Terra Incognita: Monmouth Arts Presents the Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit

Monmouth Arts Presents The Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit: Terra Incognita (An Unknown Land)

Monmouth Arts invites the creative community of Monmouth County to submit works that explore the theme of Terra Incognita (An Unknown Land) as part of our annual member exhibition, to be held at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, November 1 - December 2, 2024, with an opening reception on Friday, November 1, 6-8:00pm. The deadline to submit is September 16, 2024. 

The unknown beckons only the truly adventurous and intrepid to venture boldly forth for discoveries that show what the world really is or reveal the potential for what it can be. These characteristics are the hallmarks of an artist.

The most exciting and satisfying parts of a work of art for the artist are generally the beginning (spark of the idea), and the end (the work is complete). Within the middle of an artwork is where the artist most often encounters the unknown. Intuition, risk-taking, tried and true methods, and this adventurous and intrepid nature get the artist through the unknown to the end.

This show asks the artist: What is the Terra Incognita or unknown within your art practice? Is this a particular subject, approach, aspect of method or process, or theme that no matter how many times you’ve contemplated and addressed it may still remain somewhat or completely elusive, yet is always worth considering?

Terra Incognita will be guest curated by George Bates, a globally recognized artist within public art, fine art, and private collector commissions. After many years living in New York, George is now based in the Asbury Park area.

Monmouth Arts is pleased to be showcasing this year’s group exhibit in the Oyster Point Hotel on the Navesink River in Red Bank. The Oyster Point is one of Monmouth County’s most celebrated venues for art and gatherings, featuring exhibits and an innovative artist residency program. The exhibit opening will be November 1 from 6-8pm; the works will be on view in the hotel’s public spaces through December 2. 

The Monmouth Arts annual member exhibit – now in its seventh year – is named for Dr. Charles Sills, who was a painter, sculptor, collector, and supporter of the arts. He retired from his role as the Chief of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in 2000. His work has been shown at many galleries in Monmouth County and he won awards from New York's Allied Artists of America as well as Knickerbocker Artists.

Those artists interested in submitting to Terra Incognita must be current members of Monmouth Arts and agree to the exhibition guidelines. Artists who would like to become new members and submit may use the code TERRA to receive $10 off the $40 artist membership rate. 

Please contact Connie Isbell, Director of Membership & Community Engagement with any questions at connie@monmoutharts.org or 732.212.1890 ext 101.

Eligibility and Entry 

• Accepted work includes drawing, mixed media, painting, fine crafts, photography, lithographs, digital, printmaking, and sculpture. We are not able to accept film/video submissions for this exhibit.
• Please note that this year’s venue can accommodate large pieces; artists are encouraged to consider this factor when applying. 
• There is no submission fee, but current membership with Monmouth Arts is required. Artists who would like to become new members and submit may use the discount code TERRA to receive $10 off the $40 artist membership rate. For more information and an online membership form, please go to www.monmoutharts.org/join-us. Student memberships are free.
• Established, emerging, and student artists are encouraged to submit works.
• Artwork must have been made in the last five years (after January 1, 2019) and not have been presented in past Monmouth Arts exhibitions or exhibitions at the Oyster Point Hotel. Reproductions of original works will not be accepted.
• Drop off and pick up of accepted work to and from the Oyster Point Hotel is the responsibility of the artist.
• All work must be available for the duration of the exhibition.
• Artwork sold through Terra Incognita is subject to a 30% fee to support Monmouth Arts programming. Monmouth Arts will collect the purchase price for all work, retain a 30% sales commission, and issue a check for the remainder to the artist at the close of the exhibition.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions must be entered through the online Submittable platform. After reading the guidelines, you can create an account or log in to your existing Submittable account. There is no cost to create a Submittable account.
• Final acceptance of artwork is contingent upon review at delivery.
• Submissions are limited to a maximum of three (3) entries.
• Submissions must include contact information, brief artist statement (up to 100 words), artwork information (title, media, size (H x W x D), year completed, and price (must indicate NFS if not for sale).
• Artists are strongly encouraged to submit high-quality images that best present the work. 
• Images of artwork must be JPEG format with resolution of 300 dpi/ppi. Rename each image with Last Name_EntryNumber_Title_Media_Size_Year_Price.

Presentation Guidelines

• Wall-hung items must be appropriately framed, edges adequately finished and must be properly wired as the hanging medium. No saw-tooth hangers or metal eyelets will be accepted. Frames must be free of defects and of sturdy construction. Canvas wrapped paintings are acceptable (not raw canvas edges.)
• Three-dimensional works must be stable and stand on their own.

Important Dates

Application Open: July 11, 2024
Application Deadline: Friday, September 16, 4pm
Notifications: Tuesday, October 8
Artwork Drop Off: October 29 (time TBA)
Opening Reception: Friday, November 1, 6pm - 8pm
Exhibit Dates: November 1 - December 2, 2024  
Artwork Pickup: December 3 (time TBA)

For assistance or questions about submitting please contact Connie Isbell, Membership & Community Engagement Director, at connie@monmoutharts.org; 732.212.1890 ext 101.