Summary and Vision: The Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 has launched a new Veteran Art Council and is seeking artists with existing works to populate its indoor public art gallery located on Main Street in downtown Monroe. All art selected for inclusion in the gallery shall be available for sale for the duration of its display. Once a piece of art is sold, the artist agrees to donate a portion of the proceeds to Post 7511 to help further its mission of service to veterans and the community (see Budget for terms).

All artworks should be priced by the artist.

Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks are eligible, including paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, leatherwork, metalwork, fabric, and woodworking.

Art should be sized appropriately for a gallery setting and prepped for public display. Art should be suitable for viewing by people of all ages and should not post any hazard to the public. This is a brand-new public art gallery in Monroe, with a grand opening ceremony slated for Saturday, February 3, 2024.

While there is no specific theme, the VAC vision calls for artwork that is reflective of Monroe’s and the Sky Valley’s rich history, and/or art that demonstrates a connection to veterans, honors our nation’s heroes, reveres U.S. Military service, or expresses patriotism.

While veterans are encouraged to apply, veteran status is not required for art to be considered. Artists agree to display the artwork for a period of six months beginning February 3, 2024, committing the art through August 3, 2024. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This program is supported, in part, by an ArtsWA grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 20, 2024

Artist Eligibility: This call is open to both emerging and established practicing artists residing in Washington state. Sky Valley-based artists and veteran artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Budget: Artist compensation is contingent on the sale of the artwork. The VFW agrees to open the gallery regularly to ensure the public’s ability to view the art on display (schedule to be determined). Veteran artists agree to donate 10% of the sale price to Post 7511. Non-veteran artists agree to donate 20%. All art must be priced by the artist prior to its inclusion in the gallery.

Artists shall enter into a contract with the VFW Post 7511 VAC agreeing to these terms.

Required Application Materials:  Please provide a 1-page letter of interest as described below. Additionally, we require one (1) to three (3) digital images of the art, and ask that our artists complete our artist intake form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFW7511VACartistapplication).

A single artist may submit multiple pieces of art.

*Due to form limitations, applicants may only submit one file in each attachment field. If you would like to submit multiple images of your artwork, please create a singular document (Word or PDF) that includes the images of the art you are submitting for VAC consideration.

Submittal:

• A completed application form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFW7511VACartistapplication

• One-page letter of interest including vision statement describing why you should be considered for this opportunity, and how your vision addresses this specific public art call. *Please submit this as an attachment to the above application form.

• One (1) to three (3) digital images of the artwork. If you are submitting more than one piece of art, please include one (1) to three (3) digital images of each artwork being submitted. *Please submit the imagery as attachments to the above form.

• If you are unable to complete the application form, email: commander@vfwdistrict1.org

Additional Information/Context

The Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 and the Post 7511 Auxiliary recognize the importance of public art in our modern world. Art enriches lives, sparks conversation, teaches lessons, and inspires hope. Even more importantly, art has incredible capacity for healing, and can be a wonderful outlet for combat-impacted veterans as they cope with the aftermath of military service. Creating art can relieve anxiety, soothe post-traumatic stress, and contribute to a renewed sense of purpose.

Veterans can find solace as makers, and we are eager to support them in their work. Along with that, the VFW Post 7511 VAC embraces non-veteran artists who feel inspired to demonstrate their commitment to those who have bravely served this county through works of art.

Artist Selection Process:

The VAC will review responses to this Call for Artists and select the artworks based on quality, professionalism, embodiment of the VAC vision (see Summary and Vision), and adherence to the requirements outlined in this Call. The VAC reserves the right to consider and select multiple pieces of art from a singular artist, should an artist submit multiple artworks.

Art selection is solely managed by the VAC which may select or reject art for any reason. The VAC reserves the right to not select any artists. The VAC reserves the right to re-post the Call for Artists if it is not satisfied for any reason with submissions. Veterans are not guaranteed inclusion in the gallery.

Project Timeline (subject to change):

• Saturday, January 20, 2024:  All submissions due to VAC Chair
• Week of Monday, January 22 – Saturday, January 27, 2024:  VAC review and art selection
• Week of Monday, January 29 – Wednesday, January 31, 2024:  Artists notified
• Friday, February 2, 2024: Art installed in gallery