Lowell Area Arts Council - Drawing & Print-Making Competition

The Michigan Drawing & Print-Making Exhibition is a statewide, juried competition showcasing the great diversity of artistic talent in all corners of our state. All varieties of drawing and print-making techniques are welcomed.* In honor of this competition, $2,000 in prize money will be awarded with $750 going to the first place winner, $500 for second place, $400 for third, $250 for fourth and $100 for fifth.

Open to Michigan residents 18 years and older, artists may submit one or two artworks. Total entry fee for LowellArts! members is $30 and $35 for non-members. Only original artwork completed within the past two years and not previously exhibited at LowellArts! will be eligible.

This competition will be juried from digital images of artists' entries. JPEG/CD images must be e-mailed or postmarked by no later than July 6. For image specifics, see Call for Artist's form.

LowellArts! has been providing the greater Lowell community with programs and services in

the visual and performing arts for over 35 years. It is recognized regionally and statewide as a unique non-profit arts organization situated in west Michigan, just east of Grand Rapids. Our mission is connecting regional artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.

*Category Descriptions

Drawing: All artwork in which the main component is created from lines or areas of tone generated with a dry medium. This include, but are not limited to, graphite pencil, colored pencil, pastel, charcoal, pen & ink and markers. Additional techniques and media may be used, as long as the predominant technique is drawing. The artwork may be two or three-dimensional. See additional information, including size/weight limitations on Call for Artists application.

Print-Making: Artwork of which the main component incorporates a printing process (e.g., monoprint, engraving, etching, drypoint, woodcut or serigraphy). Additional techniques and media may be used, as long as the predominant media is print. The artwork may be two or three-dimensional. See additional information, including size/weight limitations on Call for Artists application.

Guest Juror

Guest Juror is David Gianfredi, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Medical Illustration Program at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, MI. Gianfredi received this Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Kendall College, following with a Master of Fine Art degree from Brigham Young University.

My recent work encompasses a subject for which I have a great passion: the popular culture of the

American dream. I make use of well known Americana-esque designs such as those used by Coca-

Cola, Johnny Rockets, Red Robin and many others. In particular, the vast collection of neon signs

along old Route 66 fascinates me. I see them as essential constructs of American nostalgia.

Concerning an approach of process, I employ references of a direct realistic nature as well as mixed media. Though a conceptual core is ever present at the center of my work, the handling of the material is of equal, if not greater, importance. It is the will of the idea that ultimately decides which media will be used and what direction the work will take. I draw on the rich history of traditional and cutting edge realistic image making to help inform my work. I believe my art to be imbued with a high level of concept and execution. The relentless thinking, constructing and deconstructing are all part of the process that calls into being the art that is my voice.

David Gianfredi, February, 2013

Gianfredi's photography, illustrations and paintings have earned him awards nationally and locally. In addition, his work has appeared in national publications including the Society of Illustrators and Poets and Artists. He and his family reside in Lowell.

For a Call for Entry Application & Instructions - click here

Online Registration & PayPal link

OUR MISSION: LowellArts! Connecting regional artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.

OUR VISION: Our community will be a vibrant hub for the arts, bringing audiences and artists together in quality environments.