
Call for Art:
"Inspired by PEM" - 14th Annual PEM Inspirational Exhibition
Salem Arts Association presents an exhibition by local artists inspired by the Peabody Essex Museum's collections of art. Artists are welcome to draw inspiration from any of the work in the PEM's outstanding special exhibits and permanent collection of art and architecture - virtual or in-person. Possible subjects include but are not limited to maritime art, fashion & design, Early American, Asian, Native American, African, Oceanic, architecture and historic homes. For more information please visit www.pem.org
Artists may also submit work at the same time for our "Artoberfest" Exhibit. See call info here.
Salem Arts Member Artists may also drop off, replace, or pick up retail shop merchandise at the same time. See Retail Shop Guidelines for details.
The artwork in "Inspired by PEM" will be exhibited in our galleries at 159 Derby Street, our virtual online gallery, our online shop, and social media.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Drop Off Submissions: Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30, 2020, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - You must sign-up for a drop off time.
- Notification of inclusion/exclusion: Notification by email by Friday, September 4.
- Pick up of unaccepted work: Any work not accepted will need to be picked up Saturday, September 5, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 6, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
- Exhibition Dates: September 5 through Sunday November 8, 2020
- Gallery Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Pick Up of Artwork: November 7 & 8, 2020, 12-5pm
In order to insure the safety of our members during the Covid-19 pandemic we are requiring that all artists follow these guidelines:
1. Sign-up for a drop off time. We are required to limit the number of people in the galleries. If you do not sign up for a drop-off time, we might not be able to drop off work. You can use the same drop off time if you are submitting work to our Artoberfest Exhibit.
Drop Off Time Sign Up
2. Have all of your paperwork and payment ready. If you are a member, make sure your membership is up-to-date.
Gallery Take In Form Download
3. Submit images of your work to be included in our online shop. Instruction for submitting images can be found below.
Submit Artwork Info and Images Online
Artwork Drop-Off: Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30, 2020 12-5pm.
Drop Off Time Sign Up
Exhibit Dates: September 5 - November 8
Juror:

Associate Curator for Exhibitions and Research
Prior to joining PEM as Associate Curator for Exhibitions and Research, Lydia Gordon worked for the Society of Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago and as a Curatorial Fellow for the department of Exhibitions and Exhibitions Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Gordon earned her BA in Art Administration from Simmons College in 2010 and her Dual MA in Art History, Theory and Criticism, Art Administration & Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2017. Her research interests include the histories of modernisms, post-structuralist theory, and contemporary art.
Location: Salem Arts Association Gallery, 159 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970, our Virtual Online Galleries and Online Shop
Submission Criteria: This exhibit is open to current Salem Arts member artists and non-member artists who may submit work in any medium for the juror’s consideration. This exhibit encourages artists to submit artworks that adhere to our theme.
Salem Arts Gallery Committee representatives will curate this exhibit. Criteria will be based on execution quality, presentation/framing, and space availability.
Submission Fees:
All artists may submit up to three items per exhibit.
Submission Form:
Please download the gallery submission form and provide all required information requested, and follow instructions on the form. Printed copies must be submitted with your submissions at drop off. Part of the form must be attached to your artwork.
You may also submit your artwork information along with photos for online use in our shop and social media using our online form or email photos with a copy of your forms to gallery@salemarts.org .
Submit Artwork Info and Images Online
Artwork Presentation MUST adhere to our framing guidelines for acceptance. Please review all gallery submission guidelines .
Rules & Regulations:
Please be sure to read the Salem Arts Association Artist Agreement and ensure you accept the agreement on your online member profile page. Non-members must also agree to our agreement provided at the gallery.
Please contact gallery@salemarts.org with questions.
Photography Guidelines
For tips on photographing your work here's a few helpful links.
FRAMING AND PRESENTING YOUR ARTWORK
Salem Arts Galleries and Shop utilizes a hanging system consisting of a wire or rod suspended from a rail near the ceiling. We rarely use nails in our walls. Because of this it's very important to frame and present your work properly by following these rules.
Submitted items will be inspected at take in. We're having a lot of issues with poor framing.
- All work MUST be properly framed or otherwise presented for hanging.
- No wet paintings will be accepted
- Works on paper must be under glass (Not Plastic).
- Plastic clip frames, Table frames (with leaning back), and document frames will NOT be accepted in the gallery. Don't use them.
- Framed items must include a taught wire properly fastened to the top quarter of the frame back.
- Artwork framed using sawtooth hangars, triangle hangars, and holes as part of the frame will be rejected.
- Loose wires or wired below the top quarter will be rejected. If you can see the wire above the frame it's wrong.
THIS IS PERFECTION
