Call to Artists: Salem Reads 2027

This is a Call for Artists to create 1 – 4 artworks based on the book, The Art Thief By Michael Finkel, for the Salem Reads Art Exhibit at the Salem Public Library.

We hope that you will interpret the book in your own style to be part of a curated group exhibition (in collaboration with Salem Art Association) in the Salem Reads Art Exhibit at the Salem Public Library, Art Hall, 585 Liberty Street SE for the month of February 2027.

Salem Reads is a collaboration of the Salem Public Library Foundation and the Salem Public Library. The Foundation’s mission is to fund enhancements to the Salem Public Library. Salem Reads is our largest and most visible annual event.

After a rigorous selection process and a vote by many readers, our community selected its 2027 book for Salem Reads: The Art Thief By Michael Finkel.

Salem Reads is a community-wide reading project that invites the people of Salem to come together in person or virtually through reading, discussion, art, and programs based on the themes of a common book. The Salem Public Library Foundation funds this effort to increase the Library’s visibility, foster community, and invite people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints to come together to discuss compelling topics.

WHY TAKE PART?

• Participate as an artist in a group show and see how other artists interpret the book
• Be a part of a great community celebration of reading and the Library
• Support local libraries!
• Long-term display of your work on the Foundation website, view past art at SPLF website, on the Salem Reads drop down menu by year

TIMELINE

➔ November 30 – submit proposal for artworks.

Submit the following by NOVEMBER 30 to kathleen@salemart.org –

• 3 images of current artwork showcasing your style and artistic practice.
• An artwork proposal describing:
  • The artwork you plan to create in response to The Art Thief by Michael Finkel.
  • Answer why you chose these concepts or themes.
• The number of artworks you propose to create (1–4).
• The size of each artwork.
• The medium or mediums you plan to use.

If you are accepted into the exhibition, you will be notified early the following week about acceptance into the exhibition

➔ December 1 – mid January 2027 ● Create artwork for the exhibition.

Exhibition February 2 – 28, 2027

February 1, Monday, 2027 – Deliver to Library for exhibit:

The exhibit will be installed on February 1, removed and repacked at the end of February.

OTHER DETAILS:

• Exhibit Hours and Dates: Art exhibit will be available for viewing by the public during Library open hours in February. The Library is closed on Mondays.
• Display Area: Salem Public Library Art Hall, Floor 1
• Artwork Required Specs, Artist Information, and Delivery Dates: ○ The artwork reflects the story and themes of the book
  • Content needs to be appropriate for all library attendees, including children.
  • 2-D pieces around 16” x 20” or larger in size work best, although flexible. There isn’t a lot of room for 3-D works, unfortunately.
  • Professionally framed, ready to hang on our cable mounting system, uncoated hanging wire.
  • Required. Install D-ring hardware pointing up, center top of D-ring needs to be 1” in from side, 2”down from top. This is very important for a nice appearance on the cable mounting system. We can help with this.
  • Appropriate packing for travel to regional Libraries for extended exhibit display
  • Digital photo of artwork, artist bio and statement text, and label text emailed no later than January 11, 2027. Photo and statement will be posted on Library Foundation website.
  • Artist information needs to be in three parts and on one page.
    • • Artist Bio
      • Artist Statement – statement will be hung with artwork, should reflect the process involved in creating that specific piece of art
      • Label Information: Your Name, Title, Medium, Email and/or Website Address or QR code (for artist direct sales purposes)
      • Are reproductions available? Is the piece for sale? (note: City of Salem does not allow prices to be posted on exhibit labels)

Sales: City of Salem does not allow prices to be posted or items sold at the Library. Any sales are to be offsite and are the direct responsibility of the artist. If your piece sells, immediately notify Kathy via email, salemlibraryfoundation@gmail.com so that a sold mark may be placed on the label. All sold pieces will remain on display for the duration of the exhibit and may be picked up by the new owners at the end of the regional library tour.

Author: The Instigator