DEL MAR — With “Images from Life” as its theme, the Del Mar Art Center’s inaugural competition is essentially giving San Diego artists a blank canvas to showcase their talents, with entry possibilities limited only by the imagination of the creators … and just a few guidelines.
The contest is open to San Diego residents who are 18 and older. Original works in two or three dimensions can be submitted. Jewelry and photography are eligible but film, videos and clothing are not.
The cost is $20 per piece and all fees and entries must be received by Oct. 26.
The Del Mar Art Center opened in 2000 to increase public exposure to quality art, foster an appreciation of the arts, present art events and demonstrations and provide space for local artists to exhibit their work.
In May the gallery moved upstairs to the second level of the Del Mar Plaza.
The nonprofit organization traditionally gives back to the community by providing materials, scholarships and funding to area schools.
“This time we wanted to give back to the 18 and older crowd,” said Bob Coletti, the center’s vice president, who suggested the art competition.
The seven-member DMAC board of directors will serve as jurors. A list of winners will be posted on the center’s website by Nov. 15.
Two $250 first-place awards, two $100 second-place awards and six $50 third-place awards will be granted.
First-place winners will be shown in the DMAC gallery and works by all winners will be displayed in a 30-day online exhibition at dmacgallery.com.
In addition to looking forward to the competition, Coletti said he is proud of the help the art center provides to local artists.
Currently the center has about 36 members but it could handle a few more.
“We are limited by wall space,” he said, adding that membership is available only to serious painters, artists and photographers.
“Not everyone who applies gets in,” he said.”It’s not just about selling their work. They have to get involved in the community. That’s important to us.”
Works by all members are displayed, with exhibits rotated about every three months. Pieces include everything from sculptures and jewelry to mixed media.
“And we cover every price point,” Coletti said, from a $5 postcard to a $2,500 sculpture. He said one piece that was on display at the gallery sold for $10,000 about a week after the exhibit was taken down.
A reception featuring Computer Man, the symbolic spokesman for the contest who will send an email and talk to visitors, is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 16. He will remain at the gallery for the next few months.
Visit dmacgallery.com for more information about Computer Man, the gallery and the art competition.
