Tips for Submitting Your Work
Th e key to acceptance in any exhibition is to enter! Here are some tips for success.
- Practice good recordkeeping. Keep records of the work you create, including the month and year you complete a
piece, title, dimensions, inspiration notes, etc. Most exhibitions have a ‘made by’ date requirement; for example, within
two years, made after January 1 of 20XX, etc. Keep a log or folder on your computer of each entry, including everything
you submit. Keep a list of work that is out of your hands, where it is, and when you expect it back, e.g., it may be part of
a traveling exhibition. - Start a list or spreadsheet with the calls for entry to exhibits and shows that interest you. Make sure to note the fi nal
date for entry and review the entry requirements. Each exhibition will have diff erent requirements for artwork size/
dimensions, artist statements (word counts), photo sizes, and/or copyright permissions. Pay attention to the exact
requirements they stipulate. - Give yourself lead time. Plan time to complete the entry application, write an artist statement, complete your work,
etc.—do not wait to the last minute. Print out copies of completed forms. Have shipping supplies available. - Juggle multiple exhibits. If you wish to enter the same piece in two exhibitions, make certain there is plenty of leeway
in the return and subsequent reshipping. If the work is for sale, possibly enter the fi rst as NFS (meaning Not For Sale).
It’s never a good thing to withdraw from an exhibition because the work is suddenly unavailable. - Verify that quilts are eligible. If you are entering an all-media exhibition, make certain that the fi ber art you create is
an acceptable entry. If it’s not clear, email or phone the contact person. - Patience is a virtue. Try not to check your email every minute on notifi cation day. Sometimes notifi cation is early and
sometimes a day or two late. If you get that disappointing ‘thanks for entering ... but’ letter, just get out your list and
move on to the next opportunity. Believe in the work you produce and keep trying! - When shipping your work, allow plenty of time for the package to arrive. Many exhibitions have a requested ‘window,’
so use the shipping carrier’s website to calculate the proper shipping date to arrive on time. Package the work in
strong, reusable containers and wrap the piece in heavy plastic, whether rolled on a pool noodle or folded. Tape the
return label in an envelope onto the wrapped work or just inside the box—some place easy to fi nd when the box is
opened on the receiving end. - Keep it clean. Only send work that is truly pristine! Dog or cat hair, hanging threads (unless deliberate), stains, smells,
etc. are unacceptable. Th e work represents you, quite personally.
“Leaf Fragments” (detail) (2010) • Barbara Schneider • 55" x 30"
Rejected; shown in over four exhibitions, including The Nature of Stitch,
Art Quilts of the Midwest, and solo exhibition at The National Quilt Museum