Boundless: The Art of the Book
OPEN JURIED EXHIBITION
Juror: The Exhibitions Committee of RNAC
Exhibition Dates: Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, August 24
Art Drop Off: Sunday, July 13, 5 PM
Art Pick Up: Sunday, August 24, 5 PM
Opening Reception: Sunday, July 20, 5 – 7 PM
Submissions: client.smarterentry.com/rnac
Technical support: entry@rockyneckartcolony.org
All other questions: exhibitions@rockyneckartcolony.org
Submissions Open: Monday, March 31, 6AM
Submissions Deadline: Monday, June 23, 2025, 11PM
Entry Fee: $35 for 3, RNAC members $25 for up to 3 entries $10 each additional entry
The Call
The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) invites artists to submit work for inclusion in Boundless: The Art of the Book, to be held at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and online at RNACexhibitions.com.
Show Description
The artist book, rather than disappearing in this digital age, is enjoying a period of reinvention and celebration. This exhibition showcases the myriad ways, both conventional and contemporary, that visual artists interpret the notion of the book, the written page, and/or the book illustration.
We invite artists from all backgrounds to submit work that pushes the boundaries of traditional bookmaking, illustration, and self-published zines. Submissions may include artist’s books (any/all media), individual book illustrations, zines, graphic novels, and comics. All traditional book forms as well as unbound, reworked, hybrid and deconstructed examples are welcome. This exhibit aims to highlight the innovative and creative approaches artists use to tell stories, share ideas and connect with viewers.
Eligibility
- Work shown in the past year at another Cape Ann venue will not be accepted.
- Work must be an original creation of the artist.
- Work must be ready to display; gold frames are discouraged.
- All work is for sale.
- All artists participating in any RNAC exhibition are expected to sign up to gallery sit if they are able. Shifts are in 2.5-hour increments and no experience is necessary. Rocky Neck offers support and basic training. Link to sign up will be sent to participating artists when it is available.
- Entries must be submitted via smarterentry.com/rnac. Use your previous password & ID or click “Start Here” to create a new ID.
- To submit video or other time-based work, contact entry@rockyneckartcolony.org for instructions.
- For technical support, contact entry@rockyneckartcolony.org. Please reach out for tech support as soon as you have difficulty. Don’t wait!
Images used for online submissions
- Photographs submitted should be good quality JPG or PNG images
- Images should be 300 dpi resolution, sized approximately 1- 3MB
- Each image must be labeled with the following information: Last name, first initial, title.jpg. (Example: Smith, J._Sunset.jpg).
Artwork:
If you are submitting 2D work that is greater than 60” wide or installation work requiring a large amount of space, please check with the exhibitions committee to ensure that your work can be accommodated.
The Rocky Neck Art Colony, Inc and its galleries (RNACG) does not carry property insurance for artwork and it does not assume responsibility for any loss damage or theft of artwork exhibited in its galleries. We suggest that exhibitioners carry their own insurance coverage.
Commissions:
- All work must be for sale. RNAC members receive 75% commission on all works sold; non-members receive 60%. RNAC membership is open to all, though not required for participation in this exhibition. To qualify for the member commission, you must be an active member when you ENTER THE SHOW. To join or renew, click HERE. To check your membership status, email director@rockyneckartcolony.org.
- All work will remain in the gallery and buyers will be instructed to pick up purchased work at the conclusion of the exhibition. If a buyer is unable to pick up the work, the artist must collect the work and make delivery arrangements directly with the buyer. RNAC assumes no financial responsibility for costs of delivery as coordinated by the artist.
Promotion:
- RNAC will promote the exhibition through its weekly e-Newsletter, social media campaigns, and outreach to a significant list of media outlets through targeted press releases.
- Artists are encouraged to promote the exhibition through their own social media channels.
- Viewers love to “go behind the scenes” with the artists. We welcome any studio visit videos or recorded talks about your works. See examples HERE.
About the Rocky Neck Art Colony
The Rocky Neck Art Colony is one of the oldest working art colonies in the country and has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 150 years. As a 501-c3 nonprofit organization, RNAC is dedicated to nurturing excellence in the arts and celebrating the artistic history and culture of Rocky Neck in Gloucester, MA. Find out more at rockyneckartcolony.org.
