Art Under Fire Art Call 2025

Ends on

Submission Deadline: Saturday, May 31

 

OVERVIEW

Calling all ceramic artists, glass artists, welders, encaustic artists, wood-burning artists and more who transform materials under heat into fine works of art!  The Arts HQ Gallery is seeking hot artwork from Arizona artists for their upcoming Art Under Fire exhibit. The exhibit will feature original 2D and 3D artwork made through the processes of baking in a kiln, melting, welding, or torching.  Appropriately timed for the middle of Arizona summer, this exhibit will run June 27 - July 31, 2025.

The Arts HQ Gallery is located at 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Ste 102, Surprise, AZ, next to the Surprise City Hall.  We are run by the nonprofit West Valley Arts Council, established in 1969 as a resource for arts and culture in the West Valley.  We have been at this location for the past 10 in what was originally the Heard Museum West.  Depending on the season, we attract 400-600 visitors to each exhibit. www.westvalleyarts.org.  Check out our past exhibits and events on social media www.facebook.com/westvalleyarts and www.instagram.com/westvalley_arts . Follow us.
 

Submission deadline: Saturday, May 31 by 12midnight 

 

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to professional and emerging artists 18 and older living in Arizona.

 

CRITERIA:

  • Artwork must be made through a heat process of baking in a kiln, melting, welding, or torching. Due to safety, no, the artwork cannot be lit with fire on display.
  • Each entry must be the artist’s original work. 
  • The theme is open, but should be appropriate for families and children to view.
  • All 2D artwork must be properly framed and/or wired, not to exceed 20 lbs. Saw tooth is acceptable.  3D artwork will be placed on pedestals, hung, or can be free-standing.
  • Artwork must stay in place throughout the exhibit.
  • Selected work must include a label or identification on the back of the work, including the name of the artist and title, and contact information.  

*WVA board and staff reserves the right to refuse any work based on its inability to meet the criteria, inability to be displayed safely and without difficulty, or inappropriateness in themes or content.

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Up to 4 entries per submission.
  2. Entries must include an image of each piece (images must be at least 300 dpi and .jpg or .png format.), along with the title, size, medium, and price for each.  Pricing should include our 25% commission.
  3. Biography of the artist
  4. Description / story behind the work, and the process of heat used.
  5. Website and Instagram handles if applicable.
  6. All entries must be completed and received by midnight on the deadline date, and go through this website link.
  7. $15 nonrefundable entry fee for up to 4 art pieces (one entry per artist) to cover labor and expenses does not guarantee acceptance in the exhibit. 

 

SELECTION

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of knowledgeable West Valley Arts Council staff members and key partners.

 

EXHIBIT INFORMATION

The Art Under Fire exhibit will open Friday, June 27, 2025 with an opening reception from 5-7pm.  The reception is free and open to the public at the Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise, AZ, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, ste 102.  Artists are encouraged to attend and invite family and friends.  Share your art and story with fellow artists, visitors, and patrons.

The exhibit will run through July 31, 2025.  Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of their artwork to the Arts HQ Gallery.  Pick up will be following the exhibit on Friday, Aug 1 or Saturday, Aug 2, 10am-1pm.

Promotion for the exhibit will be featured on the West Valley Arts Council website, newsletters, and social media via Facebook and Instagram. Artists are also encouraged to promote the exhibit in tandem on their own social media platforms and any local media contacts.

 

SCHEDULE / TIMELINE

Submission Deadline…………………..….Saturday, May 31, 2025

Notice of acceptance………………………..Monday, Jun 2, 2025

Accepted works delivered to gallery……….Friday, June 20 or Saturday, June 21, 10am-1pm

Exhibition Opening Reception……………...Friday, June 27, 5-7pm

Artwork Pickup…………Friday, Aug 1 or Saturday, Aug 2, 10am-1pm

 

Featured artists are also invited to have an extension of their artwork in prints, stickers, or small works in our adjacent gift shop throughout the exhibit.

QUESTIONS - Email gallery@westvalleyarts.org

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