Applying to the Western Art Gallery
Thank you for your interest in submitting an application to the Western Art Gallery.
The Western Art Gallery features new and emerging Western artists whose original work represents the heritage and grandeur of the West. All applications are seriously considered but as our focus is to showcase “new and emerging” artists, preference is given to western artists with five or less years of participation in the Western Art Gallery show.
Application packages are normally on the website at www.westernshowcase.com by November 1 for the following year. As part of the package, all artists are asked to submit a signed contract, listing of art, artist biography, artist photo and either a CD or slides representing submitted artwork.
After the deadline date, the committee reviews each application followed by a juried artist and art selection process with all artists contacted by March of the committee’s decision. Approximately 20 to 25 artists are selected to display and sell their work in July during the Calgary Stampede.
The Western Art Gallery is an excellent avenue to showcase and sell your original western art!
Gallery Application FAQ
Below is a quick snapshot of commonly asked questions regarding applications but please reference the application package as it provides a great deal of information to new artists.
How can I obtain a Gallery application package?
You can obtain an application package by:
When will the application be available on the website?
Application packages are normally on the website by November 1 for the following year.
Why does the Western Art Gallery submission committee ask to view a minimum of three to four art pieces?
Viewing three to four art pieces provide the jury committee with an accurate representation of the artist’s work and more choice in selecting art for the show.
Does the Western Art Gallery accept photographers’ pieces?
No. The focus of the Western Art Gallery exhibit is to showcase new and emerging original works of art. Photographs can be submitted to the Photo Gallery Committee at http://westernshowcase.calgarystampede.com/new/western_photo.htm
Are there size and/or price restrictions when submitting art to the Western Art Gallery?
There are neither size restrictions nor a prerequisite price range on the accepted pieces. Please note that art pieces within the Gallery exhibition tend to sell better if they are priced less than $1000.
Do I need to attend the Stampede to sell my art?
Artists are not required to be present to sell their own work. During the ten days of Stampede the art is sold by Gallery committee volunteers.
If I submit a CD of my artwork, how do I label the images?
It is preferred that you name each photo file with the corresponding art piece title. It is also very helpful to the jury committee, if your name and art piece titles are labeled on the outside of the CD. Please remember that high resolution (.tiff) files are preferred. The application package also provides helpful tips to ensure quality digital submissions for the jury committee.
Can non-Canadian artists apply?
Yes. The main requirement is that the art must be original and reflect a western theme. This can include agriculture, farming, ranching, rodeo, First Nations, historic figures of the Old West, flora and fauna of the West, landscapes of the West and historic buildings and sites of the Old West.
Can I apply to more than one committee?
Yes. An artist can apply to more than one committee however artists that have been accepted to rent a booth will not be accepted into the Western Art Gallery show. An artist may be accepted in both the Western Art Gallery and Art Auction shows.
Is there a commission if art is accepted?
A commission of 30 per cent is deducted from the gross sale proceeds and payable to the Calgary Stampede. Payment for sold artwork could take the Stampede 4 to 6 weeks after the show.
How are the artists selected?
A jury panel, consisting of members of the Western Art Gallery Committee and others chosen by the committee view all applications and select the artists to show their work during the Western Art Show. Artists are notified of the panel’s decision by email or letter by April 2009.
How many years can an artist participate in the Western Art Gallery show?
All submissions are seriously considered however the focus of the Gallery is to give new and emerging artists to the Stampede an opportunity to showcase their work so preference is given to artists with five years or less participation in the Stampede. If an artist has participated in the Gallery show for seven plus years, the Gallery committee appreciates the valuable contribution these artists have made to the success of the show but would strongly encourage the artist to rent a booth or submit pieces to the Auction.
What is the Artists Window?
The Artist Window is a special area within the Western Art Gallery show where artists can be viewed working on pieces in their chosen medium. This art is not for sale but is an opportunity for patrons to watch the artistic process and to be exposed to a variety of art mediums.
For more information, please contact: Email
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