Art of the James River Park System Call For Entries

Art of the James River Park System All-Media Show

Call For Entry:   May 1 – May 18, 2025

Submission: Online through ArtCall

Submission Fee: $10 for 1 piece (Artist is limited to 1 piece)

Commission: 70 % to artists, 30% to CAC with 10% of CAC % going to Friends of James River Park

Artists Notified via Email by: Tuesday, May 21, 2025

Artwork Drop Off: Wednesday, July 9 – Saturday, July 12, 2025, by Noon

Exhibition Opening:  Saturday, July 19 10am – 5pm and Sunday, July 20, 2025, Noon – 4pm

Exhibition End Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025

Artwork Available for Artists to Pick Up: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Crossroads Art Center invites artists to submit works inspired by the James River Park System, one of Richmond’s most treasured natural landscapes. This exhibition celebrates the beauty, adventure, and ecological significance of the James River and its surrounding trails, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Theme: Artists are encouraged to create pieces that capture the spirit of the James River Park System, whether through breathtaking landscapes, energetic depictions of outdoor activities, or thought-provoking interpretations of conservation and sustainability.

Submission Ideas:

Landscapes & Nature: Paintings, photography, or mixed media pieces showcasing the scenic river views, lush forests, and seasonal beauty of the park.

Wildlife & Ecology: Artwork featuring birds, fish, deer, or other native species that call the James River home.

Adventure & Recreation: Illustrations of kayaking, rock climbing, trail running, fishing, or biking in the park.

Abstract & Conceptual Works: Creative interpretations of water movement, environmental conservation, or the deep connection between nature and humanity.

Historical & Cultural Reflections: Pieces inspired by the historical significance of the river, indigenous heritage, or Richmond’s relationship with the James over time.

All artwork should reflect the theme and celebrate the James River Park System.

Join us in honoring the natural wonder of the James River through art!

Friends of the James River Park System – Camera to Canvas  https://jamesriverpark.org/camera-to-canvas-fundraiser/

For 50 years, the James River Park System has inspired countless hikers, climbers, paddlers, and lovers of nature. It has also inspired many of the region’s artists – especially FOJRP Board Member, author, and photographer Bill Draper. Many of the beautiful images that you see across our website and social media feeds are thanks to the magic of his lens. He’s also the author of “A Photographic Journey through the James River Park System.”

 Bill’s work has, in turn, inspired others who have used his images to take pen to paper, and brush to canvas. Camera to Canvas will pair some of our region’s best artists with their favorite Bill Draper images to create original works for a charity auction benefiting our mission. You will have the opportunity to bid on individual photos, works of art, and a host of silent auction items.

More information coming soon regarding how to get involved as an Artist, a Sponsor or Patron.

Submission Details:

You will need an artist statement - 200 word limit in first person when you first register in ArtCall. 

1.        You do not have to create a portfolio site to enter the show.

2.       The way you fill out the form is how it will be shown on the labels, awards, and publicity. We will not change text after the end of Call for Entries, unless it is our mistake. Please be sure it is what you want to say.

a. Name: Use Capital Letters for the first letters of your name.

b. Prices - DO NOT TYPE IN A COMMA. This produces the wrong price. ArtCall will add it automatically. Double-check it--We will not change prices after the end of the Call for Entries, unless it is our mistake.

c. Measurements - HEIGHT first, then Width then Depth (H x W x D)

d. Verbiage regarding the piece of art - The character limit is 300, including spaces!! This is used for all publicity and labels online and inhouse. Spellcheck it as well as word count it! We use it exactly the way your have written it in ArtCall, by copy/pasting what you type. We do NOT change prices after the Call For Entries ends, unless it is our mistake.

e. FYI - You can go back in and add/edit images and edit text until the call ends.

f. Please double check all information (see above). 

2D IMAGE REQUIREMENTS:

3 images of each piece are required, one of the art without frame, one with frame, and a close detail image (zoomed into a small section of interest). If the art is unframed, only 2 photos are required. 

If it is framed, this image must be included during the Call for Entries period.

NOTE: if the work is framed, we must have the outside measurements of the frame (H x W x D). Please do not guess. If we do not have the measurements for the art and/or the framed art, your piece will not be considered to jury. Walls and backgrounds SHOULD NOT SHOW in photos. When taking the digital image please make sure the photo is not at an angle or crooked.

3D IMAGE REQUIREMENTS:

For each 3D, installation, or wearable art entry, submit 3 images: one overall front, one overall rear or sideview, and one detail (zoomed into a small section of interest).

• Detail images must show an important aspect of the artwork. Make sure that both the full-view and detail images are oriented correctly. Please keep backgrounds as unobtrusive as possible.

IMPORTANT: After submitting, please go back in and double check your information. Did you enter the required 2 or 3 photos? Is your price correct? Measurements? Is your statement complete? Too long? Please remember we do not change prices or text after the CFE ends, unless we are at fault.

NOTE: You can delete and change photos, and change text within each submission up until end-of-call. Do not delete an entire submission and then replace it with a new one--ArtCall will charge you for a new submission!