ArtScape is a public art program open to artists of all ages that is meant to represent all walks of life and all brands and levels of talent; a group of work with diverse themes to create a shared experience of art by an entire community. ArtScape is not a contest of who is the “best.”
What is ArtScape?
Since 2009, the Shenandoah Arts Council (ShenArts) has partnered with Old Town Winchester to create an outdoor gallery in the historic district of downtown Winchester, Virginia. Artists of all ages are invited to participate in this juried art competition. Selected works are reproduced on banners that hang on light posts throughout the downtown area. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley provides support for this program as the host sponsor, displaying the original works of art in its Art in the Halls program.
Continuing Youth Opportunity A jury will select three artworks from the annual Youth Art Month Exhibition and one from the Teen Art Club Exhibition to be included in the banner program.
Why ArtScape in Winchester?
The objective of ArtScape is to create an outdoor gallery experience in the heart of the community. The colorful banners add interest and intrigue to the downtown streetscape, encouraging pedestrians and vehicle traffic to slow down and enjoy the display. Each banner showcases local artists, highlighting the creativity and talent of artists who live and work in the region.
How does it work?
Interested artists submit work for consideration to ShenArts. These works are juried by a selection committee. Participating artists range in age and skill level, although most are semi-professional and professional level. The chosen works are expertly photographed and digitally transferred onto vinyl banners. The names of the artist and the sponsor are featured on the banner. At the end of the show, the banners are removed and given to the sponsor, or the sponsor may choose to donate the banner to the artist. The sponsor does not receive reproduction rights to the work. However, they are encouraged to display the banner in their place of business, highlighting their support for enriching the community through public art programs.
Participating artists have the opportunity to pre-order a copy of the banner featuring their artwork if they would like to have one to keep for themselves. ShenArts offers this service at a reduced rate for the artist!
ArtScape has Expanded!
*** There are 10 ArtScape locations in MIDDLETOWN. Some artworks will be displayed at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown because the MSV cannot accommodate all.
How can YOU submit art to be included on a banner?
Submissions for ArtScape 15 are now closed. ArtScape 16 will open in the Fall.
Submission Guidelines
- Artists may submit up to 3 pieces of their own personal work for consideration. Posthumous submissions are not allowed.
- Please do not submit artwork that has previously exhibited at the MSV or the Member’s Show at the Barns.
- Preference given to work that best fits the dimensions of ArtScape banners: square is best, followed by vertically-oriented (try to avoid horizontally-oriented work). Work may be cropped or require background color to fill the space, as seen fit by banner designer.
- Artists of any age and level of expertise may apply.
- Artists do not have to be a resident of Winchester, but should reside within the geographic region served by ShenArts.
- Artwork must be delivered ready to hang.
- Each piece must have hanging hardware on the back. D-rings strongly preferred. (Please, no sawtooth hangers.)
- Artwork imagery must be appropriate for a public community space.
- Artwork must be ORIGINAL. Images that have a copyright will not be accepted, i.e. cartoon or Anime characters, images published in magazines or newspapers, etc. Please no images depicting things that hold trademarks or copyrights.
- Although all care will be taken to protect your artwork, ShenArts, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and Laurel Ridge Community College will not be responsible for any damage or breakage.
Please contact ShenArts with questions.
ArtScape is funded by local sponsorships, the City of Winchester, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and the Shenandoah Arts Council.