The Magic Circus

A celebration of magical/pop surrealistic art

October 6 – November 10, 2023

The Magic Circus is a celebration of the magical / pop surrealistic style of artwork and it’s coming to Fenix Arts Gallery in October 2023. Fenix Arts Gallery is excited to invite all artists throughout Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding area to participate in this first time exhibition. Both two-dimensional or three-dimensional artworks are accepted. This is a juried show for artists 18 years old or older. The judge will be awarding a cash prize for Best of Show as well as door prizes. The exhibition runs October 6 – November 10, 2023 and is free and open to public.

The Magic Circus Opening

The opening event on Friday, October 6, 2023, will be a 3-ring circus featuring the magical/pop surreal art exhibition, a costume contest with a cash prize (guest and artists are invited to show their own surreal style and come in costumes), and unique cuisine. The opening event is at Fenix Arts Gallery on Mount Sequoyah at 150 N. Skyline Drive, Mount Sequoyah, Millar Lodge, Fayetteville, AR 72701. The opening is free and open to the public.

What is the Magic Circus?

The magical circus art, has its roots with surrealism, a movement that started in the mid 1920s, by European artists such as Magritte, Mir­ó and Dali. Its central theme was that the unconscious mind was the source of all imagination and that art should try to express its contents. Jump forward to the late 1960’s and lowbrow or pop surrealism took form in California. Its origins came out of underground comix, hot rod culture and punk music scene of the early 1970’s. Considered a populist art movement, it incorporating elements of illustration, street art, and graffiti, and challenges conventional artistic norms and helped to redefine traditional notions of what constitutes ‘good’ art. Lowbrow has democratized art and empowered a new generation of artists to create works that are thought-provoking, engaging, and accessible to a wider audience. So, we all ran away and joined the circus

Magic Circus Criteria

The Magic Circus is a juried exhibition. Who is eligible and specifications?

• All 2 and 3-dimensional artwork, sculpture, representational or abstract; oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mineral pigments, charcoal, mixed media, and photography accepted (calligraphy, video, and group/collaboration works are not accepted).
• Photographs and digital art printed on paper or other ground will be accepted.
• All two-dimensional artworks need to be ready to hang in a professional gallery.
• Artworks are original works.
• Orient images the way they are to be viewed.
• Registration will be confirmed and payment must be made at time of delivery.
• Artworks must be available for sale.
• Plexiglass is preferred, but not required.
• Maximum of 3 art works accepted per artists

Size Restrictions

All work accepted for the exhibition must be ready for display. For 2-dimensional work, maximum of 48 inches on longest side. All framed art must have D-rings, strong wire attached, and be ready to hang. Gallery wrap is acceptable with the edges painted. Sculpture is limited to 50 lbs. and if fragile must be encased or otherwise protected.

Entry and Processing Fee

• All artists must apply online at Fenixarts… .
• Please fill out the entire Entry Form, including email and phone number.
• Upload the digital images at the bottom of the form.
• Digital images shall be maximum 1 MB in size per image, and should accurately represent the artwork.
• $15 per accepted entry to be paid at time of delivery.

Dates to Remember

• September 22, 2023: Deadline for entries.
• September 25, 2023: Acceptance in the exhibit. Artist will be notified by email.
• September 29 – 30, 2023: Delivery of artwork to Fenix Arts Gallery will be on Friday or Saturday
• Drop-off Time: 1pm – 5 pm

Awards

Awards will be given for Best of Show. Judging will be based on:

1. Concept & Aesthetics
2. Overall Artistic Merit

Guest Judge

Zeek Taylor is a recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2018 he received the “Idle Class” magazine’s Black Apple “Legacy Award.” His artwork has been displayed three times in the prestigious Delta Exhibition, and two times in the International Toys Designed by Artists Exhibition. Zeek’s paintings have hung in the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, and he has received several “Best of Show” awards.  He is the art director for the Bentonville branch of the First National Bank of NWA. A native Arkansan, Zeek lives and maintains a studio in Eureka Springs.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all artist over the age of 18 throughout NW Arkansas and the surrounding area. Each artist may submit up to 3 works for the exhibit that meet the Magical Circus Criteria. There is a $15 entry fee per piece of accepted artwork. Please follow the Artwork Specifications.

Installation

Fenix Arts is responsible for hanging the exhibition. They will hang the show in the best presentation for the Magical Circus Exhibition. Artists are responsible for providing any special installation needs. By submitting your artwork, the artists agree to cooperate with the gallery on installation.

ARTWORK SPECIFICATION

Number of Works: 3

Size Requirements: No more than 48” in either dimension

Entry Fee: $15 per accepted entry

Artwork Presentation: Two-dimensional works should be gallery wrapped or framed (no staples or white edges on stretchers). Dimensional art should feasible to display.

Label Artwork: Please label the back of your art (on the stretcher or a tag) with name, title, medium, price and phone number.

Art Entry Form: Each artist must fill out the online Entry Form that includes artist information and specific artwork information. Please fill out all the information. Please indicate the category of artwork. The online Entry Form is on the Fenix Arts website FORM

Artwork Delivery: Artworks must be delivered and picked up locally. Please bring your artwork, your confirmation email, and your Entry Fee (cash, credit card or check) to the Fenix Arts Gallery on the September 29 – 30, 2023.
Fenix Arts Gallery • 150 N. Skyline Drive, Mount Sequoyah, Millar Lodge, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

Unpack your artwork upon delivery and keep your packing materials for the pick-up date. Storage is not available.

Ready to Hang: All two-dimensional artworks need to be ready to hang in a professional gallery. No bull clips, saw-tooth hangers, clip frames, or poster frames will be accepted. Wired d-rings requested. Dimensional works should be labeled and properly packaged for delivery.

Sales: All artwork must be available for purchase. All sales are handled by Fenix Arts. Tax and fees are included in the sale and handled by the Fenix Arts. Checks will be sent to the artist’s address included in their registration form.

Artwork Sold: If an artwork is sold, the buyer is allowed to take the artwork on purchase. Artworks for sale in the Magical Circus Exhibition are subject to a 20% commission.

Artwork Pick Up Dates: Each artist is responsible for picking up their artwork and arranging for someone to pick-up their artwork on November 11, 2023 from 10 am – 5 pm. Artwork has to be signed out.

Please click this link an fill out the registration form to submit your artwork.