Current Call to Artists:

“Abstract”

Submissions now open through Saturday, August 15 at 4 pm

Gwendolyn Evans: Chi Ground

Show runs August 18 through September 26

Opening reception Saturday, August 22 from 2 to 4

Click here for Entry-Form-2026

Click here for : Membership Form

Call for Art: “Abstract” Show at River Arts

River Arts in Damariscotta invites artists to submit work for a juried show of all abstract art. The theme Abstract showcases the strength and diversity of abstract art flourishing in Maine.

Submissions are open now through the drop-off deadline: Saturday, August 15 at 4 p.m.

River Arts is pleased to announce Gwendolyn Evans will be the juror for “Abstract”. Gwendolyn Evans’ art—as diverse as the 35 places she has called home—includes watercolor landscapes, pastel portraiture, nude figures, oils, and mixed media abstracts. With a Master’s Degree with honors from Rhode Island School of Design, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Principia College, study at the Art Institute of Chicago, and numerous painting excursions throughout England, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S., Gwendolyn has exhibited her work in more than 80 juried regional, national, and international exhibitions, garnering 40-some awards.

When not painting, writing, cooking, or gardening, Gwendolyn walks with Bill, her historian/humorist/guitar-playing husband, and dogs—Newfoundland Heidi and Bernese Mountain Dog Olaf.

Submission Guidelines: The “Abstract” show is open to all media, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, fiber, photography, ceramics, original print making, drawing, encaustic, pastel and mixed media. All work must be gallery ready. Wall pieces should be wired securely with picture wire and screw eyes. Artists are invited to submit works that are nonrepresentational as well as abstract work inspired by landscape, figure or still life.

Size Limits: Artists may enter two pieces with a size limit of 24 inches (in any direction) including frame or one larger piece with a size limit of 50 inches (in any direction) including frame. No exceptions.

Deadlines: Submissions must be delivered in person to River Arts at 36 Elm St. in Damariscotta. The final deadline for entries is Saturday, August 15 at 4 p.m.

Forms: Entry and membership forms are available in the gallery or may be downloaded.

Click Here: Entry Form “Abstract”

Click Here: for Membership Form

Entry Fee: For members the entry fee is $15 and for non-members it is $30. All submitted works must be for sale and River Arts retains 35% commission on sold works.

Notification: The accepted list will be available on our website and Facebook, Tuesday afternoon, August 18.

Dates and Location: “Abstract” will run from Tuesday, August 18 through Saturday, September 26.

Public Reception: Saturday, August 22 from 2-4. All are welcome. Meet many of the artists and enjoy some lively conversation and light refreshments.

Click here for Membership Form 2026

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 Selected work:

Selected 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

Unselected Work may be picked up immediately following notification.
End of Show: Selected 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.

Call to Artists