The Call To Artists Is Open

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ABOUT THE COLORS OF THE AMERICAS

Proudly presented by East Somerville Main Streets, The Colors of the Americas : East Somerville Art Walk will be a month-long public art exhibition showcasing the original works of approximately 20 area artists representing the many nations and cultures of the Americas. Hosted in the storefront windows of shops, restaurants, and offices along Lower Broadway in Somerville between Sullivan Square and McGrath Highway, this unique opportunity will bring together artists and the people in a way designed to cross lines, challenge old notions, and stimulate new conversations and new understandings

This unprecedented multicultural event will celebrate and reflect the vibrant, welcoming spirit of East Somerville by intertwining bold contemporary works of art among the daily social and commercial life of an evolving, living neighborhood. By anticipating the 21st Century as the century of the Americas, the East Somerville Art Walk will feature and explore the many interpretations of our identity, the connections we have to one another and our community, and what it really means to be an American.

Representation from all different nations/cultures of North, Central, and South America is sought.
Artists who actively work with themes such as cultural symbolisms, ethnic identity, the immigrant experience, assimilations, and interpretations of community and the dynamics within are strongly encouraged to submit.

HOW TO SUBMIT

The Colors of the Americas : East Somerville Art Walk is a juried exhibit. Submissions will be reviewed and chosen by a multicultural panel drawn from a collection of Somerville arts and East Somerville community organizations.

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
(Submissions will be considered incomplete without all of this information.)

1. Name, address, telephone, and email.
2. Country/Culture you are representing (with a brief explanation of your connection to this).
3. Images (prints, slides, jpegs) of specific work to be submitted. Do not submit actual artwork.
4. Artist Statement (This should speak to your work as a whole, both artistically and culturally, and also to how that relates to the specific work submitted. Your Artist Statement is very important and will be translated into English, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole and displayed alongside your work).
5. Estimated size of window space needed, and any specific display requirements.

A Colors of the Americas open forum for the sharing of questions, ideas and comments has been created at http://eastsomervilleartwalk.blogspot.com

Artists will be responsible for the installation and breakdown of their work, as well as any framing or hardware needed to display the work. Personally coordinating with the business hosting your work will be strongly recommended. Translation assistance will be available if necessary.

Artists should keep in mind that work will be displayed inside the storefront windows of active businesses with steady customers and foot traffic. While every effort will be made to protect the pieces from damage or handling, artists should be aware of, and responsible for, any risks inherent in showing in such an open and public setting.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: MARCH 8, 2008

Installation Period: April 11-17
Exhibition: April 19 - May 20
Breakdown Period: May 21 - May 28

Mail, drop off, or email submissions to:

East Somerville Main Streets
114 Broadway Ste. 112
Somerville, MA 02145
attn: The Colors of the Americas
artwalk@eastsomervillemainstreets.org

There is no fee to submit. Depending on funding, a $50 honorarium may be offered to participating artists.

ABOUT EAST SOMERVILLE MAIN STREETS

Representing the oldest and most ethnically diverse neighborhood in Somerville, East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS) is a non-profit, public-private partnership between East Somerville residents, business owners, community leaders, the City of Somerville, and the National Main Streets Center. Drawing upon the neighborhood's unique historical and cultural energies, ESMS is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to developing community initiatives and events that reflect and promote the true character of East Somerville as a vibrant place to live, visit, and do business.

The Colors of the Americas: East Somerville Art Walk is funded in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.