What is Voice!?

Voice! is a juried art exhibition of work celebrating the creative voices of artists with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities from across New York State.  Now in its’ sixth year, the exhibit, which is  sponsored by The Arc Otsego, has featured the work of 200 artists and has awarded  over $4,000 in prize money.  Most importantly,  Voice! never fails to joyfully, exuberantly and thoughtfully remind us of the power of art to transcend disability and stereotypes to reveal our common ground and celebrate our unique abilities. 

What is New for 2010?

 Just like any dynamic, creative entity, Voice! keeps growing and changing!  This year’s exhibit will take place at the newly renovated Martin-Mullen Art Gallery located in the Fine Arts Building on the campus of SUNY-Oneonta.  The larger space means that we no longer have to have size restrictions on pieces and programs can now submit up to 8 pieces/program rather than just 6! We also have two new awards called The Spirit Awards.  These awards were initiated by last year’s jurors and are designed to recognize work which best captures the spirit of Voice! Finally, we have a new date.  The exhibit runs from July 16-July 31, 2010.  The opening reception is Friday, July 16 from 5-7 pm.

 What Prizes are Awarded? 

First  Prize                  $300                                       

Second Prize                $200

Third Prize                  $100     

Honorable Mention (2  $50

Curator’s Award           $50

Juror’s Award (2)         $50

Spirit Award (2)           $50

People’s Choice            $50   

 Application Process 

 The completed application form, along with a labeled picture of the work on a CD, slide or good quality photo, must be received no later than Tuesday, June 1, 2010  Please do not send the original work.  The label must include the artist’s name, title of the work, size of the piece and medium type.  Please note that the application form includes authorization for the use of the artist’s first and last name, photo, bio and image of the work.  The Arc Otsego reserves the right to use this information for educational and publicity purposes.  Regrettably, we can only consider submissions for which we have a signed authorization for all required information. ¨ Submissions must be limited to no more than eight pieces/program and no more than two pieces/artist.  There are no size restrictions on the size of the work. ¨ Work submitted must be original artwork and have been completed within the past three years. ¨ An application fee of  $10.00/artist is due with the registration form.  Please make the check payable to The Arc Otsego.  Should an artist wish to submit a second work, the application fee is $5.00 for the additional piece. Entry fees are non-refundable. Application forms are available on the agency website at www.arcotsego.org.¨

 Mail the completed application form to:

Lynne Sessions, Director, Community Relations

The Arc Otsego

PO Box 490, Oneonta, NY 13820

or for more information:

                          Phone:          607-433-8428

                          Fax:                 607-433-8430

                          Email:            sessionsl@arcotsego.org

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by email by Tuesday, June 8 and by U.S. mail by Friday, June 11th.  The works for sale form and a request for a bio will be included in the U.S. mail acceptance packet.

Who May Submit Work?

Voice! is open to any individual living in New York  State who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual and/or other developmental disability.

What Type of Work Can be Submitted?

Submitted work must be original work, completed by an individual within the past three years, including fine craft, painting, photography, sculpture, graphics (i.e., drawing, printmaking) or mixed media.

For Works Accepted for the Exhibit

Artwork, along  with a brief (150 words or less) bio of the artist, should be sent to or dropped off at The Arc Otsego, 35 Academy St., Oneonta, NY.  Artwork  must be received between Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 9, no later than 4 pm.   (The agency is closed, Monday, July 5th.)

 2-D artwork must be framed and/or appropriately mounted and ready to hang.

 Prize winners will be announced at the opening reception, July 16, 5-7 pm.  A dance will be held after the opening reception from 7:30-9:30 pm with entertainment provided by Flame.  All artists and their guests are invited to attend the opening and the dance. Admission to the dance for artists and their guests is free.

 The exhibit will run through Saturday, 7/31.  Artwork may be picked up at the Martin-Mullen Gallery between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on 7/31 or between 9 am and 3 pm Monday,  8/3.  All other artwork will be returned by mail 8/4-8/11.  Mailed items will be professionally wrapped/packaged and returned by mail at the respective program’s expense (packaging and postage).

Artists have the option of selling their work.  The gallery will not take a percentage.  Works for sale forms will be sent with the acceptance letter and are available on the website.