“With all of the changes happening in people’s lives right now, and in our reimagining of this exhibition into a virtual format, we wanted to give our members a lot of time to prepare their materials and be able to participate,” said Cathy Mayhugh, director of exhibitions for the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
The virtual exhibition will be featured on the Fitton Center’s website and social media platforms. Art on display will include paintings, photography, mosaics, ceramics, pottery, sculptures, fiber art and more. Member artists can submit work in the Member Artist Category or Family Category.
“I’m glad that our members will have the opportunity to share what they do with each other and the community. We can’t get together physically right now, but we can get together, virtually, and encourage each other and inspire each other,” Mayhugh said.
Kate Rowekamp, director of education and digital content producer at the Fitton Center, said there will be a page on the Fitton Center website for the show, which will be continually updated. The Member Show will feature a gallery view of the submissions as well as profiles for each of the participating artists.
Entrants, who can submit through fittoncenter.org/call-to-artists, should be Fitton Center members and at least 18 years old to participate in the group show. There is no fee to participate.
In support of the inaugural Hamilton Ohio Pride, a community event planned for this summer, members have the option of responding to the Hamilton Pride Theme with artwork that expresses what Pride means to them, Mayhugh said.
“The Fitton Center is all about community. That is what we do. We’re a community arts center, and we just want to make sure that everyone feels welcome at any time. So, when we found out about Hamilton Pride, and it’s formation, we were like, ‘Yeah, it completely makes sense to us to help raise some awareness of this happening, and that’s when we decided to create the Hamilton Pride theme,’” Mayhugh said.
Works will be featured side by side in this non-competitive online exhibition that is open to all types of artwork. In the past, artwork included in the show has been submitted by Fitton Center’s community of artists, including board members, sponsors, staff, instructors, students and others.
“I think it’s something really positive for people to be able to share and express themselves right now,” Mayhugh said. “I would encourage everyone to check out the opportunity and share something with us.”
The Fitton Center received more than 160 entries in 2018 from close to 100 members. (Member artists can submit up to two entries.) The Member Show is held every-other year. Fitton Center exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Patrons can receive 20 percent off a new or renewed Fitton Center membership through May 31. Patrons can purchase or renew an individual membership for only $24 or a family membership for $48 at www.fittoncenter.org/become-a-member or by calling (513) 863-8873 ext. 110.
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