Society of Western Artists

 Society of Western Artists – Show Rules for SWA Members

The rules apply to all regular member shows.

Annual Show Rules will be listed on the Annual Prospectus.

• OPEN TO SWA MEMBERS ONLY
• RECEIVING TIMES:  Receiving starts at 10:00 AM and closes at 1:00 PM.   Judging starts at 1:10 PM so come early so there won’t be a rush at 1:00.  SWA uses 3 judges for each show.  They choose the paintings accepted into shows and award prizes.
• ENTRY FEES (Non-refundable):   1 painting for  $15.00          2 for $25.00          3 for $40.00          4 for  $50.00      Make checks payable to SWA.  Volunteers helping on receiving day may submit a second entry for free.
•  NUMBER OF ENTRIES:  Up to 4 entries may be entered, 3 of which may be used.
• ENTRY FORM:  Complete all personal & painting info on Entry Form for each entry.  Tape each Entry Form to the back of your painting in the upper left hand corner.  There are 2 Entry Forms on the page.
• SIZE: Minimum size 10” and a maximum no larger than 48” in any direction, including frame.  Same painting may be entered in only two non-consecutive shows plus one Annual Show.
• SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE:   Entries must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so we can mail your show receipt to you.  Keep receipts of your paintings accepted into shows for your Signature Award.
• BIOGRAPHY:  Bring a short biography that includes your contact information.
• DIGITAL IMAGE:  Take a digital image of your painting before you frame it.  Images of winning paintings will be used for publicity on posters and the website.
• COMMISSION:  A 10% donation to SWA for all sales.  Sales are between artists and buyer.  Sold paintings must stay in the show until it is over.  To sell your artwork, you need a Seller’s permit.  For permit and pertaining information go to:  http://www.cdta.ca.gov/services/#Register-Renewals
• GALLERY STAFFING:  Artist must staff the Gallery one day for each painting accepted. If unable to staff, you need to get a substitute from the SWA membership or pay $50/day for professional staffer.
• ARTWORK:  Paintings should be original art and conceived by the artist.  Photographs are the copyright of photographer.  If you use another person’s photos, you MUST have permission to use them.FRAMING:  SEE “RULES ON FRAMING FOR SWA SHOWS”   On back of this page & on the website.
  • NO CLASSWORK or work done under supervision            
  • NO COPIES, computerized art or work printed by any commercial process.
  • Art must be completed within the last three years.
  • NO OIL PAINTINGS under glass/Plexiglas
  • No painting over photographs
• LIABILITY:  Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.
• SALES:    Donation of 10% to SWA on all sales. All sales are between artists and buyer.

AWARDS: Cash prizes will be awarded. Each work is judged on its own merit:   the overall impact of the work, concept, originality, presentation, composition, design, drawing, value, color/painting technique, and framing/matting.

Your signature on Entry Form indicates compliance of Show Rules.  Violation of these rules will result in disqualification for a signature award.

 5 SWA SIGNATURE AWARD POINTS FOR ACCEPTANCE IN SHOW

Society of Western Artists

RULES ON FRAMING FOR SWA SHOWS

SWA Judges look at frames and matting along with your artwork.  Many times paintings are not accepted into shows due to poor framing and matting.  Before you bring in your painting check the overall look of your artwork.  Artists have brought in paintings with frames that don’t compliment the painting or are scratched/chipped, artwork falling out of frames, dirty or spotted mats, buckled watercolor paintings, dirty glass, etc.  Use one solid wire on your paintings to hang.  One watercolor artist used 2 pieces attached to the flat hangers and wound them together in the middle.  The wires eventually slipped apart and the painting fell, destroying the glass.

SWA is a professional organization.   Make your artwork look as professional as possible!

FRAMING RULES

  Size:  Frame outside dimensions for all paintings are limited to:

• Not less than 10 inches  (ANNUAL EXHBITION ONLY -  16 inches)
• Not larger than 48 inches   (ANNUAL EXHIBITION ONLY – 60 inches)
  
• Metal Frames – full sheet  of watercolor (22”x30”) or larger must use Plexiglas in metal frames
• Hardware – Hardware for hanging must be flat type.  SEE PHOTOS BELOW
• No nails, eye screws, or protruding hardware allowed.
•  Wires – All paintings must be wired for hanging.  Use one piece of wire for hanging.   Hanger wires ends must be taped or covered with plastic sleeves. 
• Paper Artwork  - must be properly mounted to support.  No scotch tape or other visible adhesives allowed.
• Works on Canvas or Panel - Must be securely mounted within frame rabbet.  Taping artwork into frame is not allowed.
• No oil paintings under glass/Plexiglas
• No paintings over photographs.
• All artwork MUST be dry.  Wet paintings will not be accepted.