Visual Arts Exhibition Policy

General Purpose
The Clark Memorial Library provides a venue for library visitors to encounter original artwork. Approval of works exhibited is at the sole discretion of the Arts in the Library Committee (ALC). The ALC reserves the right to reject any work if not representative of the examples of art submitted with the application. All questions regarding exhibits and application should be directed to the ALC at arts@207.210.128.40

The Library Gallery
The Library Gallery is available for solo and group shows. Artists are encouraged to visit the Library to view the space prior to application. A diagram showing the size and location of the Gallery spaces is available on the Library website’s Arts@Clark! page, and at the adult circulation desk. The Gallery includes the four walls on the upper level near the adult circulation desk and the four walls in the lower level meeting room, as well as the glass display cases on the lower level for small three-dimensional items, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, etc.

Policy and Procedures
Work will be chosen based on quality, suitability to the Library’s mission, anticipated appeal to the public, and space available. Exhibitors must be aware that the gallery spaces are open to the public and are frequented by visitors of all ages.

All works must be properly framed and wired for hanging, canvas edges must be neatly wrapped and compatible with the available Walker Display hanging system. Children’s artwork that is unframed but that can be hung with clips is acceptable for special exhibits. Quilts and textile or fabric based work that can be hung with clips or that include a sleeve to accommodate a textile hanging rod are also acceptable.

All submissions must be original art, including paintings in oil (no wet paint), acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, collage, drawings, graphics, photography, computer/digital media, and fiber arts. Small three-dimensional works, i.e. sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, etc., will be displayed in the available glass display cases.

Application Process/Selection/Jurying
Applications for exhibition are available at the Library’s circulation desk, or as a PDF.

Completed application forms may be returned to the Library,
or mailed to:

Clark Memorial Library
Arts in the Library Committee
538 Amity Road
Bethany, CT 06524

Applicants can submit .JPG images of the artwork by email to artsatclark@gmail.com,
or schedule an appointment with an ALC member to show several pieces of art representative of the proposed exhibit. Members of the ALC will jury the art submissions.

Installation, Removal, and Contract
Hanging and dismantling of the exhibit is the responsibility of the artist. ALC members will be present to offer guidance and assistance during the hanging process. Installation and removal times will be scheduled at the convenience of the Library Director and the ALC.

Contact information, business cards and other information about the artist or the artwork may be hung using the Walker Display system in pouches provided or placed at the adult circulation desk. No items may be left on tables, windowsills, or other locations in the meeting room.

The Artist(s) and an ALC representative will sign a contract prior to the installation of artwork. Upon installation, a complete list of works displayed, including a monetary value (even if not for sale), will be submitted and signed by the artist and ALC representative.

The artist(s) must remove all artwork at the end of the exhibit time as agreed in the contract. The library has no storage space for artwork and is not responsible for artwork not picked up on time. A fee of $10 per day will be charged for any artwork not picked up. At least one ALC member will be present to assist during removal.

Sales
Artwork may be available for sale at the artist’s discretion. Sales and contact information should accompany the exhibit. Library staff does not handle sales.

Any artwork sold must remain on display for the duration of the time allotted for the exhibit. Red stickers or labels may be attached to works sold during the reception and throughout the exhibition period.

The Library will receive a 10% commission from all sales. Commission is due on the day the art is removed from the Library. Commission checks are to be made payable to the “Bethany Library Association” or “BLA),” with “Arts in the Library Committee” or “ALC” written on the memo line of the check.

Reception and Gallery Talks
The exhibiting artist(s) may choose to have a reception. The date/time will be scheduled with the approval of the Library Director and an ALC representative. The artist must handle his/her own sales or provide an assistant during the reception. The library staff and ALC representatives do not handle any sales. All art sold must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Prints/reproductions for sale may be displayed in art bins or on a table set aside for that purpose at the reception only. These must be removed at the end of the reception.

The artist is responsible for any food or beverages (only non-alcoholic beverages are allowed) provided during the reception, including setup and cleanup. The Library does not have kitchen facilities for the storage or preparation of food. As such, leftovers must be removed from the Library. The Library will provide tables and at least one ALC member will be available to assist.

Parking at the Library is limited. Additional parking is sometimes available at the Congregational Church, which is a short distance south of the Library and across the street. No parking is allowed on Route 63/Amity Road.

Artists are encouraged to give a talk, workshop, or demonstration about the artwork at the reception or at sometime during the exhibition period. Arrangements should be made with the Library Director and ALC representative in advance of the installation.

Publicity
The artist will provide the ALC with information about themselves such as an “Artist Bio” or “Artist Statement” and a .JPG image for publicity purposes at least two months in advance of the exhibit. The artist is also responsible for primary publicity of the exhibit. The Library will send out information announcing the exhibit and reception to those patrons on the Library email list, on the Library website, and through the town-wide bulletin. The artist is responsible for any additional publicity beyond that, and for keeping the ALC representative informed.