The Top 5 Visual Artist Competitions in October and November

Have you heard of the term "starving artist?" Yeah, well the term didn't come out of thin air. The reality is that jobs and recognition for techies is relatively easy to come by in a stable job market, but it is significantly harder for an artist, regardless of the employment climate. For many, though, is about "art for art's sake"

There is a ray of light out there that shines above the heads of the hungriest artists that spot quieter opportunities. Fortunately there is still recognition and appreciation for the arts and the determined and meticulous work of the artist.

Below, I've listed five competitions, exhibitions and events for visual artists for the months of October and November. Some of these deadlines are right in our faces, so those prepared can take full advantage of these opportunities while others are around the corner, giving us a few weeks to prepare our masterpieces.

The 46th Founders Juried Awards

Exhibition is open to original artwork created after January 1, 2005 in the categories, Digital Art, Drawing, Fiber Art, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture and Watercolor Painting. The entry form is due by October 5^th and there is a non-refundable $35 entry fee. A total of $10,000 in cash awards will be given to artists during a preview reception on Friday, November 16th. The top three awarded winners will be invited to participate in a 3-person exhibition. Exhibition dates are November 17, 2007 through January 13, 2008. For information contact: The von Liebig Art Center 239-262-6517 or visit http://www.naplesart.org.

Earth Matters: International Art Exhibit 2007

This is a juried art competition open to artists working in any two-dimensional medium regarding the interpretation of "Earth Matters." Each artist can submit up to four different works with the entry fee of $25. Three works will be awarded for excellence and the awarded works will then become part of The University of Texas-Pan American's Permanent Collection. All three works awarded will receive $500 each. October 15th is the submission deadline. Works will be exhibited November 12^th - 16^th (Nov. 12^th - Dec. 12^th online). Applications are available on-line at: www.foundryartcentre.org.

"Internal Illumination"

This juried exhibition is open to all two- and three-dimensional artwork that incorporates
components of internal illumination, either by electrical or chemical means. No work that involves fire or uncontained chemicals can be accepted for this exhibition. Exhibition dates are December 21, 2007- February 1, 2008. Awards: One-Going Solo Award or $1,000 - Four Artists selected for Group 4 exhibition. There is a maximum of three entries per artist with a non-refundable fee of $35. Applications are available online at: www.foundryartcentre.org. Email jpeg's to: showentry@foundryartcentre.org. Mail entry fee and hardcopy entry form to: Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center, St Charles MO 63301, or call: 636-255-0270. Deadline is October 31^st.

BLING

This November on Black Friday (November 30, 2007), Projekt30 will host an exhibition exploring, celebrating or criticizing consumerism. The Exhibition will run through January 15^th and all entries will be posted online prior to the exhibition so as to be juried by visitors of Projekt30; publicly juried: November 8, 2007 - November 28, 2007. There is an entry fee: $35 for 5 images, $5 for each additional image. Go to: http://www.projekt30.com/bling_prospectus.html for full prospectus, or: http://www.projekt30.com for more information.

Juried Art Exhibition

The Korean Cultural Center is seeking submissions from US artists for exhibition. They are open to all media with awards of up to $2,900. There is no entry fee. Send a SASE to: Korean Cultural Center, 15th Annual, 5505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036 or call 323-936-7141 or visit http://www.kccla.org. You can also send an email to exhibition@kccla.org

Hopefully you will see some of my own artwork in one of these competitions. I encourage anyone who believes they have even a little bit of talent as a visual artist to submit to one or more of theses contests as it promotes growth for your self and also exposes artists to the work of other artists. Even if you're not in it for the prize, then at least an audience will gaze upon your great work. I wish you all the best.