Current Call to Artists:
“Light”
Juried by Maine artist Chris Augusta
Submissions now open through Saturday, February 21 at 4pm
Chris Augusta’s A Very Good Year
Show runs February 24 through April 4 2026
Click here for Membership Form 2026
Click here for : Entry-Form-2026
| River Arts in Damariscotta invites artists to submit work for the upcoming juried show, “Light.” This exhibition showcases work that explores light in all its forms, whether literal or interpretive. All interpretations and approaches to the theme are welcome.
River Arts is pleased to announce Maine artist Chris Augusta as the juror for “Light.” Augusta grew up in New England, shaped by years spent along the coast where land, water, and light meet. He studied drawing and painting with his father, George Augusta, a prominent portrait and landscape painter, learning the importance of working directly from nature. Through this early training, he came to understand drawing and painting as ways of exploring how nature functions and how human beings perceive the world. Having worked as a field biologist, Augusta values close and systematic observation of the natural world. His field methods often involve extensive drawing and painting from life, informed by the traditions of nineteenth-century explorer naturalists. His studies include birds, insects, fish, and other subjects, with a particular focus on underwater life. He frequently snorkels or free dives and has developed his own methods for sketching and note-taking underwater. These observations become the starting point for more complex studio compositions, emerging as luminous portraits of nature infused with light. “Light” is open to all media, including painting, sculpture, fiber, photography, ceramics, original printmaking, drawing, encaustic, pastel, glass, and mixed media. Artists may submit up to two works with a size limit of 24 inches (in any direction), including frame, or one work with a size limit of 50 inches (in any direction), including frame. This show is open to members and nonmembers alike. The entry fee is $15 for members and $30 for nonmembers. River Arts retains a 35% commission on sold work. Submissions may be delivered to the gallery now through Saturday, February 21, at 4 p.m. For more information, visit riverartsme.org or call 563-6868. “Light” will run from Tuesday, February 24, through Saturday, April 4. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, February 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. River Arts Gallery is located at 36 Elm Street in Damariscotta. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 207-563-6868 or email: info@riverartsme.org for more info. |
Click here for Membership Form 2026
Click here for Entry-Form-2026
Submission Guidelines for all
River Arts Shows
- Work must be labeled with artist’s name, phone and show title.
- Wall pieces must be securely wired with picture wire. Please do not use string, fish line, or floral wire. Saw tooth hangers are not recommended.
- Works must be clean and dry. No wet paint or wet finish allowed.
- Diptychs are allowed but multiple piece works with more than two pieces will not be accepted.
- Wall pieces should not exceed 30 pounds.
- All pieces must fit the size limits described in the Call to Artists. No exceptions.
- All artwork must be original art of living artists. River Arts does not sell nor show reproductions. Giclée copies are not allowed.
- Works previously shown at River Arts should not be entered into juried shows.
Drop Off Artwork:
- Works should be delivered in person to the gallery during gallery hours up to the stated deadline. River Arts does not accept mailed submissions or emailed submissions.
- Entry Forms are available online or in the gallery. We do not mail out forms. Forms should not be altered and the current form for each show must be used. All forms MUST be completely filled out and signed.
- Entry forms, entry fees and artwork should be delivered at the same time in person at the gallery. Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Boxes, bags or packaging should not be left in the gallery.
Notification of Acceptance:
- Accepted List of Artists will be posted on River Arts’ Website and on Facebook. We will not be emailing or calling submitting artists with notifications.
Pick Up Artwork:
Artwork pick up is during regular gallery hours: Tues – Sat: 10 to 4
- Unaccepted Work may be picked up immediately following notification.
- End of Show: Accepted Work should be retrieved in the final week of a show or as soon as the show ends.
- Work should not be left over the winter in our storage rooms. Please remove all artwork before you leave for the season. Thank you!
- Work left for more than 6 months at River Arts is considered abandoned and becomes the property of River Arts.
Sales:
- All submitted works must be for sale.
- River Arts retains 35% commission on all sales.
- Sales after the show comes down: River Arts depends upon commissions from sales to continue to thrive. Artists whose work sells as a result of showing at River Arts should remember to provide the commission to River Arts. Thank you.
- River Arts discourages buyers from negotiating prices so it is best to reasonably price artwork for sale. Prices should be based on your history of selling similar works.
- Payments to artists will be made promptly in the week after a show ends. This applies to all sales: Show Works, Bin Works and River Room Works.
Advertising:
- Works submitted to River Arts may be used in advertising on our Webpages, newspapers, Facebook, Instagram or others. If you wish to submit a photo image, please email jpegs to info@riverartsme.org. Please label jpeg file with artist’s first and last name. For example: Winslow Homer
- If you wish to have a page in our Bio Book, please send a one page word document (not a PDF) to info@riverartsme.org or bring in a printed page and we will add you to our book.
River Arts uses all possible care in handling and storing artwork. River Arts’ volunteers and staff will not be held responsible for damaged or lost artwork.