Since July 4, 1776, the United States has grown from a fledgling nation of 13 states occupying just 4 percent of North America into 50 states and 5 territories, now covering more than 5 times its original area and spanning 14 time zones. Its physical landscape has transformed from wilderness and farmland into suburbs, highways, and urban skylines. Over the centuries, the population has grown nearly 90-fold, shaped by waves of immigration from around the globe. Our nation has evolved politically, economically, and socially, progressing from a fledgling republic to a complex country with global influence. Throughout this journey, American art and architecture have evolved in powerful and unexpected ways.
USA at 250 invites artists to capture the spirit of our nation: its past, present, and its promise for the future. In an era where it may be easy to focus on the negative, we encourage artists to create works that focus on the positive, highlighting pivotal moments, progress, resilience, or the richness that continues to shape the American experience. Themes may include the U.S. landscape, freedoms, diversity, reinvention, or innovation. Artwork that includes ad hominem attacks is outside the scope of this exhibit; however, protest art that emphasizes the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights or Declaration of Independence, and our aspirations to live up to those founding principles, is within scope.
All local artists are encouraged to participate, especially new artists. Artworks are welcome in any medium, style, or perspective. Previously exhibited works at Del Ray Artisans may be submitted.
Questions? Contact curators: TJ Feeley (tjfeeley@gmail.com) & Karen Feeley (karen@adler.net)
USA at 250 is open to all area artists—from seasoned professionals to emerging creators. Del Ray Artisans members pay a lower entry fee. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now.
Entry to this exhibit is by online submission. Art may be two- or three-dimensional, and in any medium. No strict size limits, but please be considerate of other artists and the physical limits of the gallery before entering oversized pieces. Oversized pieces of merit will be accepted if space permits. If submitting a multi-piece 2D artwork (such as a diptych or triptych), all parts must be framed together into one piece unless cleared in advance with the curator. Art should be ready to hang or display with wire and screw eyes, mounting and/or display stand, framed, matted, or with edges finished. We cannot show work that is not ready for exhibition. Example of a professionally framed artwork with flat screw eyes and wire:
If your artwork hanging system varies greatly from this example, contact the curators. See DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits/art-guidelines for additional details.