Call to Artists: Virginia MOCA’s New Waves 2017

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) announces their winter/spring exhibitions, January 29-April 17, 2017. They will include for the 22^nd year a contemporary showcase of Virginia artists in New Waves 2017 and is currently accepting submissions to this annual juried exhibition.

Since 1995, MOCA has offered a unique opportunity for emerging Virginia artists to have their work juried by practicing art professionals and displayed in a museum alongside renowned contemporary artists. Last year, close to 300 applicants from across the Commonwealth submitted work and 27 were selected. Their work was viewed in conjunction with internationally recognized artists Courtney Mattison and Crystal Wagner.

Photo by Glen McClure | Courtesy of Virginia MOCA.

Artists residing in Virginia are encouraged to apply before midnight on Sunday, November 27^th, 2016. Work in all artistic mediums made between the years 2013-16 will be accepted for review. Submission guidelines and application forms can be found on MOCA’s website or by applying online via Zapplication.

Selected artists will have their work shown alongside two powerful exhibitions. Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art features 14 contemporary artists attempting to break down societal stigmas to offer an opportunity to encounter and understand mental health through the lens of contemporary art. Nevet Yitzhak’s Warcraft, explores Afghan rug production as a vehicle for 3D animations engaged in active battles.

This year’s guest juror is Ken Harman, curator and gallerist based in San Francisco, CA. He is the owner of two galleries, Hashimoto Contemporary and Spoke Art, which have locations in San Francisco and New York City. Previously, Harman was the online editor for Hi-Fructose Magazine where his writings appeared in multiple print and online features. His most recent art book is “The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads.”

Six awards will be given in total with a Best in Show prize of $2,000. Awards will be announced at the opening reception of MOCA’s winter/spring exhibitions on Friday, January 29^th from 6-9pm, except for the People’s Choice award. Visitors can vote for their favorite NEW WAVES 2017 work through the end of the exhibition. The People’s Choice award will be announced on social media.

For more information about this exhibition, submission guidelines, and how to apply, please visit VirginiaMOCA.org.