March 24, 2016 – The Art League

This July, we’re inviting artists to transform The Art League Gallery with installation art. We’re calling the exhibit “Not a Box.”

All Art League member artists are invited to enter. Entry is online only, and the deadline is June 1, 2016.

If you’ve never created an installation before, never fear! We’re here to help out. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about this exhibit — and if you have any not answered here, please get in touch with Gallery staff at 703-683-1780 or [email protected].

What counts as installation art?

Installation art is any site-specific artwork — that is, anything executed as part of a space instead of simply being hung on the wall or displayed on a pedestal. Artists are encouraged to use this opportunity to engage with and transform a space within the Gallery.

Do you have a floor plan?

Yes! You can download the PDF floor plan here. Please note that the Solo Room and Gallery 75 (in gray, on the right) are not available to use for this exhibit.

How much space am I allowed to take up?

We have limited space in the Gallery, but there is no restriction on size. The juror will choose pieces that will adequately fit the space we have. Artists can submit small or large installations.

Modular Wall Installation: Right Triangle (Magenta) by Alex Paik, installed at ODETTA (2015). Gouache, colored pencil, paper, nails. Dimensions variable. — *Modular Wall Installation: Right Triangle (Magenta)* by Alex Paik, installed at ODETTA (2015). Gouache, colored pencil, paper, nails. Dimensions variable. (Alex Paik is the juror for “Not a Box.”)

Do I choose the specific part of the gallery that my installation will go in?

If you have specific requirements, include that information, but leave some flexibility in your proposal: the juror and Gallery Director will ultimately decide which area will best showcase the artwork.

Can I work with another artist?

Yes, and we encourage you to do so!

What are the possibilities/limits on what I can hang from the ceiling and put in the wall?

We have a 60-pound weight limit, but are open to ideas from the artist for installation. If you have specific questions for installation, please contact the Gallery at 703-683-1780 or [email protected].

Can The Art League supply audiovisual equipment for multimedia works?

Yes, but we have limited equipment. Please contact the Gallery if you have questions.

Can I submit a drawing/plan/visualization of the installation as my image?

Yes! Artists are allowed to submit up to three images per submission (up to three submissions). A drawing/plan/visualization is encouraged.

Where can I look for inspiration?

Artist Ines Seidel has a Pinterest board, Presenting Art, with lots of ideas for unusual ways to install artwork.
As we do with many of our themed exhibits, The Art League is pinning ideas to our board Inspiration for AL Exhibits.
Finally, the Renwick Gallery currently has an exhibit of nine installations. You can see “Wonder” through May 8.

Where do you go to find affordable artwork by accomplished local artists?

We’re going to let you in on a little secret called Gallery 75.

Nestled inside The Art League Gallery here in the Torpedo Factory, this gallery-within-a-gallery is open only to artists who are juried into three of our shows per year. It used to be called the Bin Gallery — after, well, the bins — but this year, we renamed it in honor of the year it was founded. It’s a nicer name, don’t you agree?

Gallery 75 has three parts:

the framed and 3-D pieces on the walls and in the cabinets, which change every two months (we post images on Flickr just like with our regular exhibits)
the unframed pieces in the bins, arranged by artist’s last name
a selection of artists and artwork online

The bins are arranged by artists' last names, and we also have special bins for local scenes and pieces under $100. — The bins are arranged by artists’ last names, and we also have special bins for local scenes and pieces under $100.

Not all our artists are featured online, so you’ll want to come in person to see what’s available. The framed and sculptural works change bimonthly, and the unframed bin pieces change at least every six months, so come early and come often!

By the way, if you’re wondering what exactly we mean by “affordable” artwork: right now you can find unframed pieces for as low as $45, and numerous works, framed and unframed, under $100. Be sure to search around to find the artists and artwork that speak to you!

Artists: learn about Gallery 75 membership here.

Day: March 24, 2016

Artist FAQ for the “Not a Box” Installation Exhibit