This holiday season, The Monastery is turning our Christmas tree into a celebration of local creativity.
At the center of the gallery will stand a 14 foot Christmas tree decorated entirely with handmade ornaments created by local artists. Every ornament on the tree will also be available for visitors to purchase, creating an opportunity for guests to take home a small, accessible work of art while supporting artists in our community.
We are inviting Arizona artists and makers to submit original handmade ornaments for consideration.
THE CONCEPT
Rather than creating one individual ornament, selected artists will provide a small collection of multiples of the same ornament design for display and sale.
For example, an artist might submit one ceramic ornament shaped like the state of Arizona and indicate that they can provide a collection of 20 ornaments in several colors.
One ornament would serve as the submitted example of the design. If selected, the artist would then provide the agreed upon quantity for the Artist Christmas Tree.
ORNAMENT REQUIREMENTS
Submitted ornaments must:
• Be original work created by the submitting artist or maker
• Be handmade or substantially handmade
• Demonstrate thoughtful design and well executed craftsmanship
• Measure no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches
• Be lightweight enough to hang safely from a Christmas tree
• Include a secure hanging mechanism such as ribbon, string, wire, hook, or another appropriate method
• Be suitable for display in a public gallery
• Be made from materials that are safe for normal handling and display
• Be free from hazardous, toxic, sharp, leaking, or otherwise unsafe materials
• Be reasonably safe around children and pets
• Have a retail price of $20 or less per ornament
Artists may work in a variety of materials including ceramic, fiber, fabric, wood, paper, mixed media, lightweight metal, and other appropriate materials.
Artists may submit up to three different ornament designs for consideration.
QUANTITY
This is a retail collection rather than a single artwork submission.
For each design submitted, artists should indicate the number of ornaments they are able to provide for sale.
We encourage artists to consider quantities that will create a noticeable collection on the tree while allowing pieces to be replenished as ornaments are purchased.
Variations within a submitted design are welcome. For example, ornaments may be offered in several colors, patterns, finishes, or other small variations while remaining part of the same overall design.
SELECTION
The Monastery will curate the Artist Christmas Tree to create a collection that represents a variety of artists, materials, styles, and approaches.
Selection will be based on craftsmanship, originality, visual interest, suitability for the tree, safety, price point, and how the work contributes to the overall collection.
Submission does not guarantee selection.