AWA EXHIBITION ACCEPTABLE ENTRIES – Amended Nov 11, 2023 

Artwork

1. Papers and Boards
   1. Submitted work must be on natural or synthetic paper (e.g., Yupo) or paperboard.
   2. Watercolor paper mounted on board is accepted as long as board is less than 1/2 inch and can be matted and framed.
   3. No canvases are allowed. 

2. Other materials must be submitted for approval prior to submitting the artwork.  It is the intention of AWA to encourage creativity and new materials will be reviewed accordingly.

3. Texture Application
   1. Boards may not have a mechanically produced texture including real or simulated fabric texture prior to painting, but a light texture of gesso (white or black) may be applied.
   2. Tar gel line work is allowed in clear or color-added form.  
   3. Also included are acrylic gel mediums used for creating textures prior to painting so long as they maintain the integrity of water media.

4. Water-soluble Media
   1. All water-soluble media that can be applied in flat washes are acceptable including transparent and opaque watercolor, synthetic watercolor (Golden Brand, etc.), gouache, acrylic paint or liquid, colored water-based inks, casein paint and tempera.  
   2. Media may be applied by water soluble pencil or watercolor crayons regardless of color so long as they are primarily used in a painting manner and at least partially dissolved.
   3. Some of this work may remain in drawing form so long as the emphasis is on the painted portion.
   4. Painting may also be combined with line work including ink and/or pencil.
   5. Media that is not allowed include digital art, alcohol inks or water soluble oils
   6. No varnish is to be applied to work

5. Collage
   1. Materials used for collage must originally be white and then colored by the artist.  
   2. Rice papers, tissue papers, other acid free white papers and unvarnished synthetic papers may be used.

6. Application
   1. Paint may be applied by brush, rags, pouring, drawing initially, spattering or blowing through an atomizer or straw or using stamps hand-made by the artist.

Matting and Framing 

All paintings must be matted and framed

Each venue will have their own rules.  Please go by the prospectus first.

1. Frames must be simple and not exceed 2 inches in either depth or width

2. Matting:
   1. The mat must be white and non-textured.
   2. The exposed part of the mat must be a minimum width of 3 inches (4 inches is preferred) and well cut. This means if 1/4 inch of the mat is covered by the frame, the actual mat must be cut to at least 3 ¼ inches.
   3. A single-colored inner mat (liner) may be added to the 3 inch exposed mat.
   4. Fabric texture mats are not allowed.

3. Protective Covering:
   1. Paintings must be covered by rigid acrylic (for example, “Plexiglas”) unless the protective covering is 16” x 20” or less, in which case glass is allowed.
   2. The protective covering must not touch the painting.
   3. Framing with acrylic is for safety and liability purposes and is usually required by the venue.

4. Backing:
   1. It is recommended that the back of wood frames be covered by craft paper. If it is not, the installation brads must be covered with tape.
   2. With metal frames, the foam backing or mounting board may show.
   3. All backing must be clean and undamaged.   
   4. The artist’s business card or contact information ( name, phone number, email, and painting title) must be on the back.

5. Suspension:
   1. Paintings must be wired for hanging.
   2. The hardware should be mounted 1/3 of the way down from the top of the frame.

Each venue will have their own rules. Where there is a conflict between the prospectus and the
standing rules, the prospectus shall govern.

PLEASE double check your frame, matting, and glazing to be sure there is no damage, debris, or scuffs before you deliver it to the exhibition venue.