Meet The Juror

Abralene White

Abralene White has been a student and teacher of the Arts for over 50 years. She began her formal training in Art at the High School of Art and Design, the visual arts magnet school for New York City. After completing her studies, Abralene left New York for Coastal Virginia to earn her BA in Art Education from Hampton Institute (University). She finalized her graduate education with a MA in Art Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Mrs. White dedicated her entire career to students ranging from Kindergarten-12th grade. 37 years were spent as an Art Teacher in the Newport News Public School System. Several of her students have gone on to land successful careers in video game animation, museum curating, etc. Abralene’s value and commitment to her profession earned her acknowledgement as Gildersleeve Middle School Teacher of the Year in 1997 and again in 2004.

In 1995, as a founding member of the Alliance for Women Artists to Reaffirm Ethnicity (AWARE), she participated in The Newsome House exhibit, “Still I Rise”.

Since her retirement in 2013, White has done a considerable amount of volunteer work; having judged shows for Newport News (VA) Department of Parks and Recreation and is currently serving as a volunteer art instructor at the Downing Gross Cultural Art Center.

Calendar

• Last Date for Online Submissions: May 21, 2021 at 11:59 pm

• Notification to Artists of Acceptance: May 26, 2021

• Delivery Deadline for Accepted Works: June 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm

• Exhibit Duration: July 10-30, 2021

• Exhibit Reception: July 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Overview

Our second annual juried exhibition will be on display in the month of July 2021. To enter, please email samples of your work and pay the entry fee. Both components must be completed for the entry to be considered.

Quick Links

Entry Information

Theme: Through Our Eyes

This season, the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is presented with unique circumstances as we continue to build community through the arts via “artistic bridges”. Thus, our second annual juried exhibition will be themed based upon the concept of community building and connection via artistic bridges. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, artists have been forced to reflect upon their concept of community through unprecedented lenses. Thus, artists are asked to submit their interpretations of community. It could take the form of plein air pieces of their favorite spots in their communities, landscapes, portraits, etc. The sky’s the limit, as long as the artist explains how their piece illustrates community.

Awards and Benefits

• First Place receives $600

• Second Place receives $300

• Third Place receives $100

All accepted artists receive the following benefits: professional exhibition space and display of artwork in our Newport News Community Gallery, a listing on the DGCAC website with the artists’ contact information, if provided for public display.

Once the award recipients are chosen and notified at the reception, they must register as a vendor with the City of Newport News (includes updated W9 form) and will be paid via check. Please allow up to 2 weeks for receipt of your check.

For more information on Vendor Registration, please visit: https://www.nngov.com/FormCenter/Purchasing-14/Vendor-Registration-Form-66

For Insurance, Sales and Additional Information see our Loan Form.

How to Enter

Eligibility

All Virginia artists are eligible to submit up to two (2) artworks for consideration. All ages are invited to submit. Please note: There will be no children’s categories. All work will be evaluated equally regardless of age. All media is allowed. Original artwork only; no prints or reproductions of paintings will be considered. Artwork previously displayed at the center will not be considered. Two-dimensional works must not exceed 48" in size on all sides. Three-dimensional works must be free-standing or able to fit on a 1 ft x 1 ft square pedestal. Works must not exceed 60 lbs.

Submission Process

Click here to email your submission. Please submit hi-resolution photos of your work* as email attachments (.jpg or .png, 150dpi recommended) to downing-gross@nnva.gov. Each artist is allowed to submit photos of up to two (2) pieces. Please name your attachments with the exact title of the piece. The subject line of your email should read “Through Our Eyes Submission”. In the message area, please include your first and last name, artist name (if applicable), address, contact phone number, titles of your work, and a short explanation (no more than 75 words) of how the work fits the theme.

In addition, the entry fee of $20 for up to two works (only one may be accepted into the show), and can be submitted when entries open in January.

Artists’ entry fee will only be refunded if the center must cancel the exhibition.

Delivery, Pick-up, and Shipping:

Delivery and Pickup: All artwork must be delivered to the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center ready to be installed. For example, two-dimensional artwork such as paintings and photographs must be delivered ready for hanging with wire. Works should be identified by name on the back or base. During the period of exhibition, the works may not be removed. All artwork must be picked up or sent back to the lender within 30 days after the exhibition period. Deadline for delivery: June 30, 2021, 6pm.

Pease note: DGCAC reserves the right to refuse artworks that do not meet installation requirements or are otherwise judged unsuitable, even after the delivery of works. For questions about hanging requirements, please call 757-247-8950 or email downing-gross@nnva.gov.

Shipping: Shipped artwork must be in reusable packaging and must include prepaid return shipping labels.