The Carrack’s 2013 Exhibition Season is now closed. Please check back in September. At that time, we will be accepting applications on a rolling basis for Exhibiting Artists proposing solo or group shows that last up to two weeks.

Submissions will be reviewed by rotating panels of past Carrack artists with director, Laura Ritchie. Your application will be reviewed based on the time period you request for an exhibit.

Our proposed schedule for each Exhibit: For 2-week shows, the space is yours starting on Monday at noon. You may choose when to schedule your artist talk, your reception will be that first Friday or Saturday, the second weekend will be for our scheduled Performing Artist and your work needs to be out of the space by the following Monday at noon. Of course, this is flexible depending on the nature of your work and your vision for your exhibit. 

Download the Exhibiting Artist Application: 2013 CARRACK ARTIST APPLICATION.

This is what we require from all Exhibiting Artists who use our space in 2013: 

1. Commit to giving an artist talk at The Carrack during your exhibit.
2. Commit to attend at least one artist reception at The Carrack prior to your own exhibit.
3. Commit to design an exhibit invitation and/or poster and send it to us 4 weeks ahead of your exhibit. This will allow us to have enough time to distribute it effectively for marketing purposes.
4. Undertake all aspects of installation and de-installation of your work.
5. Accept to be interviewed on camera and in writing by representatives of The Carrack.

And one request:

The Carrack would like to program Performing Arts events during the second weekend of each two-week exhibit. These events are vital to our mission and community and will bring new audiences to see your work.

Note on insurance: At this point The Carrack is not providing insurance on your artwork, however coverage can be offered in certain circumstances

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Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting Artists:

Here is The Carrack’s commitment to you during your show, a more detailed list of artist responsibilities and a general outline of how the space works, along with some tips for putting together a successful show.

Carrack Responsibilities:

1. Keep the space open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

2. Include an announcement about your show in our newsletter to be sent out at the beginning of each month.

3. Send an email invitation with your image or show poster to our list of contacts the week of your exhibit.

4. List your exhibit dates, a link to your artist website and an image/poster of your choice on our website.

5. Promote your show through our Facebook page and Twitter account.

6. Be a resource for you – we offer curatorial advice, access to our network of artists and community members and general support. We are here to help and we want you to succeed!

Artist Responsibilities: 

This is a free, DIY space. That means you are essentially in charge of EVERYTHING about your exhibit.

The breakdown:

1. Marketing.

You are in charge of the bulk of the marketing. The marketing that we do (listed above) is meant to supplement your efforts, not lead or replace them. The success of your exhibit depends on your ability to self-promote.

Our recommended checklist:

(Get this done at least one month before your show opens)

- Create a show poster that features an image that accurately represents what you plan to show at the Carrack, lists the dates the work will be on display and the date and time of the reception. Send this to us, print it and put it around town, put it on Facebook and email it to all of your contacts.

- Write a press release that combines the basic facts about your show (who, what, when, where, why) and your artist statement. Let people know what you’re all about and why they should come see you. We have examples that can help.

- Contact the media! Send them your invitation and press release.

- TALK ABOUT YOUR SHOW. To everyone. Seriously, you have to shamelessly promote yourself and your work. Your work needs to be seen. That’s why you’re having a show. If you don’t believe it is worth seeing, no one else will!

2. Installation

- Have a plan. Your time at the Carrack is very short. Make sure you get here with finished pieces and a clear idea of how you will present them to the public.

- Make sure all of your work is professionally presented and ready to hang.

- Purchase all hardware and materials required to display your work in a safe and professional way. The Carrack has tools but it is best to bring your own.

- Remember the importance of labels. Viewers (potential buyers!) need information to guide them through the exhibit. We recommend including the title, medium and price next to each piece and displaying your artist statement in the space.

3. Reception

- You are responsible for purchasing any refreshments and any plates/napkins/cups they require. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres are the usual.

- Organize entertainment for the evening if you want it. Whether it is an iPod playlist, a DJ, a live band or a troupe of jugglers, it is helpful to have something to fill the awkward silences between handshakes and wine sips.

- Encourage your visitors to sign our guestbook, talk to them about the mission of the space and gently point them towards our donation box.*

* Exposure to your network is the best way for the Carrack to grow as an organization. We already know you believe in us but please let your guests know it as well.