The artist open call for Homegrown, the first exhibition to be exclusively juried by the NEON District Public Art Committee, is now live. Artists of all ages are invited to submit works of art in all media for the exhibition, which will be on view at Commune NFK August 5 to October 3, 2021.

This juried show seeks to both refine and expand the definition of “home” through a survey of art by artists who have called Virginia home. The exhibition will be on view at the CROP Foundation’s home inside Commune NFK, whose goals to build a sustainable local community through creating opportunities are in line with the exhibition theme. Curator Janelle Burchfield said of Homegrown, “The feeling of home embodies how we live, who we spend our lives with, what we value, and where we see ourselves. This has been a year spent at home, and we are ready to move out into the world after much reflection and introspection.”

Artists are encouraged to think on the evolution and growth of home and how it can be welcoming, nostalgic, familiar, familial, and a genuine reflection of its inhabitants. The NEON jury encourages submissions in all artistic interpretations of the culture, community, landscape, and stories that shape the definition of home.

Recognizing the abundance of talent in Virginia, artists can be born and raised in Hampton Roads, visiting artists who have spent time studying here, or a Virginia resident. Artists of all stripes will be accepted – an amateur doodler, art instructor, professional artist, or anywhere in between. Anyone who has called Virginia home is welcome. The call is open to artists working in all media. There is a submission fee of $25 for up to three works of art, and cash prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded.

Since 2013, the NEON District has had a Public Art Committee, led by a diverse team of artists, cultural partners and neighborhood residents who are committed to planning, curating and maintaining one of the largest collections of art in public spaces in Virginia. In a first for the committee, members will serve on the jury to select artworks for the exhibition. An original member of the committee, and co-founder of the NEON Festival, Charlotte Potter Kasic, will serve as the awarding juror. Potter Kasic was essential to the artistic growth in the early years of the NEON District and recently returned to Norfolk as executive director of the Barry Art Museum.

“We are thrilled to turn our focus to curating and jurying an indoor art exhibition, after many years of creating murals and street art in the NEON District,” said Rachel McCall, director of strategic initiatives for Downtown Norfolk Council. “Members of the art committee are very proud to be taking this step, especially with Charlotte by our side, and in a space we all love, the Texaco Building.”

Open Call Details:

* Artists may submit up to three completed artworks for individual consideration
* All submitted works should be new and created within the last 2 years
* Significantly-conceived proposals for site-specific installations will also be considered
* Entries will be accepted in 2-D and 3-D visual art, including, but not limited to, paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, ceramic, glass, and metal art. Collaborative pieces are welcomed.

The open call went live on June 14, and submissions are due by July 6 at 11:59 pm.

(Note: No Deadline, this is an ongoing opportunity)

The Norfolk Public Art Commission seeks to match funds to create Public Private Partnerships to create public art in Norfolk, VA.

CONTEXT: Public art is a valuable tool for creating dynamic and sustainable places. Art displayed prominently at locations within the community serves as an effective tool for creating unique and diverse destinations. Public art can also bring added texture to otherwise indistinguishable areas. Funded by 1% of the City of Norfolk’s Capital Improvement budget, the Norfolk Public Art Program has been successfully commissioning public art for the past twelve years in downtown, parking garages, the zoo, light rail stations, community centers and a variety of other public spaces.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We are seeking private commercial developers who want to enhance their development project with public art. The Norfolk Public Art Commission will match up to $25,000 for each project.

PROJECT SITE: Artwork must be placed within Norfolk city limits at the private development site where it can be experienced by the maximum number of people.

SIZE/MEDIA: Artwork size and materials will be determined by the project site(s). Artwork must be fabricated in durable, permanent materials that are safe and easily maintained. Artwork will become the property of the City of Norfolk and will be maintained by the City.

PROJECT FUNDS: The total budget for the completed artwork will be a minimum of $50,000 with $25,000 from City Public Art funds and $25,000 or more from the developer.

TO APPLY: All commercial developers and foundations are eligible. Please submit a letter of interest to Karen Rudd, City Hall, 810 Union St., Room 409 Marketing and Communications, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 or email karen.rudd@norfolk.gov. Candidates will be interviewed prior to final selection. There is no fee to apply.

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