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Exhibition Dates: April 11th, 2025 - April 26th, 2025

  • Submission deadline: Monday, March 17th
  • Acceptance notifications: Monday, March 24th
  • Drop off of accepted artwork: Thursday, March 27th – Saturday, March 29th
  • Opening Awards Reception: Friday, April 11 at 6pm
  • Pick up of artwork: Wednesday, April 30th – Saturday, May 3rd

What is a Juried Exhibition?

A juried art exhibition is a special event where students submit their artwork to be reviewed by a panel of judges, called jurors. These judges decide which pieces will be part of the exhibition. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity, gain recognition, and build your confidence as an artist. Being selected is a big accomplishment you can include in applications for colleges or other art opportunities!

About the Exhibition

Carpe Artista is dedicated to encouraging and supporting young artists. This exhibition highlights the talent and hard work of students in Rutherford County. Participating in this event will give you a chance to experience how professional artists present their work in art shows. The exhibition will take place at Trellis & Vine, an artist co-op in Smyrna that regularly displays artwork by local artists.

Who Can Enter?

  • Any student aged 8-18 who lives in Rutherford County can enter.
  • You don’t have to be in public school to apply – homeschool and private school students are welcome too!

Entry Fee

Free!

What Kind of Artwork Can Be Entered?

  • Each student can submit up to two pieces of artwork for consideration.
  • You can send up to four photos total to show your artwork (for different angles or details).
  • Your artwork must be created between August 2023 and now.
  • All types of artwork are accepted: 2D (like drawings or paintings) and 3D (like sculptures or crafts).
  • Your artwork must be original. Don’t copy from photos, books, or other artists’ work. If it’s not your idea, it shouldn’t be submitted.

Awards:

The judges will give out the following awards at the opening reception on April 5th:

  • Best of Show
  • High School Award of Excellence
  • Middle School Award of Excellence
  • Elementary School Award of Excellence
  • Honorable Mention 2D
  • Honorable Mention 3D

Prizes will be awarded by the Rutherford Arts Alliance and Jerry’s Artarama.

Prize amounts to be announced.

Jurors

Guidelines for Entries

The judges will consider these important points when looking at the artwork:

  • Originality:

Is your idea unique? Does your artwork show your creativity and imagination?

  • Craftsmanship:

How well is your artwork made? Did you use your materials carefully and skillfully?

  • Composition:

Did you arrange the parts of your artwork (like the shapes, colors, and space) in a way that is balanced and interesting?

  • Interpretation:

Does your artwork tell a story, express your feelings, or show your thoughts in a meaningful way?

Not all artwork submitted will be accepted for the exhibition

How to Enter

To submit your artwork, click the link above and fill out the form. You will need to provide:

  • Your name, grade level, school you attend, and parent contact information
  • A short statement about your artwork (what it means to you or what inspired you)
  • Photos of your artwork (clear and well-lit)
  • The size of your artwork
  • The materials you used

Drop Off of Artwork

If your artwork is accepted, bring it to Trellis & Vine at 27 S Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167 between March 27-29th (10:00 AM to 6:30 PM). If you need special arrangements, contact Madison Pantuso at madison.pantuso@carpeartista.com

2D artwork must arrive wired and ready to hang.

Pick Up of Artwork

After the exhibition ends, pick up your artwork at Trellis & Vine between April 30th-May 3rd (10:00 AM to 6:30 PM). If you can’t make it during these times, contact Madison Pantuso to arrange something else.

Photography

Carpe Artista and Trellis & Vine may take photos of the accepted artwork for promotional purposes.

Questions?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Feel free to email our Visual Arts Coordinator, Madison Pantuso, at madison.pantuso@carpeartista.com