Exhibiting at the Natural History Institute Art Gallery
EXHIBITING AT THE NATURAL HISTORY INSTITUTE ART GALLERY
The Natural History Institute is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is as follows:
The Natural History Institute provides leadership and resources for a revitalized practice of natural history that integrates art, science, and humanities to promote the health and well-being of humans and the rest of the natural world.
We are committed to integrating art, science, and humanities in the practice of natural history, and our art gallery plays a critical role.
We have clarified this mission for the NHI Art Gallery:
The well-being of all life depends on human awareness of the essential and reciprocal relationship between people and the natural world—an awareness which is nurtured by attentiveness to beauty. The Natural History Institute Art Gallery fosters a sustaining human/nature relationship by connecting people with each other and with the more-than-human world through aesthetic expression that awakens our senses and stimulates our intellects. The Gallery will feature art that demonstrates our enduring embrace of diverse natural beauty, as well as that which engages contemporary challenges in human and environmental health and diversity.
How Are Exhibits Selected?
Exhibits of original work, by individuals or a group, are selected by a committee that includes NHI staff and an advisory Gallery Council composed of artists and arts professionals. In some cases, a guest judge will be invited to make selections.
To Be Considered for Exhibition:
Application deadline: July 31, 2023.
Notification to applicants: no later than October 15, 2023.
Proposals can be submitted to the Natural History Institute Program Director (jessie@naturalhistoryinstitute.org), for consideration for the upcoming exhibition schedule, in these available time slots:
- April 26 – July 12, 2024
- July 26 – October 11, 2024
- October 24, 2024 – January 10, 2025
- January 24 – April 11, 2025
- April 25 – July 11, 2025
- July 25 – October 10, 2025
- October 24, 2025 – January 9, 2026
- 2026 and beyond
Natural History Institute Gallery Proposals must include the following (in this order):
- Curatorial Statement
Please provide a one paragraph description of the exhibition, with a tentative title for the show (may be edited later).
- Description of Proposed Exhibition
In a statement not to exceed 500 words, please respond to the following;
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- How does the exhibition connect with the mission of the Natural History Institute Art Gallery? (Why is it a good fit for this particular gallery?)
- We ask that accepted artists propose a hands-on workshop in collaboration with our Program Director. What potential workshop might your exhibition inspire? Have you taught this technique before?
- What time frame (month, year) are you proposing for this exhibition? Is there a particular reason for that time frame; i.e., a related event?
- Are you aware of any potential funders who might be interested in sponsoring the exhibition? (We recognize this is a long shot, but it’s worth asking!)
- Statement of interest in selling work, and, if relevant, price range of pieces
- Artist Statement
An artist statement not to exceed 250 words about the work in general and your process (may be edited later)
- Artist Background and Exhibition History
A 1-2 page resume with name, address, phone number, email, educational and professional background, and exhibition history
- Images of the work
10-15 digital images, 4 x 6 inches at 72 dpi, and a corresponding list of images with title, date, medium, and dimensions. You may include brief descriptions and/or where previously exhibited.
(Optional) Other concerns
Special installation needs or requirements. Will you have prints? Do you need pedestals or other gallery furniture?
All materials must be included in a single PDF file. This file should be labeled as follows: Gallery Proposal_Lastname.pdf
Send proposal materials to: jessie@naturalhistoryinstitute.org
Deadline: July 31, 2023; applicants will be notified by October 15th.
What to Expect:
- Gallery hours are typically: Tuesday-Friday, 10-4:00, and during evening NHI public events, which typically have 50-60 participants.
- There is a possibility (but not expectation) for the artist to provide extended open hours by staffing the gallery for special events, in consultation with NHI staff.
- NHI will provide promotion for the exhibit through social media, our website, direct communication with our mailing list, and postcards. The online forms of advertising will have national exposure.
- NHI will arrange and promote an evening opening reception (refreshments will be provided by NHI)
- NHI will cover one night in a hotel room in Prescott. Exhibition in the gallery will require a minimum of two trips to Prescott (installation and de-installation).
- The artist must provide high-quality digital images of the work, and of themselves, at least 6 weeks prior to the opening of the show, to be used for promotional purposes.
- Sales of exhibited items will be at the discretion of the Artists. A commission, of 25% will be taken by NHI on any sales, to support the educational work of the Institute. NHI staff will handle and keep records of sales.
- NHI will provide insurance to cover the work while it is exhibited.
- Each artist will be asked to participate in two NHI programs: a free evening Artist Talk, and a hands-on workshop inspired by the exhibit itself. These programs will be determined through a collaboration of the artist and the NHI Program Director.
- The gallery is approximately 600 square feet, featuring hardwood floors, natural lighting, and has a 7’7”-high ceiling. A floor plan of the space is attached at the end of this document.
- Typically, exhibits last for approximately two and one-half months; specific dates will be negotiated during the selection process.
