Gallery of Gifts 2023 – Information for Interested Artisans

Accepting both PHYSICAL + DIGITAL APPLICATIONS IN 2023

The Gallery of Gifts jury will meet twice this year to review applications, once after each deadline.  Artisans may enter online, or with physical work samples.   Find out all the details below.  

WHEN IS GALLERY OF GIFTS 2023? 

November 4 – December 23, 2023
Gallery Hours:  Tues.-Fri. 11:00am-4:00pm, Sat. 10:00am-2:00pm 

*Drop off for accepted items will take place in mid to late October.

WHO MAY ENTER?

The Library Arts Center invites crafters, artisans and visual artists from New Hampshire, Vermont, or those with a distinct connection to our local area, to submit locally handmade crafts or art pieces for Gallery of Gifts.

Handmade crafts are welcome, as are original art pieces, as well as corresponding prints, greeting cards, etc.  Craft pieces will be displayed in the main gallery, and accepted artists will be given their own distinct section of wall space in the Center’s West Gallery, (approx. 30 inches wide,) with room for framed pieces on the wall, as well as matted prints, greeting cards, calendars, etc. underneath.  

CONSIGNMENT ARRANGEMENT:  70/30%

For Gallery of Gifts, artisans will drop off all of their pieces (tagged and ready for the show) on the designated drop-off date.  Artisans will set their own prices.  Gallery staff will be responsible for setting up the show in a unique holiday boutique-like format.  The gallery will handle all sales, transactions, and order fulfillment.  The show works on a 70/30% consignment arrangement. 

WHAT JURORS ARE LOOKING FOR:

During the selection process, jurors will assess the work of the artists with regard to:

 1) creativity/uniqueness of art or craft

2) quality

3) affordability/value

4) appeal to audience 

5) presentation, presentation, presentation! (Does it present well as a gift?  Are tags/packaging presented professionally?)

Our team of jurors seek to find a balance of types of fine craft, such as wood pieces, jewelry, fiber art, glass, weaving, etc.  A balance of artwork displayed in the West Gallery exhibit will also be sought.

The jury is reviewing both ONLINE + PHYSICAL APPLICATIONS in 2023. 

NEW ARTISANS:   *We highly suggest applying with physical work samples if you have not applied to Gallery of Gifts within the last 3 years, as the jurors glean much more if they can see the quality of your work in person. 

RETURNING ARTISANS:  *If you HAVE applied to Gallery of Gifts in the last 3 years, we are happy to review your online application.

JURY DEADLINES for 2023

The submission deadlines for the two rounds of Gallery of Gifts are:

1st Deadline:  September 9

2nd Deadline:  September 30

Artisans will receive an email notifying them if their work has been accepted within three weeks of the submission deadline.  If an artist’s work is not accepted into the exhibit during the first round of selection, he/she is welcome to submit work in the second round of selection.

Even if your work has been accepted into Gallery of Gifts before, you will still need to submit an entry for this year.

For more information about the Gallery of Gifts, please contact the Library Arts Center,  via email info@libraryartscenter.org.

Preparing your Application:  What you Need to Gather

The Arts Center will only be accepting both PHYSICAL and DIGITAL applications this year.  Artisans will be invited to bring specific types of items based on the items or photos submitted.  Artists/Artisans are not permitted to bring items that are not approved by the jury during the selection process.    

1) Physical Items OR Photographs of your items.

We suggest taking photographs in natural light on a neutral wall backdrop so that the jurors will be able to see your items easily.  Multiple views of items are welcome.  Please be sure to submit at least one photo or work sample for each type of item you would like to submit for consideration.   

FOR EXAMPLE, if a potter wishes to be considered for his/her mugs, vases, bowls, etc., he/she should submit at least one photo for each type item.  OR, if a wood artisan also happens to make beaded jewelry, he/she should submit an example of each type of work.  If an artist submitting for the West Gallery exhibit of artwork wishes to sell his/her note cards, calendars, etc. along with his/her artwork, an example of each of those items should be submitted, as well.  **Please upload photos of the actual pieces that you are applying to be considered for, rather than simply directing the jury to look at your website.  

**REMEMBER: Presentation counts!  Please plan on dropping off items, or photographing your pieces in the condition in which they will be for sale, with real examples of intended tags and packaging.

2)  A very brief description of your items

For Example: Ceramic Mugs: Raku Fired    Additional information is optional, but not required.

3)  Prices for your Items (or a price range for each type of item)

For Example:  Mugs, $35.00 each  OR  Mugs (range: $25-$38)

4)  The quantity of items you would be willing to bring if your items are accepted.

Listing an approximate quantity is fine.  We just need to know if you are thinking of bringing 2, 20, or 200!  Jurors may suggest another quantity to you, based on past sales records.  Download the application form to accompany physical entries HERE.