RMSBA Exhibition Creation and Management

What is our mission?

The RMSBA shall create public awareness of and appreciation for botanical art,
historical and contemporary, in the Rocky Mountain region.
• The RMSBA shall introduce the public to the beauty and usefulness of botanical art
and illustration through exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, and other forms of
educational opportunities.
• The RMSBA recognizes that botanical artists frequently work alone in a discipline that
is demanding and technically challenging. Therefore, the RMSBA provides a forum for
artists to meet, talk, and discuss relevant issues while also providing for camaraderie
and fun among other botanical artists.

To advance the organization and member’s goals, exhibits are an integral part of
Chapter life. The following requisites are necessary for the RMSBA to support a
member’s exhibit.
1. Defining an RMSBA Exhibit:
1. Exhibit must meet RMSBA/ASBA definitions of botanical art
2. Members submitting must have current dues paid
3. Standards for exhibit spaces must be met (see below)
4. Exhibits must meet defined frequency and duration definitions.
Exhibits proposed that do not meet these basics may certainly be put together, but will
not be defined or titled as an RMSBA exhibit.

2. Creating a manageable schedule:

Enthusiasm for exhibiting is high. Very short exhibits or too many exhibits in a year will
discourage top quality art, as artists need time to create. It’s also really important to
make sure the RMSBA has a schedule that falls regularly, so that patrons can anticipate
the events.
Suggested:
One general exhibition
One themed exhibition
If the opportunity for a significant exhibition opportunity outside of these guidelines
arises, we of course will consider its merits, and fit it into the schedule if approved.
Anyone may propose an exhibit. The Board, Exhibits Chair and, when applicable,
selection committee will make final selections based on established guidelines and the
physical requirements for exhibitions.
Although sales are not part of our mission statement, they do meet the goals of our
mission to involve the public in the art form. Therefore, the two sales venues in spring
(Tagawa) and fall (Echter’s) benefit both artists and patrons, but are not exhibitions.

3. Choosing a Venue:
1. Adequate security, via venue or RMSBA member participation is required.
2. Venue must be able to accommodate exhibition for desired time. Minimum
exhibition time for RMSBA shows is 2 weeks. Extended shows are acceptable.
Entry form will provide hanging time and
3. Wall hanging or secured easel hanging must be available for framed work.
 4. Table display is permitted for small works (less than 12x14 framed) and
accessory works (cards, prints, etc.)
5. Portfolio bins may be used for matted artwork or prints, protected in plastic.
6. Protection from risk is essential, including indoor environmental risks
(moisture, heat, cold).
7. Power for safe lighting must be available and provided by the
venue.
8. Venue should provide insurance for exhibited artworks while on display. If
insurance is not provided, then an RMSBA member must be with the artwork
during open hours, and venue must provide secure locked premises for
unmanned hours.

3. Standards for exhibition art:

a. Recent work – no older than 2 years from exhibit date. Variety of new works in
the exhibits is paramount to good reviews, patron participation and sales.
b. Adherence to individual exhibit requirements – such as themes – is required.
c. Original work only, as defined by ASBA standards
d. Standard RMSBA entry form must be completed and submitted by stated
deadlines.
e. Entry fee must accompany completed entry form.

4. Choosing included works:

a. Unless otherwise stated for special exhibits, artworks are not juried for
inclusion into RMSBA exhibitions – any artwork meeting standards may be hung.
b. Artworks must meet all standards for exhibition art as stated above.
c. Artworks submitted must be framed and wired for hanging. Artworks with
damaged frames will not be hung unless repaired by artist.

5. Sales at Exhibits
Artworks may be for sale at the artist’s discretion. Works for sale may have a
commission charged by the venue, and may have a 10% commission withheld by the
RMSBA to support Chapter activities, including the exhibition expenses.

6. Entry Forms:
a. Entrants must complete the standard RMSBA Entry form and submit by stated
deadlines.
b. Entry fees must be included (check or money order) with entry form.
c. Entry forms state all the requisites for entering an RMSBA show. Please read
the form carefully, complete all fields with needed information, and sign the
consent to exhibit statement.

7. RMSBA support for chapter exhibitions:

The Board, Exhibits Committee and Chair will support exhibitions for the RMSBA
members via:
a. Ensuring all guidelines for exhibits are met.
b. Providing an Exhibits Manager from volunteers willing to serve as such.
c. Providing budget support for:
 a. Lighting as needed.
b. Public relations and advertising in local/regional vehicles*
c. Production of postcards for further promotion*
d. Opening reception refreshments as appropriate.

*Beginning 2011, any promotional items and signage produced for RMSBA
exhibitions must carry the RMSBA/ASBA chapter logo block. Computer ready
logo block is available from Libby Kyer, Exhibits Chair, at libby@lkyerstudio.com
 Entry Form for RMSBA Exhibits
You may enter up to 3 artworks. Please fully complete all requested information, include
a check for $25 made out to “RMSBA,” with the name of the specific exhibit in your
memo line, and mail the entry form and check to:
RMSBA Exhibits
RMSBA Exhibit Manager
RMSBA Exhibit Name
Address
City, State ZIP
Contact:
Special Exhibit Information: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

If you are entering more than one exhibit, please use a separate form for each exhibit.
Titles must include genus and species if known.

Entry Form for RMSBA Exhibits

Your name: _____________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________ State:____________

Mail Code: ___________________________ Phone:____________________________

FAX: ____________________________ E-mail: ________________________________

Name of Exhibit: _________________________________________________________

Dates of Exhibit: _________________________________________________________

Artwork Title Framed Size Medium Completion

(Genus and species) (wxh) Date

1.______________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________________

By my signature below I acknowledge that I have read the Call for Entries for the
above-named exhibit and agree to the provisions contained therein.
_______________________________________________________________________
Name Date