Perennial Hug: Open Call

Generally speaking, artists use their hands to make things. The hands are connected to arms which are connected to the torso….the same bodily elements that allow us to hug one another. Many have been moved beyond words when viewing particularly resonant works of art. What is it that touches us? Do the hands and arms of the artist remain concretized within an object?

Works of art operate prismatically; illuminating the economic and sociopolitical conditions in which they are made. And as viewers, we can understand artworks not only as indicators of these systems, but as analog recordings of the thoughts and feelings of the maker. Encoding the emotions and decision making processes into the various materials that are used. We can observe the sensitive touch, attenuation to color and surface held within a painting, sculpture or photograph. And these elements indicate the presence of the maker through the trace of their thoughts. This exhibition is a group hug, gathering together a cross section of generous makers and thinkers in order to highlight the ways in which visual forms of expression reach out to the viewer embodying the act of communal meaning making.

Perennial Hug is an annually occurring open call and guest juried exhibition that will feature artists of all demographics, and abilities. Through the deployment of various formal and material strategies the work selected for Perennial Hug functions as an assembly of outstretched arms awaiting the warm embrace of the viewer.

******This year’s jurors are Kevin Gotkin, Em Kettner, and Jason Lazarus.

PERENNIAL HUG SUBMISSION FORM
***Google account required***

TIMELINE:

10/01 Open Call announced

11/26 Open Call closes

12/11 Final jury selections made

12/15 Artist roster Finalized

1/15 All work due to the gallery (Arts of Life, 1963 Johns Dr. Glenview, IL 60025)

1/22 – 1/24 Install

1/25 Opening 5:00-8:00 pm