Call for Art

Submissions Closed

Deve Amare David (Must Love David)

"Deve Amare David (Must Love David)"

We are delighted to announce our first juried exhibition, "Deve Amare David (Must Love David)," featuring juror Matt Adams. This exhibition invites artists to provide a contemporary take on the Renaissance period, exploring its themes and innovations. The exhibition will be on view in the fall of 2024, from October 12 to November 2, and we are excited to present a collection of works by local artists in our new gallery space. This project is especially important to us as we started with a mission to support local artists, and it has been our journey ever since. This exhibition is open to all artists living and working in the Greater Houston area. We hope you find this an exciting opportunity to showcase your work and feel inspired by participating.

Below, you can read about the juror’s bio and his curatorial rationale. It's an interesting idea to revisit the Renaissance period and see what artists create given the innovations and freedom of expression we have today. The juror will award first, second, and third places, honoring the outstanding works in the exhibition. We hope to see you there and once again celebrate the vibrant art community and talented artists in Houston.

Sincerely

Gabriela Monterroso

  • Deve Amare David (Must Love David)

    This exhibit will showcase artworks that are influenced or otherwise informed by the Italian/Florentine Renaissance. Marking the beginning of the modern era, the Florentine Renaissance saw the significant emergence of humanistic activities intersecting with a rich economy. This powerful combination resulted in advances in politics, economics and art whose effects are felt today. Encouraging contemporary artists with this opportunity to respond/react to this most-important time is an exciting prospect. 

    The Italian/Florentine Renaissance had the greatest impact on modernity in many ways – particularly in art. In the 1400’s the modern “artist” evolved from the craft guilds and explored techniques and subject matter in previously ignored ways. For your consideration, here are a few art-related points about the Renaissance:

    • The “artist” versus “worker” appeared; signing works began

    • Civic patrons used competitions to decide significant artistic projects

    • Private patrons emerged for decorative works vs. religious patrons with religious works

    • Realism was desired; i.e. perspective, color and rendering

    • The first art technique book was written

    • The first art history book was written

    • The first artist autobiography was written

    • Artist-run workshops could produce myrad objects, e.g. painting AND mosaic AND bronze, etc.

    • Preliminary sketching became part of the artistic practice

    • Painting on canvas emerged

    • Live figure drawing emerged

    • The carving technique of “rilievo schiacciato” or flattened relief emerged

    • Enlargement via the grid technique emerged

  • Matt Adams

    As a member of the Houston art scene, I have been involved in many types of projects. I’m mostly known for my ongoing efforts within the Visual Arts Alliance where I am currently serving my 14th (volunteer) year as President and have managed the production of 41 exhibits. Previously, I acted as curator for Brookfield Office Properties and produced various exhibits for their downtown buildings including several solo shows, Houston’s only iPhone – specific exhibit in addition to a show of works that were at least 20 square feet. I produced a politically charged exhibit in 2017 that got the attention of CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/29/politics/artists-respond-to-trump-100-days/). 

    I have given presentations on various topics including the Florentine Renaissance, “The Bookseller of Florence” by Ross King (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knf4282Ome8&t=1738s), How To Price Your Artwork, Entering Juried Exhibitions, How To Create Emotive Photographs, etc. for organizations such as Rice University, University of Houston, WiVLA, HMAG, Bellaire High School, etc. I have been an invited judge for various organizations including the Houston Photographic Society, Bayou City Arts Festival (as a juror and judge), Watercolor Art Society-Houston, Spring Street Studios and Beaumont Art League. I have featured local artists on my blog HALT.com and produced many exhibits at Next Wall Gallery – a temporary space my husband and I own in Montrose. We collect art, also. 

  • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - Submission Deadline - 11:59 pm

    SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23 - Notifications Begin

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 - Work Drop Off - 1:00 to 4 :00 pm

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 - Opening Reception - 4:00 to 6:00 pm

    SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 - Juror Talk - 2:00 pm

    SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 - Artists Talk (Optional) - 1:00 pm

    SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2 - Closing Day / Pick Up Work - 4 to 5 pm

  • How To Apply

    Applications will be accepted online from June 28 - September 8, 2024

    The juror will award first, second, and third places, honoring the outstanding works in the exhibition. Additionally, all participants will receive a catalogue of the exhibition.

    All entries must be completed using the online form provided below. (jotform.com)

    Please read these guidelines carefully before beginning your application.

    Applications in Spanish are welcome.

    To begin the application process, you will be required to create a user account at jotform.com. Artists may submit up to four (4) entries. There is a $35 USD application fee for each artist.

    AUTHORSHIP AND OWNERSHIP: By entering a work, you represent that you are its author and that you either own the work or have the owner's permission to enter it for consideration.

    DATES: The exhibition will take place in Houston in the fall of 2024. From October 12 To November 2, 2024.

    ELIGIBILITY: This juried exhibition is open to artists living and working in the Greater Houston area and who are over the age of 18.

    SPECIFICATIONS: Artists may submit up to four (4) entries. Artwork can be created from any media, in both 2-D and 3-D formats. Submitted work must not have been previously shown. A diptych or triptych is considered a single piece. Works on paper must be suitably framed. 2D works may not exceed 36" in any dimension (including the frame), and must be appropriately wired for hanging. 3-D works must include a proper pedestal.

    SUBMISSION: Titles and prices must be included on your entry form. Image file names should follow this format: “Artist’s Last Name, Entry 1, Title.jpg”.

    NOTIFICATIONS will be sent via email.

    DELIVERY: Work accepted for the exhibition may be hand delivered to Monterroso Gallery (3911 Main St., Houston, TX 77002) on Saturday, October 5th, between 1 pm and 4 pm. Please ensure that works are delivered within this timeframe as late submissions will not be included in the exhibition and no refunds will be provided. .

    SALES: We want to provide artists with the opportunity to showcase their work. Monterroso Gallery will not charge any commission for this exhibition. Therefore, while we won't handle sales directly, we will display prices and gladly connect you with potential collectors.       

    PICK-UP WORKS: Artists must pick up their work on Saturday, November 2nd, between 4 pm and 5 pm.                

    AGREEMENT: All works must remain on view until the end of the exhibit. Monterroso Gallery reserves the right to reject any work that is misrepresented or unsuitable for hanging. While every precaution will be taken in handling artwork, Monterroso Gallery will not assume any responsibility for damage, loss, or theft during the exhibition. By entering your work and providing images and other documentation, you agree that any images and other materials you provide may be reproduced and published in the Monterroso gallery Juried Exhibition 2024 Catalogue, promotional and press materials and distributed via the websites and social media channels.

    QUESTIONS: Please direct any questions to fineart@monterrosogallery.com