Appalachian Highlands Artisan Exhibition

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts at the McKinney Center in Tennessee’s oldest town, is now accepting submissions for a new group show scheduled to open on March 7, 2025.

Located in Appalachia, Jonesborough and the surrounding mountain areas are marked by a history of resilience and rooted in traditions of storytelling, embodied in oral knowledge and our crafts are materially connected to lineages of the past. While we respect tradition and the past, our artists are not bound by it. Contemporary craft objects not only preserve tradition but sometimes push the boundaries of function, adornment, tradition, and community engagement. Today’s craft-based artists use contemporary mediums, forms, and methods to evolve craft traditions which continue to make our region relevant in the world of art and craft. The McKinney Center is pleased to invite regional artists to submit to Appalachian Highlands Artisan Exhibition, an exhibition highlighting the evolution and relevance of craft in Appalachia. All visual media (2D, 3D) will be considered, including ceramics, metals, fibers, and other craft processes.

Apply online here.

Eligibility

Entries must be original works and not copied from copyrighted or published art or photographs. Qualified original work may include a variation of original work. Paintings and varied mediums, photographs, ceramics, wood, jewelry, fiber, sculptures and other mixed media are accepted. Artists who submit entries must be at least 18 years of age. All entries must be original works completed within the last two years and have not been exhibited previously at the McKinney Center. The maximum allowed size is 30” x 30” in any direction including frame or stand. Weight is not to exceed 20 lbs. Two-dimensional works must be suitably prepared for hanging. Framed work must have screw eyes and wire or other suitable hardware. Textiles and other unframed works must be suitably prepared for hanging. Three-dimensional work must be suitable for hanging or sitting on a pedestal.

The Town of Jonesborough reserves the right to exclude any entry that presents complex installation problems or is unsuitably prepared for hanging or installation. In addition, the Town reserves the right to reject work not accurately represented by the .jpeg entries.

Entry Procedure

Please note, the jurors will only judge digital submissions. The digital images will be organized by McKinney Center staff and submitted electronically to the jurors.

· Up to three entries may be submitted for this exhibition due to limited space.
· No entry fees!
· Your images, entry form, and fees must be received by Friday, February 14, 2025, 5pm. Submit entries at www.mckinneycenter.com under the Programs tab and click on Artist Exhibition Series. Or go directly to: https://townofjonesborough.regfox.com/mckinney-center-artist-exhibition-series
· Completed entries will also include a brief artist biography, 250 words at maximum. Please write your biography in the third person. We would like to know how your piece is inspired by this year’s theme. Please include the biography in word format.
· Notifications of acceptance will be emailed by February 21, 2025, 5pm.

Viewing

The exhibition will be open to the public Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm or by appointment.

Sales and Commission

The sale of artwork is encouraged during the exhibition. The McKinney Center will advertise and publicize the exhibition and availability of the artwork. The Artist is responsible for remitting applicable sales tax to the State of Tennessee Sales and Use Tax Department. The receipt of funds from sales, retention of commissions, and disbursement of monies to the Artist will be handled by the Town of Jonesborough. Sold works are to remain in the exhibition until its official closing date and time. 40% of the sale will be donated to the McKinney Center and 60% of the sale will be given to the artist.

Liability

While every effort to properly care for works is made, the Town of Jonesborough and all partners are not responsible for the loss or damage of works while in transit. Artists should provide their own insurance coverage. All accepted artwork must remain on display during the duration of the exhibition. The Town of Jonesborough will not be responsible for work left on the premises beyond dates of the exhibition. The Town of Jonesborough will have the right to use photographs of accepted work for educational and promotional purposes. Submission of completed form constitutes your agreement with all conditions established in the prospectus.

Important Dates:

• Electronic Submittals for Jurying Now – February 14, 2025, 5pm
• Notification emailed to Artists February 21, 2025 by 5pm
• Drop off of Artwork Sunday, March 2, 1 -3 pm
• Monday, March 3, 8am – 5pm
• Opening Reception Friday, March 7, 2025, 5-7pm
• Exhibit Duration March 7 – April 4, 2025
• Artists pick up work Sunday, April 6, 1-3pm and Monday, April 7, 8am – 5pm

Delivery and Return

Shipped work must conform to UPS shipping requirements. All shipped work must have proper packing materials that are reusable for return shipping. A pre-paid return shipping label must be included for return shipping.

Mail/drop off entry to:
The McKinney Center
Attn: Theresa Hammons
103 Franklin Avenue
Jonesborough, TN 37659
For questions, please contact Theresa Hammons: 423-753-0562 or mckinneycenterinfo@jonesboroughtn.org