Entry submissions are now being accepted for “Open Space: Art About the Land,” an annual art competition and exhibition presented by Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, the Anderson Museum of Art (AMOA), and Red-tail Land Conservancy. Emerging and career artists are encouraged to find creative inspiration that celebrates “open space” as it relates to the land and nature.
Since 2001, “Open Space” has attracted artists across Indiana to enter the competition. Reimagined this year as an “art trail,” the exhibit will be opened simultaneously as two sister exhibits at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and AMOA. Each venue will present more than 30 pieces of artwork for public viewing from Nov. 4, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024. The partners encourage the public to visit both exhibits on the art trail by honoring admission to each other’s exhibits.
“AMOA is proud to partner with Minnetrista and Red-tail Land Conservancy on this exciting project,” AMOA Executive Director Mandee Mikulski said. “It’s our pleasure to celebrate Central Indiana’s landscapes and the habitats of the wildlife in our area. We encourage the public to visit both exhibiting locations to enjoy each of the pieces to enjoy the art walk experience this year’s exhibit offers.”
Developed by the two museums in partnership with Red-tail Land Conservancy, a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Red-tail’s work to protect, preserve, and restore vital wildlife habitats and natural beauty in east central Indiana.
“For more than two decades, ‘Open Space’ has brought new audiences and attention to the beautiful landscapes and important wildlife habitats in east central Indiana,” said Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail’s Communications & Outreach Manager. “It is our hope that the myriad artwork inspires people to gain a deeper understanding of the land and motivation to explore nature.”
Artwork submissions will be juried by Walt Bistline, an Emeritus Professor of Art at Earlham College in Richmond where he taught photography from 2004 to 2021. His photographs have won numerous awards and are in over 350 public, corporate, and private collections.
Awards totaling $1,500, sponsored by 1816 Wealth Management Partners of Raymond James*, will be selected from the accepted works. The awards will be presented at a public reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at the Anderson Museum of Art.
To enter, artists must be 18 or older as well as present or former residents of Indiana. Eligible artwork includes paintings, drawings, mixed media, prints, sculpture, fiber, metalwork, ceramics, and photography. Other eligibility requirements, entry process, and artwork drop-off are in the prospectus at minnetrista.net.
*Raymond James & Associates, Inc. – Member of New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is not affiliated with Red-tail Land Conservancy.
About Red-tail Land Conservancy
Red-tail Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects and connects habitats where wildlife and people can thrive together forever. By preserving and restoring forests, prairies, and wetlands, Red-tail Land Conservancy plans for a future where the natural beauty of east central Indiana will exist for generations to come. Learn more at ForTheLand.org.
About the Anderson Museum of Art
Located in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Anderson, the Anderson Museum of Art is host to a variety of local, regional, and national art exhibitions. In keeping with its mission statement – “To engage the community in the visual arts” – AMOA endeavors to be an integral part of the growing art community through a variety of means including collaborations with other arts organizations, youth and adult art classes, youth Summer Camps, public art receptions and participation in various downtown activities.