Since 1989, the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art has supported a wide variety of Canadian artists through exhibitions, community programming, and collaboration. We have dedicated ourselves to fostering the arts in our community through supporting and developing the talents of local and national artists over the years. To commemorate our 32nd year operating, we would like to invite our membership to celebrate with us!
This year our Annual Members’ Exhibition has a new spin and timeframe. The Annual Members’ Exhibition: Postcard Project & Studio Sale, will take on two distinct components. Artists will have the option to participate in either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both. Participants are not required to submit to both aspects but are highly encouraged to.
The Postcard Project aims to foster connection despite these times of social and physical distancing. 32 Alternator member artists (one for each year of our existence!) will be invited to create 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4”x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A grocery list? Instructions for performance art? A map leading to a buried treasure? We love it!! This will be a limited run of 320 postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served!
The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $10 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family, keep it for themselves, or have the Alternator mail the postcard on their behalf (within Canada; address to be provided by purchaser).
The Studio Sale is an open call for submissions for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.
How To Participate:
Step 1: Membership
Sign up for or renew your Alternator membership. You can sign-up online or in person at the gallery.
Not sure if your Alternator membership is still active? Contact us at 250 868 2298 or at info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!
Step 2: Register to exhibit by Wednesday, June 30th, 2021, 11:59 p.m.
Complete and submit the registration form either through the Alternator website or by completing a printed form that can then be submitted in person or emailed to info@alternatorcentre.com. Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.
Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (Online)
Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (PDF)
Step 3: Label and drop off your artwork
POSTCARD PROJECT
Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator between June 30 - July 3, 2021 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements. Please identify your work by completing the following inventory form and return when dropping off artworks.
STUDIO SALE
The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted.
Label and identify your artwork by filling out and attaching labels below.
Labelled artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator between June 30 - July 3, 2021 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.
All artwork identification must be included and securely attached to your art at the time of drop-off. Please be sure to note which of your submitted pieces are your 2 guaranteed works, and which is an additional work submitted for jurying.
Step 4: Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)
Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with 10 4”x6” blank postcards. Cards may be picked up at the Alternator between June 1 and June 12. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4”x6”.