Call to Artists: April 2024

“UpCycled 2: Turning Waste into Wonder”

Description of Exhibit: Back by popular demand! This call invites local and regional artists to create artworks from repurposed, recycled, and/or found objects and materials. Artists are encouraged to submit works that skillfully UpCycle & Re-Imagine different types of materials to create visually satisfying and thought-provoking work. This month-long exhibit embraces the mindset of sustainability and comes just in time for Earth Day on April 22.

Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is a form of recycling where objects are given a new life and function, often transforming waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new products with greater quality, such as artistic value or environmental value.

Medium requirements: No restriction in the type of media used for artwork, we only ask that work must incorporate or portray reusable/repurposed/recycled/reclaimed materials, human-made or organic, including, but not limited to wood, metal, stone, glass, paper, fabric, and plastic. Work can be 2D or 3D, including but not limited to paintings, drawings, textiles, photography, sculpture, pottery, collage, metalwork or stonework.

Who’s Eligible: MCA Artist Members (New members can join online at mcaocala.org/membership)

Entry Guidelines:

• All entries are to be submitted digitally to https://MCAupcycled2.artcall.org no later than Monday, March 25 at midnight. No physical or mailed in submissions will be accepted. Artists must follow the online application process and include:
  • Artists’ Contact Info (Name, phone, address, email, and social media handles/website)
  • A brief statement for each submitted piece and how it relates to the exhibit theme
  • High-res images for each entry in JPG, PNG or PDF format showing the full piece
• Each artist may submit two (2) pieces for consideration. All work must be original; no giclee or reproductions. Only entries which adhere to the theme will be accepted. Suggested size per piece is up to 40“ in any direction. However, if 2D artwork is oversized, only one (1) submission will be considered.
• All 2D work must be gallery ready, properly wired with suitable hanging mechanisms to support its weight and framed, or created on a gallery wrapped canvas. All 3D work must be assembled by the artist before it is accepted.
• All work that is shown must be for sale, split 70% to the artist and 30% to MCA. MCA’s proceeds help further our mission to Champion, Convene and Create opportunities for the arts in Ocala/Marion County, Florida.
• Selection of work is at the discretion of the Gallery Director & Gallery Committee. We reserve the right to reject work for the exhibition that does not meet MCA’s requirements or does not match the intent of the exhibit. Please read our full Submission Guidelines in the next page before submitting.

Deadline for Submissions: Monday, March 25, 2024 (by midnight)

Status Notification: Friday, March 29, 2024 (by 6pm via ArtCall email)

Exhibit Dates & Location: April 5 - 27, 2024 | The Brick Gallery (23 SW Broadway St.)

Drop Off Date: Monday, April 1, 2024 (10am - 4pm)

Artists’ Reception*: Friday, April 5, 2024 (5 - 6pm) – *By invitation - for members, artists & friends only!

Pick Up Date: Monday, April 29, 2024 (10am – 4pm)

Contact: MCA Gallery Director; Ashley Justiniano | Email: gallery@mcaocala.com

Having trouble navigating ArtCall? Click here for a quick step-by-step tutorial guided by MCA! Or watch the video tutorial below.