CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2026 Exhibition Opportunities at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library are pleased to announce their next Call for Exhibition Proposals, consisting of bi-monthly shows of two-dimensional works by New England area artists in the Jamaica Plain Branch Library’s public exhibition space.  The Selection Committee meets annually to select shows for the following year.  The gallery space will be managed by our collaborative partner, UFORGE Applications are now being accepted for exhibits for the January-December 2026 cycle.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.  Past exhibiting artist may reapply after a 2-year waiting period. Gallery Display Space: approx. 20 feet x 4 feet.

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: November 2025

Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting:

• Applicants must be from the New England area. There is NO COST to submit a proposal for consideration.

• All work presented must be original and produced within the last five years.

• Giclée reproductions of original work will not be accepted. This guideline does not apply to giclée printed photographs.

• We use the STAS cliprail system for hanging art. Works must have a wire across the back, ⅓ from the top of the work to accommodate this system. (We do not show free-standing sculptural pieces.)

• Adhering or apply anything directly to our walls is prohibited.

• Please refrain from submitting material that is obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. There will be children in the area on a daily basis.

• If you are applying for a group show, submit one combined packet (see below for more details).

• You must be available to show for at least 3 out of the 6 exhibition periods. Please note: the first exhibition will be begin January 2026.

• If you are accepted, the Friends will determine when your show will take place. The assignments are fixed and cannot be changed. Please do not request a specific month.

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered; please follow these instructions carefully.

• Artwork dimensions within 36" x 36" are best to display. Larger sizes will be considered.

Preparing a Submission:

We encourage artists to send the following as a zip file to gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.   Only online submissions will be accepted at this time for consideration.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.

• Up to 10 digital images of recent 2-dimensional, original work, dimensions of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side (4" at 300 dpi), jpg format.  (Images can be artworks intended to exhibit or show your range of work as you develop your show, if selected; depending on size, additional work beyond the 10 images can be included)

• The jpgs must be named as follows: Image number_Artist's last name_dimensions indicating inches or feet_ TitleofWork_medium_year produced. Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2026

• A Word document with a numbered list noting image number, artist's last name, dimensions indicating inches or feet, title of work, medium, year produced, and price.

• A one-page resumé pertaining to your work as an artist, 12 point font minimum with the artist name and contact information including an email address, mailing address, social media handles, and phone number.

• In 50 words or less, a Word document with a brief description of your work as an artist. In addition to the 50-word description, any limitations on your availability to show during a given period (due travel plans or other extraordinary circumstances) should be specified here.

• If you are preparing a group application for a themed exhibit, send up to 10 jpgs (for example for a 3-person show, 3 images per artist), a proposed title, one resumé per artist and one 50-word or less combined description of the theme.

Planning a Reception:

Once an artist's work is accepted and a show is scheduled, an opening reception will be planned on behalf of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library and/or a generous show sponsor.

Publicity:

All publicity is handled by our managing partner, Uforge, including: a press release, various social media channels, exhibition page on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website, invitational postcards, flyers, and more.

Sales:

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library or Uforge will not manage or oversee inquiries or transactions regarding the purchase of artwork displayed. However, contact information for the artist will be made available to library patrons in the exhibition space and on line. Should an exhibiting artist choose to make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch to help defray expenses related to art exhibitions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance:

Artwork will be handled with utmost care. The Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery do not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit to the public and are not responsible for any loss or damage of the artist's work whatsoever. Exhibiting artists will be required to sign a waiver on or before the day the show is hung.

Delivery and Return of Work

If selected, work must be hand-delivered to 30 South Street and will remain on display for the duration of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be dropped-off and picked-up by the specified dates.  Due to limited storage space, work remaining unclaimed after the specified date will become property of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Promotional Agreement:

By agreeing to participate in library exhibitions you are giving Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery the right to use images of your work for any promotional materials and website. Newspapers and other media outlets are allowed to use images of your work in material promoting the exhibiting artists. Submission of your work indicates acceptance of all conditions stated above.

About the Selection Committee:

The 5-member selection committee is comprised by representatives of the Central BPL, JP Branch, Friends of the JP Library, as well as standing members of the local business and arts community.  The following art mediums will be considered for selection of five (5) solo shows in Drawing, Mixed Media/Collage, Painting, Photography, and Printmaking and one (1) themed group show (mix of mediums welcome)..

Do you still have a question?  Please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

CALL TO ARTISTS: Site-Specific Installation at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

Jamaica Plain, MA – The Jamaica Plain Branch Library, in collaboration with the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Library, invites artists to submit proposals for a site-specific installation. This project will commemorate the library's renovation and reopening in May 2017 by incorporating remnants from the original ribbon-cutting ceremony into a new, dynamic work of art.

Project Details:

• Materials: Artists are required to integrate at least 50% of the ribbon-cutting ceremony materials into their final piece. The materials are provided as part of the project (see images below).

• Dimensions: The completed artwork should fit within dimensions of 20" x 70" to complement an existing installation in the library’s conference room. Artists may choose to create a singular piece or a diptych/triptych configuration within these measurements.

• Stipend: The selected artist will receive a stipend of $1,000, which includes the cost of materials.

Submission Guidelines:

Interested artists should submit their proposals by sending the following materials as a zip file to gallery@friendsjplibrary.org. Only online submissions will be accepted.

1. Sketches: Provide sketches of the proposed artwork, clearly identifying how the ribbon component will be incorporated.

2. Previous Work: Include up to 5 digital images of recent 2-dimensional original works in jpg format.

• Each image file should be named using the following format:
  Image number_Artist’s last name_Dimensions_TitleofWork_Medium_Year produced
  Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2025

3. Artist Resume: A one-page resume, minimum 12-point font, that pertains to your work as an artist. Include your name and contact information, such as email address, mailing address, social media handles, and phone number.

4. Artist Statement: A brief artist statement (50 words or less) describing your overall artistic approach. If applicable, mention any limitations on your availability for installation or exhibition due to travel or other commitments.

5. Project Concept: Provide a brief artist statement outlining the concept behind your proposed piece, specifically addressing how your work connects to the library’s history and the Jamaica Plain community.

The final artwork should be completed and installed by May 17, 2025, in time for the celebration of the library’s renovation anniversary.

Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 

We look forward to seeing your creative ideas and how you will contribute to the rich history of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Contact Information:

For questions or further details, please contact Brian at gallery@friendsjplibrary.org

---

About the Jamaica Plain Branch Library
The Jamaica Plain Branch Library, part of the Boston Public Library system, serves the vibrant and diverse Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Following its renovation in 2017, the library has continued to be a vital community hub, offering a variety of programs, resources, and cultural initiatives. The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Library is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the library's mission and fostering a strong community connection through art, education, and public engagement.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony materials.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony materials.

Untitled by Remi Pico

Conference Room

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2025 Exhibition Opportunities at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library are pleased to announce their next Call for Exhibition Proposals, consisting of bi-monthly shows of two-dimensional works by New England area artists in the Jamaica Plain Branch Library’s public exhibition space.  The Selection Committee meets annually to select shows for the following year.  The gallery space will be managed by our collaborative partner, UFORGE Applications are now being accepted for exhibits for the January-December 2025 cycle.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.  Past exhibiting artist may reapply after a 2-year waiting period. Gallery Display Space: approx. 20 feet x 4 feet.

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 7, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: November 2024

Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting:

• Applicants must be from the New England area. There is NO COST to submit a proposal for consideration.

• All work presented must be original and produced within the last five years.

• Giclée reproductions of original work will not be accepted. This guideline does not apply to giclée printed photographs.

• We use the STAS cliprail system for hanging art. Works must have a wire across the back, ⅓ from the top of the work to accommodate this system. (We do not show free-standing sculptural pieces.)

• Adhering or apply anything directly to our walls is prohibited.

• Please refrain from submitting material that is obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. There will be children in the area on a daily basis.

• If you are applying for a group show, submit one combined packet (see below for more details).

• You must be available to show for at least 3 out of the 6 exhibition periods. Please note: the first exhibition will be begin January 2025.

• If you are accepted, the Friends will determine when your show will take place. The assignments are fixed and cannot be changed. Please do not request a specific month.

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered; please follow these instructions carefully.

• Artwork dimensions within 36" x 36" are best to display. Larger sizes will be considered.

Preparing a Submission:

We encourage artists to send the following as a zip file to gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.   Only online submissions will be accepted at this time for consideration.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.

• Up to 10 digital images of recent 2-dimensional, original work, dimensions of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side (4" at 300 dpi), jpg format.  (Images can be artworks intended to exhibit or show your range of work as you develop your show, if selected; depending on size, additional work beyond the 10 images can be included)

• The jpgs must be named as follows: Image number_Artist's last name_dimensions indicating inches or feet_ TitleofWork_medium_year produced. Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2025

• A Word document with a numbered list noting image number, artist's last name, dimensions indicating inches or feet, title of work, medium, year produced, and price.

• A one-page resumé pertaining to your work as an artist, 12 point font minimum with the artist name and contact information including an email address, mailing address, social media handles, and phone number.

• In 50 words or less, a Word document with a brief description of your work as an artist. In addition to the 50-word description, any limitations on your availability to show during a given period (due travel plans or other extraordinary circumstances) should be specified here.

• If you are preparing a group application for a themed exhibit, send up to 10 jpgs (for example for a 3-person show, 3 images per artist), a proposed title, one resumé per artist and one 50-word or less combined description of the theme.

Planning a Reception:

Once an artist's work is accepted and a show is scheduled, an opening reception will be planned on behalf of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library and/or a generous show sponsor.

Publicity:

All publicity is handled by our managing partner, Uforge, including: a press release, various social media channels, exhibition page on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website, invitational postcards, flyers, and more.

Sales:

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library or Uforge will not manage or oversee inquiries or transactions regarding the purchase of artwork displayed. However, contact information for the artist will be made available to library patrons in the exhibition space and on line. Should an exhibiting artist choose to make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch to help defray expenses related to art exhibitions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance:

Artwork will be handled with utmost care. The Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery do not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit to the public and are not responsible for any loss or damage of the artist's work whatsoever. Exhibiting artists will be required to sign a waiver on or before the day the show is hung.

Delivery and Return of Work

If selected, work must be hand-delivered to 30 South Street and will remain on display for the duration of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be dropped-off and picked-up by the specified dates.  Due to limited storage space, work remaining unclaimed after the specified date will become property of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Promotional Agreement:

By agreeing to participate in library exhibitions you are giving Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery the right to use images of your work for any promotional materials and website. Newspapers and other media outlets are allowed to use images of your work in material promoting the exhibiting artists. Submission of your work indicates acceptance of all conditions stated above.

About the Selection Committee:

The 5-member selection committee is comprised by representatives of the Central BPL, JP Branch, Friends of the JP Library, as well as standing members of the local business and arts community.  The following art mediums will be considered for selection of five (5) solo shows in Drawing, Mixed Media/Collage, Painting, Photography, and Printmaking and one (1) themed group show (mix of mediums welcome)..

Do you still have a question?  Please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2024 Exhibition Opportunities at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library are pleased to announce their next Call for Exhibition Proposals, consisting of bi-monthly shows of two-dimensional works by New England area artists in the Jamaica Plain Branch Library’s public exhibition space.  The Selection Committee meets annually to select shows for the following year.  The gallery space will be managed by our collaborative partner, Uforge. Applications are now being accepted for exhibits for the January-December 2024 cycle.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.  Past exhibiting artist may reapply after a 2-year waiting period. Gallery Display Space: approx. 20 feet x 4 feet.

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Notification of Acceptance: November 2023

Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting:

• Applicants must be from the New England area. There is NO COST to submit a proposal for consideration.

• All work presented must be original and produced within the last five years.

• Giclée reproductions of original work will not be accepted. This guideline does not apply to giclée printed photographs.

• We use the STAS cliprail system for hanging art. Works must have a wire across the back, ⅓ from the top of the work to accommodate this system. (We do not show free-standing sculptural pieces.)

• Adhering or apply anything directly to our walls is prohibited.

• Please refrain from submitting material that is obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. There will be children in the area on a daily basis.

• If you are applying for a group show, submit one combined packet (see below for more details).

• You must be available to show for at least 3 out of the 6 exhibition periods. Please note: the first exhibition will be begin January 2024.

• If you are accepted, the Friends will determine when your show will take place. The assignments are fixed and cannot be changed. Please do not request a specific month.

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered; please follow these instructions carefully.

• Artwork dimensions within 36" x 36" are best to display. Larger sizes will be considered.

Preparing a Submission:

We encourage artists to send the following as a zip file to gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.   Only online submissions will be accepted at this time for consideration.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.

• Up to 10 digital images of recent 2-dimensional, original work, dimensions of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side (4" at 300 dpi), jpg format.  (Images can be artworks intended to exhibit or show your range of work as you develop your show, if selected; depending on size, additional work beyond the 10 images can be included)

• The jpgs must be named as follows: Image number_Artist's last name_dimensions indicating inches or feet_ TitleofWork_medium_year produced. Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2024

• A Word document with a numbered list noting image number, artist's last name, dimensions indicating inches or feet, title of work, medium, year produced, and price.

• A one-page resumé pertaining to your work as an artist, 12 point font minimum with the artist name and contact information including an email address, mailing address, social media handles, and phone number.

• In 50 words or less, a Word document with a brief description of your work as an artist. In addition to the 50-word description, any limitations on your availability to show during a given period (due travel plans or other extraordinary circumstances) should be specified here.

• If you are preparing a group application for a themed exhibit, send up to 10 jpgs (for example for a 3-person show, 3 images per artist), a proposed title, one resumé per artist and one 50-word or less combined description of the theme.

Planning a Reception:

Once an artist's work is accepted and a show is scheduled, an opening reception will be planned on behalf of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library and/or a generous show sponsor.

Publicity:

All publicity is handled by our managing partner, Uforge, including: a press release, various social media channels, exhibition page on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website, invitational postcards, flyers, and more.

Sales:

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library or Uforge will not manage or oversee inquiries or transactions regarding the purchase of artwork displayed. However, contact information for the artist will be made available to library patrons in the exhibition space and on line. Should an exhibiting artist choose to make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch to help defray expenses related to art exhibitions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance:

Artwork will be handled with utmost care. The Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery do not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit to the public and are not responsible for any loss or damage of the artist's work whatsoever. Exhibiting artists will be required to sign a waiver on or before the day the show is hung.

Delivery and Return of Work

If selected, work must be hand-delivered to 30 South Street and will remain on display for the duration of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be dropped-off and picked-up by the specified dates.  Due to limited storage space, work remaining unclaimed after the specified date will become property of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Promotional Agreement:

By agreeing to participate in library exhibitions you are giving Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery the right to use images of your work for any promotional materials and website. Newspapers and other media outlets are allowed to use images of your work in material promoting the exhibiting artists. Submission of your work indicates acceptance of all conditions stated above.

About the Selection Committee:

The 5-member selection committee is comprised by representatives of the Central BPL, JP Branch, Friends of the JP Library, as well as standing members of the local business and arts community.  The following art mediums will be considered for selection of five (5) solo shows in Drawing, Mixed Media/Collage, Painting, Photography, and Printmaking and one (1) themed group show (mix of mediums welcome)..

Do you still have a question?  Please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2023 Exhibition Opportunities at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library are pleased to announce their next Call for Exhibition Proposals, consisting of bi-monthly shows of two-dimensional works by New England area artists in the Jamaica Plain Branch Library’s public exhibition space.  The Selection Committee meets annually to select shows for the following year.  The gallery space will be managed by our collaborative partner, Uforge. Applications are now being accepted for exhibits for the January-December 2023 cycle.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.  Past exhibiting artist may reapply after a 3-year waiting period. Gallery Display Space: approx. 20 feet x 4 feet.

Submission Deadline: Friday, October 7, 2022
Notification of Acceptance: October/November 202

Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting:

• Applicants must be from the New England area. There is NO COST to submit a proposal for consideration.

• All work presented must be original and produced within the last five years.

• Giclée reproductions of original work will not be accepted. This guideline does not apply to giclée printed photographs.

• We use the STAS cliprail system for hanging art. Works must have a wire across the back, ⅓ from the top of the work to accommodate this system. (We do not show free-standing sculptural pieces.)

• Adhering or apply anything directly to our walls is prohibited.

• Please refrain from submitting material that is obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. There will be children in the area on a daily basis.

• One packet per artist or group, please.

• If you are applying for a group show, submit one combined packet (see below for more details).

• You must be available to show for at least 3 out of the 6 months in the current round. Please note: the first exhibition will be begin January 2023.

• If you are accepted, the Friends will determine when your show will take place. The assignments are fixed and cannot be changed. Please do not request a specific month.

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered; please follow these instructions carefully.

• Artwork dimensions within 36" x 36" are best to display. Larger sizes will be considered.

Due Date for Submissions and Posting of Results:

• Complete submissions must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, October 7th.

• The committee's selections will be posted on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website at www.friendsjplibrary.org within 4 weeks after the due date.

• If selected, you will also be notified by email. Uforge will work with you directly to execute the exhibit.

• Artists who were not selected will be contacted by email.

Preparing a Submission:

We encourage artists to send the following as a zip file to gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.   Only online submissions will be accepted at this time for consideration.  If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.

• 5-10 digital images of recent 2-dimensional, original work, dimensions of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side (4" at 300 dpi), jpg format.

• The jpgs must be named as follows: Image number_Artist's last name_dimensions indicating inches or feet_ TitleofWork_medium_year produced. Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2013

• A Word document with a numbered list noting image number, artist's last name, dimensions indicating inches or feet, title of work, medium, year produced, and price.

• A one-page resumé pertaining to your work as an artist, 12 point font minimum with the artist name and contact information including an email address, mailing address, social media handles, and phone number.

• In 50 words or less, a Word document with a brief description of your work as an artist. In addition to the 50-word description, any limitations on your ability to show in a given month (due travel plans or other extraordinary circumstances) should be specified here. Again, you must be available to show for at least 3 out of the 6 months in the current round.

• If you are preparing a group application for a themed exhibit, send up to 10 jpgs (for example for a 3-person show, 3 images per artist), a proposed title, one resumé per artist and one 50-word or less combined description of the theme.

Planning a Reception:

Once an artist's work is accepted and a show is scheduled, an opening reception will be planned on behalf of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library and/or a generous show sponsor.

Publicity:

All publicity is handled by our managing partner, Uforge, including: a press release, various social media channels, exhibition page on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website, invitational postcards, flyers, and more.

Sales:

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library or Uforge will not manage or oversee inquiries or transactions regarding the purchase of artwork displayed. However, contact information for the artist will be made available to library patrons in the exhibition space and on line. Should an exhibiting artist choose to make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch to help defray expenses related to art exhibitions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance:

Artwork will be handled with utmost care. The Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery do not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit to the public and are not responsible for any loss or damage of the artist's work whatsoever. Exhibiting artists will be required to sign a waiver on or before the day the show is hung.

Delivery and Return of Work

If selected, work must be hand-delivered to 30 South Street and will remain on display for the duration of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be dropped-off and picked-up by the specified dates.  Due to limited storage space, work remaining unclaimed after the specified date will become property of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Promotional Agreement:

By agreeing to participate in library exhibitions you are giving Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery the right to use images of your work for any promotional materials and website. Newspapers and other media outlets are allowed to use images of your work in material promoting the exhibiting artists. Submission of your work indicates acceptance of all conditions stated above.

About the Selection Committee:

The 5-member selection committee is comprised by representatives of the Central BPL, JP Branch, Friends of the JP Library, as well as standing members of the local business and arts community.  The following art mediums will be considered for selection of five (5) solo shows in Drawing, Mixed Media/Collage, Painting, Photography, and Printmaking and one (1) themed group show (mix of mediums welcome)..

Do you still have a question?  Please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

CALL FOR ART: FORGED IN ISOLATION at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library are pleased to announce a special Call for Art as part of a group exhibition to be held November/December 2022, consisting of two-dimensional works by New England area artists in the Jamaica Plain Branch Library’s public exhibition space. The gallery space will be managed by our collaborative partner, Uforge.

Submission Deadline: 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Notification of Acceptance: October 5, 2022

FORGED IN ISOLATON
March 2020 disrupted our daily lives and left us to navigate the feelings of loneliness and confinement. As artists this was exceptionally challenging taking a toll on our mental health while our resolve to create waned. As time went on, the constraints of life under lockdown eased up for some and we began to venture forward.

Artists are encouraged to submit work to this open call that pays tribute to their personal determination to overcome a challenging situation through art.

Important Exhibition Dates:

• Drop-off of Artwork: Thursday, November 3, 2022

• Exhibition Opens: Friday, November 4, 2022

• Tentative Reception: Thursday, November 10, 2022

• Exhibition Closes: Wednesday, January 4, 2023

• Pick-up of Artwork: Thursday, January 4, 2023

All work presented MUST BE original and produced within the last two years (2020-2022). 

Rules and Guidelines for Exhibiting:

• Applicants must be from the New England area. There is no cost to submit a proposal for consideration.

• All work presented must be original and produced within the last two years.

• Giclée reproductions of original work will not be accepted. This guideline does not apply to giclée printed photographs.

• We use the STAS cliprail system for hanging art. Works must have a wire across the back, ⅓ from the top of the work to accommodate this system. (We do not show free-standing sculptural pieces.)

• Adhering or apply anything directly to our walls is prohibited.

• Please refrain from submitting material that is obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. There will be children in the area on a daily basis.

• One packet per artist or group, please.

• If you are submitting a work as a group, submit one combined packet (see below for more details).

• Artwork must be available for the duration of the posted dates.

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered; please follow these instructions carefully.

Due Date for Submissions and Posting of Results:

• The submissions must be received by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022

• If selected, you will also be notified by email. Uforge will work with you directly to execute the exhibit.

• Artists who were not selected will be contacted by email.

Preparing your Images:
We encourage all artists to submit work for consideration. Only online submissions will be accepted at this time for consideration. If you have submitted with us in the past, you must resubmit.

• 3 digital images of recent 2-dimensional, original work, dimensions of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side (4" at 300 dpi), jpg format.

• The jpgs must be named as follows: Image number_Artist's last name_dimensions indicating inches or feet_ TitleofWork_medium_year produced. Example: 01_Doe_18x24inches_TitleofWork_AcryliconCanvas_2013

Publicity:
All publicity is handled by our managing partner, Uforge Gallery, including: a press release, various social media channels, exhibition page on the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library website, invitational postcards, flyers, and more.

Sales:
The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library will not manage or oversee inquiries or transactions regarding the purchase of artwork displayed. However, price lists will be made available to library patrons online. Should an exhibiting artist choose to make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch to help defray expenses related to art exhibitions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance:
Artwork will be handled with utmost care. The Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery do not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit to the public and are not responsible for any loss or damage of the artist's work whatsoever. Exhibiting artists will be required to sign a waiver on or before the day the show is hung.

Delivery and Return of Work:
If selected, work must be hand-delivered to 30 South Street and will remain on display for the duration of the show. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be dropped-off and picked-up by the specified dates. Due to limited storage space, work remaining unclaimed after the specified date will become property of the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.

Promotional Agreement:
By agreeing to participate in library exhibitions you are giving Boston Public Library-Jamaica Plain Branch, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and Uforge Gallery the right to use images of your work for any promotional materials and website. Newspapers and other media outlets are allowed to use images of your work in material promoting the exhibiting artists. Submission of your work indicates acceptance of all conditions stated above.

Do you still have a question? Please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

2019 Exhibitions Announced

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library are happy to announce the following artists selected for the 2019 exhibition season.  Over 50 proposals were reviewed by the 5-member selection committee, comprised of both library staff and members of the community. 

January/February: Kevin Gillespie, Jamaica Plain, MA
March/April: Stacey Friedman, Jamaica Plain, MA
May/June: Ruth LaGue, Boston, MA
July/August: Big Picture Art House, Dorchester, MA (Group Exhibit)
September/October: Annie Cardinaux, Jamaica Plain, MA
November/December: Andrew Stearns, Jamaica Plain, MA

Thank you to everyone who had submitted a proposal. The next call for proposals will be announced at the end of the summer, so please stay tuned to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library's website and/or social media outlets!

Sincerely,
Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library

2018 CALL FOR ART at Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library

Deadline: By 5:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2017

Following four months after the opening of the renovated Jamaica Plain Branch in May, the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library has hosted two out of four scheduled exhibitions for 2017 with managing partner, Uforge.

We are gearing up for a new round of submissions to select the exhibitions for 2018 season.  These bi-monthly exhibits will be proposal-based, selected by a group of Jamaica Plain-area artists and library affiliates.  The Friends welcome artists from across New England to submit recent two-dimensional work for a solo or group show, each lasting for two-month periods. There is no specific theme, but artists are encouraged to include work that can be enjoyed by the diverse visitorship of the JP Branch Library, including children, teens, and other community members. Accepted work will be displayed in a public area of the JP Branch Library, and an accompanying reception will be organized by Uforge on behalf of the Friends.

Submission is free! Digital packets must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, October 13th. Physical/in-person submissions will not be accepted. For more information about the materials required, please go to http://www.friendsjplibrary.org/gallery-proposal

If you have any questions, please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.

2017 Exhibitions Announced

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library are happy to announce the following artists selected for the 2017 exhibition season.  Over 50 proposals were reviewed by the 5-member selection committee, comprised of both library staff and members of the community. 

May/June: Steven Edson
July/August: Cristina Rosa Nelson
September/October: Shao Zhang
November/December: Juan Murray

The next call for proposals will be announced at the end of the summer, so please stay tuned to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library's website and/or social media outlets!

Sincerely,
Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library

CALL FOR ART at Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library

Deadline: By 5:00 PM on Friday, April 7th, 2017

Following a round of stunning renovations set to be completed this spring, the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library will be regularly showing work by local artists in a series of exhibitions sponsored by the Friends of the JP Branch Library and managed by Uforge. These bi-monthly exhibits will be proposal-based, selected by a group of Jamaica Plain-area artists and library affiliates, including Ginny Zanger of the JP Art Association and Eve Griffin of the Boston Public Library. The Friends welcome artists from across New England to submit recent two-dimensional work for a solo or group show, each lasting for two-month periods. There is no specific theme, but artists are encouraged to include work that can be enjoyed by the diverse visitorship of the JP Branch Library, including children, teens, and other community members. Accepted work will be displayed in a public area of the JP Branch Library, and an accompanying reception will be organized by Uforge on behalf of the Friends.

Submission is free! Digital packets must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 7th. Physical/in-person submissions will not be accepted. For more information about the materials required, please go to http://www.friendsjplibrary.org/gallery-proposal

If you have any questions, please email gallery@friendsjplibrary.org.