The 64th Midwestern Invitational Exhibition of Fine Art | "Outside the Lines"
IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION
Entry Form Due: REVISED — Wed. 10 May 2023
Artwork Due: Thu. 1 June 2023
Midwestern Preview/Anniversary Dinner: Sun. 18 June 2023
Midwestern Luncheon: Mon. 19 June 2023
Last Day of Exhibit: Sun. 2 September 2023
Artwork Pickup: Tue. 5/Wed. 6 September 2023
Artwork Due: Thu. 1 June 2023
Midwestern Preview/Anniversary Dinner: Sun. 18 June 2023
Midwestern Luncheon: Mon. 19 June 2023
Last Day of Exhibit: Sun. 2 September 2023
Artwork Pickup: Tue. 5/Wed. 6 September 2023
Please note: the online entry form is password protected. To receive the password, please e-mail Jonathan Rutter.
The THEME
“Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries.” —James P. Carse, Finite and Infinite Games
This year, we ask that participating artists incorporate the theme of "Outside the Lines" in their submissions. It was originally suggested by neon artist and museum board member Chris Orth as a way to honor the legacy of the late artist Joel Hegerle (a longtime Midwestern exhibitor and award selector for last year's exhibition), who embodied the spirit that the theme suggests. Sadly, the Rourke community lost another three longtime Midwestern exhibitors in quick succession this fall and winter who exemplified this same spirit: Milton Yergens, Gretchen Kottke, and James VerDoorn. We hope the theme celebrates their collective and individual creativity, warmth, and sense of play.
"Outside the Lines" suggests work that explores liminal spaces, challenges accepted preconceptions, boundaries, or rules, and encourages playfulness and invention. Consider the phrases "coloring outside of the lines" or "thinking outside of the box" as further illustrations of or elaborations upon this. We have no doubt that there will be numerous and wildly divergent interpretations of these ideas (which, given the theme, will be most appropriate!).
Suggested Reading:
Deep Play by Diane Ackerman
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse
That Which Is Not Drawn: William Kentridge and Rosalind C. Morris in Conversation
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
This year, we ask that participating artists incorporate the theme of "Outside the Lines" in their submissions. It was originally suggested by neon artist and museum board member Chris Orth as a way to honor the legacy of the late artist Joel Hegerle (a longtime Midwestern exhibitor and award selector for last year's exhibition), who embodied the spirit that the theme suggests. Sadly, the Rourke community lost another three longtime Midwestern exhibitors in quick succession this fall and winter who exemplified this same spirit: Milton Yergens, Gretchen Kottke, and James VerDoorn. We hope the theme celebrates their collective and individual creativity, warmth, and sense of play.
"Outside the Lines" suggests work that explores liminal spaces, challenges accepted preconceptions, boundaries, or rules, and encourages playfulness and invention. Consider the phrases "coloring outside of the lines" or "thinking outside of the box" as further illustrations of or elaborations upon this. We have no doubt that there will be numerous and wildly divergent interpretations of these ideas (which, given the theme, will be most appropriate!).
Suggested Reading:
Deep Play by Diane Ackerman
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse
That Which Is Not Drawn: William Kentridge and Rosalind C. Morris in Conversation
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
