Rutherford Center for Visual Arts
Celebration of the Arts (COTA) is an annual juried art show held by the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild (RCVAG) to showcase the wide range of talent in our community and offer a FREE public art show that all can attend and learn more about art in Rutherford County.
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The 2021 Celebration of the Arts will be held October 7-13, 2021 at the Foundation Performing Arts Center, Spindale, NC, on the campus of Isothermal Community College. It will include a juried 2D and 3D Art show, Jr. Art Show, ICC Student Display, Silent Auction and Gift Shop.
Any artist who would like to participate may enter up to 4 pieces, cash and ribbons will be awarded for show pieces. Entries must be original work and completed within the last 2 years. Items made from kits, commercial molds, patterns or instructor assisted works are not allowed.
Fee to enter is $25 for members of the Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild (RCVAG) and $35 for non-members. Applications are due by September 18, 2021.
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Click below to download an application.
Show Information
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Show Location: The Foundation for the Performing Arts at Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC
Times:
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October 7 - Check In with Art for show 10am - 3pm
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October 7 through 12 9am -5pm
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October 13 9am -1pm
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October 13 – Artist pick up noon – 4pm
Eligibility: Open to all artists, of all ages (Not restricted to RCVAG members or Rutherford county residents.)
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First Time COTA Participants: First time exhibitors in COTA must include photos of the artwork being entered in the show with the application. Digital photos may be submitted on disk or emailed to artlover@artatthevac.com. Include artist name and “COTA application” in the subject line. List title, size and price.
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Requirements: Entries must be original works of the artist and completed within the last two years. Artwork cannot have been previously displayed at COTA. Items made from kits, commercial molds, patterns, or instructor-assisted works are not allowed.
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Maximum Number of Art Pieces: Each artist may enter a total of four pieces. Artwork may be 2D or 3D or a combination and must be indicated on the application. Artists entering 2D art exceeding 36” x 48” must supply their own easel or stand and must make a notation on the application.
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Display Requirements: Framed artwork must be wired with D-rings. Saw tooth hangers, clip frames or screw eyes will not be accepted. Canvases without a frame must be gallery wrapped. Artwork deemed inappropriate for this venue by the COTA Chair or committee will not be displayed.
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Questions about specifications, contact us at 828-288-5009 or artlover@artatthevac.com
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Awards:
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Best in Show - $200
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1st Place - $100 (2D and 3D)
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2nd Place - $75, (2D and 3D)
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3rd Place - $50 (2D and 3D)
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Awards of Merit Ribbons
Sales: Art for sale must have price listed.
Art that is sold during the show must remain for the entire show. Buyer may pick up 1pm - 4pm on Wednesday, October13. Works that are not for sale should be listed as NFS.
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Commission: RCVAG will retain a 30% commission on sales.
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Liability: RCVAG does not carry insurance
and assumes no liability for damage or loss. Artists must insure their own work. The delivery of an entry constitutes an agreement by the artist to this policy.
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Marketing: RCVAG reserves the right to use photographs of the show artwork and/or artists to promote the Celebration of the Arts.
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Drop-off: Thursday, September 12, 2019, 10 am – 3 pm at The Foundation for the Performing Arts at Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC.
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LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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Pick up: Wednesday October 13, 1 pm – 4pm. If you cannot pick up your work at this time, arrange for someone else to do so. THERE WILL BE A $25 FEE CHARGED FOR WORK LEFT AFTER PICK UP TIME.
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Artists Reception: A Reception and Awards Ceremony for participating artist and one guest plus donors, sponsors and RCVAG members and one guest on Friday October 8, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
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Participation: To help make the show a success, participation is needed from entrants. Information will be sent with acceptance lletter.
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Junior Artists Display Show
Show Location/Time: The show will be held at The Foundation Conference & Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC from October–7, 2021. Show times are: 9 am – 5 pm (Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm)
Eligibility: Open to all students 18 and younger. Work will not be judged. If you want your work to be judged, apply to the judged show.
Rules: Each artist may submit three (3) original works. Artwork may be 2D or 3D. 2D artwork must be in a frame.** Outside edge of the framed piece can be no larger than 11” x 14” or smaller than 5” x 7”. If an entry is deemed unsuitable for display for this venue, it will not be displayed. All decisions whether to display the artwork will be made by the Celebration of the Arts Show Chairman and will be final.
** Frames are available at Walmart, dollar stores, drug stores, thrift stores, Michael’s/AC Moore /Hobby Lobby craft stores (outside the county). Standard frame sizes are 5” x 7”, 8” x 10”, and 11” x 14”.
Liability: RCVAG does not carry insurance and assumes no liability for damage or loss. Artists must insure their own work. The delivery of an entry constitutes an agreement by the artist to this policy.
Marketing: RCVAG reserves the right to use photographs of the show artwork and/or artists to promote the Celebration of the Arts.
Drop-off: Thursday, October 7 10 am – 3 pm at the Foundation Conference & Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU NEED TO DROP OFF THE WORK EARLIER.
Pick up: Wednesday, October 13, 1pm – 4 pm.
If you cannot pick up your work at this time, arrange for someone else to do so. THERE WILL BE A $25 FEE CHARGED FOR WORK LEFT AFTER PICK UP TIME.
Gift Shop Opportunity for RCVAG Members
There will be a gift shop at the COTA show where members of the RCVAG can offer items for sale. This opportunity is ONLY available to RCVAG members. If you are interested, please click below to download an application.
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