Your favourite show and sale is back for its fifth year!
The Postcard Project & Studio Sale is back, transforming the Alternator and celebrating the artistic excellence of our community. Member artists are invited to create an edition of unique, handmade postcards, submit artworks to be sold for the studio sale, or both. You are not required to submit to both aspects but are highly encouraged to.
Our Annual Postcard Project exhibition will open on July 17th, with an opening reception taking place that evening from 6-8pm.
The Postcard Project invites Alternator member artists to create 5 or 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A piece of creative writing? A painting made by your pet? Dance instructions? We want to see it! This will be a limited run of 300 unique postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served!
The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $15 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family or keep it for themselves.
The Studio Sale is an open call for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main and Project Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.
How to Participate:
Step 1: Membership
Sign up for or renew your Alternator membership. You can sign-up online or in person at the gallery. Not sure if your Alternator membership is still active? Contact us at info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!
Step 2: Register to Exhibit by June 30, 11:59 p.m.
You can register online or in-person at our office. All Member Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both!
Step 3: Label and Drop Off Your Artwork
POSTCARD PROJECT
Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)
Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with a set of either 5 or 10 4”x6” blank postcards. Cards can be picked up at the Alternator between June 9 - 30. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4”x6”.
Unsure if your medium will work on the provided postcard paper? Not to worry! Folks are welcome to use their own paper as long as they are mounted with archival glue to the provided postcard upon delivery. For example, many photo-based artists have printed their photos and attached them to the postcards. This way, no matter your medium, there is a way to participate!
Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator between July 2 - 11 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.
STUDIO SALE
The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted.
All artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator between July 2 - 11 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.
Step 4: Sales
75% of any sales go directly to the artists after the end of the exhibition. Cheques are typically delivered in September. Please note, if your total payable earnings are under $20, your amount will be automatically credited towards future membership payments.
Additionally, participants will have the option to donate their earnings to the gallery.
Important Dates
Registration opens: June 5
Registration closes: June 30
Blank Postcard Pickup: June 9 - June 30
Artwork dropoff: July 2 - 11
Exhibition Dates: July 17 - August 15
Opening Reception: July 17, 6-8pm
Artwork Pickup: August 18 - 22
Cheques sent out: September TBD
Unsure about participating? Maybe these photos from last year’s Postcard Project will change your mind!
