SEARS INVITATIONAL
ART SHOW & SALE

We're always amazed at the incredible artists who allow us to share their work in our museum for our yearly Invitational Art Show & Sale.
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We are thrilled to announce significant updates to the UT Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale. Starting with the 38th Annual Sears Invitational, opening on February 14, 2025, we are adopting a new submission and acceptance process. Here’s what you need to know:

 

New Submission Process

In the past, artists were invited to submit directly to the museum. Now, we will use Art Call (artcall.org) for a more streamlined and transparent experience. This change will improve communication, reduce confusion, and ensure you receive immediate confirmation of your entry.

 

Acceptance Now Juried

Entries will now be juried by a committee comprised of James Peck, Director and Curator; Jeff Jarvis, Dean of the College of Arts; 2-3 Members of the UT art faculty; and 1 community member. This aligns with best practices in the art world and allows for a more diverse range of artistic voices.

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Important Dates

August 15, 2024:   Art Call OPENS for submissions to the UT Sears Invitational

November 1, 2024:  Art Call CLOSES for submissions to the UT Sears Invitational

November 15, 2024: Notice of acceptance via the website

February 14, 2025: Exhibition Opening

 

What Will Change

• The UT Sears Invitational is now JURIED. An invitation to apply does NOT guarantee acceptance.

• Invitations to apply through Art Call (artcall.org) will be sent in August.

• Artists can submit up to 4 works, with a maximum of 2 accepted.

• From all applications received, the jury will select approximately 100 artists to participate.

• Accepted artists will be notified via email and posted on our website (www.searsart.com).

• Anyone based in the American West can now apply, not just artists from Utah.

• NOTE: artists outside Utah will need to cover round-trip shipping.

 

What Will Remain the Same

• As in years past, participating artist will receive detailed information on logistics.

• Free pickup and drop-off service offered in the Salt Lake City area (Orem, SLC, Ogden).

• The percentage split will remain the same as last year (40% museum / 60% artist).

• Priority will be given to artists from Utah, Southern Idaho, and South East Nevada.

• An exhibition catalog will be published illustrating the art included in the Sears Invitational.

 

We are excited about these changes and believe they will enhance the experience for everyone involved. We look forward to your participation in this new era of the UT Sears Invitational!

 

 

F.A.Q.

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Q: Do I need an “invite to apply” to submit my work to the Invitational?
A: No. While invites to apply will be sent to those who have been in the show previously as per tradition, this year the Invitational is OPEN CALL! All are strongly encouraged to apply when the portal opens on Aug. 15th.


Q: Do I submit up to four works of art, and then if I am accepted paint a new piece for the show?
A: No. The pieces you submit will be what the jury will choose from to be accepted into the show. The application is not meant to be a review of your portfolio, but rather pieces you feel would be best for the Invitational.


Q: I am not a painter, but I still make art, can I apply to the Invitational?
A: Yes! Visual artists of ALL MEDIUMS are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes, and is not limited to; oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, sculpture, mixed media, digital, fiber, textile, etc. As long as it falls under the umbrella of visual arts and can be sold as a piece of art, we want to see it!


Q: Is there a certain subject matter that you are looking for in the pieces?
A: No. We encourage all to apply and have switched to a juried show so that we can get the most diverse range of subject matter, mediums, and voices that we can. All styles and subjects are welcome! Keep in mind that this is a fundraiser and to submit your most sellable work.


Q: Will my pieces be accepted if they were made prior to this year?
A: While other art shows have a time frame of up to four years when it comes to creation dates, our show is a bit different. Because it is our only fundraiser for the year, we are looking for new art that has been created within the calendar year. The reason for this is that there are many local artists participating, and we want to showcase art to our buyers that has not been exhibited before. Please submit up to four works created within the past year.


Q: Is there an entry fee to apply?
A: No. The Invitational is open to all and is free to apply.

Q: With the Invitational now being an open call, do you have to be a certain age to apply?
A: Anyone 18 years and older is eligible to apply!

Q: How will I be notified if I make it into the show or not?
A: The announcement of acceptance will be POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE (www.searsart.com) on Nov. 15th! Look for your name on the website and if it is there you have been accepted. An email will also be sent to artists with notification of acceptance, so check your email at that time as well! We accept an average of 100 artists and 200 pieces, which is why all are encouraged to apply with their best work!

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Questions? searsart@utahtech.edu​