Orange Co. Arts Commission

Promoting and strengthening the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina

Call for Art – Art of the Book: Big Fish


CALL FOR ART

Art of the Book: Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace

Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions was the first novel by Daniel Wallace, Chapel Hill writer and J. Ross MacDonald Distinguished Professor of English at UNC-Chapel Hill. Released in 1998, Big Fish tells the story of William Bloom, a young man trying to reconcile the tall tales told to him throughout his life by his father Edward. The story captured hearts and was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film Big Fish in 2003 by Tim Burton. A musical adaptation starring Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz premiered in Chicago in April, 2013. The novel has now been translated into 25 languages.
 
The Orange County Arts Commission and Orange County Public Library invite regional artists to apply to “Art of the Book: Big Fish” exhibits coming August, 2024, to the Eno Arts Mill Gallery and the Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough. Artists 18+ will be featured at the Eno Arts Mill, while youth participants will be on exhibit at the library.
 
The youth application will open July 1. Check back for more information.
 

ENO ARTS MILL EXHIBIT DETAILS

TIMELINE
  • Application window Friday, May 10 through Friday, May 31, 11:59PM
  • Accepted artists notified No later than Monday, June 10
  • Artwork details due to OCAC Monday, July 22, 5PM
  • Artwork drop off Tuesday, July 30th, 12-7PM
  • Show opening Friday, August 2nd, 6-9PM
  • Show dates Friday, August 2nd – Saturday, August 31st
  • Unsold artwork pick up Tuesday, September 3rd, 12-7PM
GUIDELINES
  • Open to visual artists 18+ currently living in Orange and adjacent counties (Durham, Chatham, Caswell, Person and Alamance).
  • All submissions must be received through the online application portal by Friday, May 31, 11:59PM.
  • Applicants will submit a concept proposal inspired by a passage from the book as well as work samples that reflect the medium and style of the proposed concept piece.
  • A jury panel will evaluate applications (all identifying information will be redacted) based on relevant work samples and how the proposed submission reflects the selected passage. Panelists will evaluate work samples based on artistic excellence, visual impact, and creativity. They will also evaluate the proposed concept, its relation to the book, and the feasibility of the proposed work including public safety, durability, and space required.
  • A diverse pool of artists of all styles and mediums will be selected and each artist will create one piece of work for the exhibit.
Selected artists:
  • Will submit one work for the exhibit. An image of the work with the title, size, medium, edition (if applicable), and price is required. Images should be a minimum 300 resolution.
  • Must sign the Eno Arts Mill Participating Artist Agreement
  • All mediums are allowed, including two and three-dimensional works and installation
  • All work must be for sale
  • Works on paper and canvases less than 1″ thick must be properly framed and wired (no sawtooth hangers)
  • No living animals are allowed as part of the exhibit.
  • If project significantly evolves or deviates from the proposed concept, artist must contact OCAC to discuss adjustments. OCAC reserves the right to determine if the changes can be accommodated.
  • WORK SOLD: For all work sold, the Orange County Arts Alliance (on behalf of the Orange County Arts Commission) will retain a 40% commission (30% commission for Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists). The OCAA will collect all monies from the sale of artwork, including tax, through the end of August. Artists will receive payment by September 30.
  • UNSOLD WORK: Artists must pick up their work on Tuesday, September 3rd, 12-7PM. After December 31, 2024, remaining work will become property of the OCAA.
  • Artists agree to allow the OCAC/OCAA use of images of artwork and associated events for promotional purposes (credit will be given).
AWARDS
  • A $1,000 Purchase Award will be selected by the Friends of Orange County Public Library.
  • A $500 Author’s Award will be selected by Daniel Wallace and announced at the show opening on August 2.
  • A $100 People’s Choice Award will be voted on by the public throughout the exhibit and announced in early September.
HOW TO FIND BIG FISH
  • Check it out from the Orange County Public Library (residents of adjacent counties can register for a free library card) or your local library
  • Download the book for free on hoopla with your library card
  • The Eno Arts Mill will have copies on loan
  • Purchase a copy from your local book store

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