Notably, he played a pivotal role in directing the National Wet Paint MFA exhibition, an influential project that spotlighted top MFA painting students on a national stage.
Sergio's significant curatorial achievement with 33 Contemporary Gallery includes the decade-long stewardship of the National Self Portrait Annual Exhibition in Chicago from 2004 to 2014. This exhibition, transformed by Gomez's talent, became one of the largest and most anticipated self-portrait showcases in the nation, attracting over 500 artists over the ten-year span. His curatorial prowess has been sought after by esteemed institutions and events, ranging from the Chicago Park District to the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Instagram: @sergiogomezart

Eligibility (Please read carefully)

Open to artists ages 18 years and older residing in the US only. Unfortunately we are not able to accept international shipping at the moment.
Artists accepted in the physical exhibition are responsible for their own shipping to and from the gallery.
2D art only.
Submit up to three different works for consideration.
There is a $20 submission fee for up to 3 works.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, February 26, 2024

Selection Process

Selected artists will be notified if they were accepted for the physical gallery, online exhibition or both. The selected artists will be announced on Instagram @sergiogomezart and by email no later than February 29. Selections are final.

Participation Rules

By submitting your art to us, you grant Sergio Gomez and the Zhou B Art Center permission to publish your work in print, online, and in social media for exhibition and marketing purposes. All artwork will be attributed to the artist. By participating, you certify that you are the rightful owner of the art and that it does not infringe in any copyright violations.

Art Sales

There is a 50% sales commission by the Zhou B Art Center for the physical exhibition.

IMPORTANT DATES

Submit by Monday, February 26 at midnight (Chicago time)
List of selected artists will be published on this page no later than February 29.
Accepted artwork for the physical exhibition should arrive to the gallery no later than March 12.
Show opens to the online public on March 15, 2024 at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago and online at www.sergiogomezcurates.net
The exhibition runs from March 15 to May 10, 2024.

Images

Images MUST be clear, and properly cropped. Blurry, low quality and bad images will be automatically disqualified. Image size should not exceed 2MB per image.

Deadline has passed. Submissions are closed.

Follow These Easy Instructions:

STEP 1). Submit Payment via PayPal

All submissions are subject to a one-time $20 payment for up to 3 artworks.

STEP 2). Send Your Art and Info Via Email

COPY AND PASTE THE INFO BELOW IN YOUR EMAIL SUBMISSION. One email per image and maximum of three email submissions. Any additional submission or submissions with missing information will be disqualified. Entries submitted with no payment will be deleted.

NAME EMAIL SUBJECT: Awakening Earth

Artist Name:
Email used in the PayPal payment (submissions with no payment will be deleted):
City and Country of Residence:
Title of Art:
Medium:
Size:
Sale Price:
Instagram handle: @

Email your submission to: sergiogomezcurat es@gmail.com