Call for Art: Vashon Artist Residency Exhibition

Ignited by Vashon: Art from Vashon Artist Residency

Exhibition Dates: September 5 - 28, 2025
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Vashon Artist Residency is proud to partner with Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA), a highly regarded regional arts presenter on Vashon Island. VCA serves as a hub for performances, art exhibitions, talks, and arts education programs. This September, VCA will host Ignited by Vashon: Art from Vashon Artist Residency.

Visitors to VCA will experience artwork created by Residency alumni inspired by their time on Vashon Island. Local residents will see their beloved island through the eyes of these artists, while visitors may gain a deeper appreciation for what makes this place so special.

Celebrating the work of Vashon Artist Residency alumni highlights the Residency’s impact on artists, promotes residencies as a tool for professional growth, and strengthens the partnership between Vashon Artist Residency and VCA.

At this time, the opportunity is only open to visual artists. Depending on grant funding outcomes, we may accommodate artists working in other disciplines.

CALL TO ARTISTS

Vashon Artist Residency alumni are invited to submit up to five artworks for a juried exhibition that celebrates creative work sparked or transformed by their time on Vashon Island. Examples might include work that shifted or emerged from the water, ecology, solitude, time or community found on the Island. By showcasing the connection between artist and place, this exhibition highlights the transformative potential of creative residencies and their role in shaping regional, national and international artist communities.

JURY PANEL

A distinguished jury will select the works for the exhibition. The panel includes:

  • Paul Martinez – Artist and retired Exhibition Designer, Seattle Arts Museum
  • June Sekiguchi – Vashon Artist Residency alum, curator, sculptor, and arts advocate.
  • Lynann Politte – Gallery Director and Curator, Vashon Center for the Arts

ARTISTS' RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to providing the materials requested, the artist is responsible for:

  • Following VCA exhibition schedule and instructions if artwork(s) are selected.
  • Shipping or delivering to and from VCA.
  • Fully preparing selected artwork(s) to be installed unless coordinated with VCA staff.
  • Providing installation instructions as needed for selected work(s).

VASHON CENTER FOR THE ARTS' RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Leading the selection process, curation and presentation/installation of the exhibition.
  • Managing the sale of artwork(s) Artist received a 60% commission. (VCA collects and pays all taxes and applicable credit card processing fees required).
  • Providing insurance for artwork while it is on VCA property.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by 11:59 PM PST on July 1, 2025.
Application Fee: None
Maximum Number of Works Eligible: Up to five (5)

Accepted Mediums: All visual art forms are eligible, including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, printmaking, and fiber art.

Eligibility: Open to alumni who attended Vashon Artist Residency between its founding in May 2021 through June 27, 2025.

All submissions must be for sale.

Please submit artwork created during your time at Vashon Artist Residency or inspired by your experiences there. This may include pieces developed from concepts or insights gained during the residency, works crafted using materials, techniques, or themes explored during your stay, or creations influenced by the island's unique ecosystems.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

APPLICATION FORM

This application includes a request for the following information and materials:

Artist Information: Name, Address, Email, Phone, Website, and Social Media Handles

Submitted Artwork Details:

  • Artist Name [Include collaborators if appropriate]
  • Title of the Artwork
  • Year of completion
  • Medium/Materials/Media
  • Dimensions (H x W x D)
  • Price (USD)

Artist Statement: (250 words max) explaining the connection of each submitted work to your time at the Vashon Artist Residency/Vashon.

Artist Bio: 100 words maximum

Images: Up to five (5) works for consideration

  • JPEG - Minimum 300 ppi
  • No larger than 2MG
  • File label formatted as ArtistName_TitleofWork (e.g. KikiSmith_AVentureInWater.jpg)

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission Deadline: July 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: July 15, 2025
Artwork Delivery to VCA:

  • Please deliver directly on Monday, September 1, 2025, between 10 am and noon.
  • If shipping, ship by UPS or FEDEX only. Please ensure it arrives no later than Friday, August 30, 2025. Ship to VCA, Attn: Gallery, 19600 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon WA 98070.

Artwork Installation: September 1 – 4, 2025
Exhibition Dates: September 5 - 28, 2025
Exhibition Opening: September 5, 2025: 12 pm (PST)
Artist Reception: September 5, 2025: 5 pm – 8 pm (PST)

Contact Information: For inquiries about the call for art, eligibility, or submission process, please contact Lynann Politte: Lynannp@VashonCenterfortheArts.org

We look forward to seeing the incredible works that reflect the transformative impact of the Vashon Artist Residency experience. Thank you for considering this opportunity!