Walls of Wittenberg looking for artists

Walls of Wittenberg is looking for art entries for its eighth annual juried art show.

“Last time we held the art show, two years ago, we had 65 submissions,” said WOW event coordinator Elaine Knab. “That was quite a lot that year.”

The annual WOW art show is held to showcase art created by members of the Wittenberg area. This year, the art show will be held on the Saturdays and Sundays between April 24 and May 9.

The art that is submitted comes in a variety of styles and techniques.

The pieces of art eligible include photography, paintings, textiles, mixed media, three-dimensional metal pieces, wood pieces, fabric pieces, printmaking and ceramics.

“Opening the show up to various types of art gives people a way to share their talent and creativity,” said Knab. “It is really intriguing to see different techniques.”

In order to enter a piece of original art, the art, an exhibitor contract (which can be found at www.wallsofwittenberg.com) and the entry fee for each piece must be brought to WOWSPACE, 114 Vinal St., on April 10 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., April 12 between 10 a.m. and noon or April 13 between 4-6 p.m.

Each entry costs $10, with a student entry of $5. There will be a maximum of two entries per person. Artwork is not eligible if it has previously been on display at the WOWSPACE art show. WOW will not accept any artwork that is submitted late, and they will not allow someone to pick the art up before the show ends. The art submitted must also be created within the last two years. For wall hung art, it should be framed and ready to be hung with wire. Textile art must have a 3-inch sleeve as well.

Knab and those in charge of the art show will ask that visitors who come to see the art obey the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place.

“We will keep track of the amount of people that enter the WOWSPACE and ask that masks be worn and that people socially distance,” said Knab. “If we come to the point where we have to limit the amount of people that come inside, we will have them wait outside and extend the hours.”

The Best in Show will receive $300. Two Award of Excellence winners will receive $150, and two Awards of Honor winners will receive $75.

WOW charges a 30% commission on the art that is sold through the show. The proceeds of the art show go to the maintenance of the WOWSPACE, as well as to the murals that are painted on the walls in Wittenberg.

The event is free and open to the public.

Every year, a wine, beer and cheese gala is held the night before the show. This gala serves as the preview and the kick off to the show. Unfortunately this year, the gala will not take place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We usually have around 125 people in the WOWSPACE for the gala, but with the time that we are living in, we didn’t find it appropriate to hold it this year,” said Knab.

Art can be picked up May 9 at 3 p.m. and May 15 between 10 a.m and noon. All art that is not picked up 30 days after the exhibit ends will become the property of WOW.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com