Below are the basic guidelines for artwork presentation that Mooresville Arts requires for all show submissions. The Gallery Directorr must approve any presentation style not listed before submitting. Always refer to the show prospectus for any additional requirements or limitations.
When entering art competitions, it's important to avoid copying the styles of other artists or using the same subject as a prizewinning artwork. Here are some reasons why:
- Copyright infringement: Copying another artist's work is considered copyright infringement and can be serious. It's only considered an original artwork if you conceived it entirely from start to finish.
- Not unique: If your work is similar to another artist's, it might not be considered unique or have anything added to it.
- Plagiarism: Passing off another artist's work as your own is plagiarism.
However, it's okay to copy other artists' techniques for learning and development. You can also use other artists' work as inspiration, but it's important to put your own spin on it and create something unique. To protect your artwork from being copied, you can:
- Keep records of your work and when you created and published it
- Put a copyright notice on your work
- Monitor your copyrights for infringement
- Register with the U.S. Copyright Office
● Artwork must not exceed 48 inches in any direction, including frame.
○ There may be some availability for pieces larger than 48”. If you wish to enter work larger than 48” please contact the Gallery Committee.
● Artwork must be properly framed and/or prepared for presentation.
● Acceptable frame materials include solid wood, MDF, or metal frames. NO clip frames or Polystyrene frames.
● Framed 2D artworks on paper (photographs, graphite drawings, pastels, etc) need to be behind glass or Plexiglas.
● Frames, mats, and glass/ Plexiglas need to be sturdy, clean, and in good repair.
● Framed pieces must have a wire hanger affixed to the frame. NO sawtooth hangers, staples, tape or other hanging devices/methods.
○ Due to the Gallery’s hanging system, please affix your wire to the top quarter of the height of the frame and keep little or no slack in the wire.
● Gallery-profile canvases (a depth of at least 1 ½”) with sides painted white or a color complimentary to the artwork are also acceptable. NO visible tape, staples, or bare canvas.
● Paintings on canvas or any other substrate (board, wood) under the size of gallery-profile (1 ½” depth) must be framed.
● Artwork on metal may be acceptable without a frame. For specific questions pertaining to presentation and hanging devices, please contact the Gallery Committee.
If you have any questions or concerns email gallery@mooresvillearts.org or call (704) 663-6661.
Local Framing Recommendations:
Four Corners Framing Gallery- 148 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115, (704) 662-7154
Lake Country Gallery & Frame- 350 West Plaza Dr. Ste. L, Mooresville, NC 28117, (704)-664-5022 Fast Frame Mooresville- 111 Marketplace Ave A, Mooresville, NC 28117, (704) 696-0140
Frame Warehouse Huntersville- 9815-C Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, (704) 896-5687
Gallery Artwork Acceptance/Denial Disclaimer –
Mooresville Arts reserves the right to deny any artwork into any show or exhibit, based
on “inappropriateness”. As a community-based arts organization, housed in a public
building, Mooresville Arts must consider all audiences who may view the exhibits on
display. Inappropriateness may be defined in artwork that portrays violence; sexual content,
pornography and erotic art; foul language (including suggestive symbols); and some
political subject matter.
