The exhibition ‘Joy’, hosted at Arc Gallery and Studios in San Francisco and curated by Priscilla Otani and Karen M. Gutfreund seeks art that reflects joy from a source that sparks pure delight. We are interested in seeing the ways in which you experience and capture the idea of joy through things you see and do every day. The works can range from realism to conceptual to abstract. This exhibition intends to share a diversity of euphoric experiences and the effects of positive emotion on the body. Joy can bring catharsis, build resilience and bring people together. This deliberate turning to joy is not a shying away from the reality of sadness, pain and distress—instead, it is about drawing on a deep sense of joy at the known and unknown, linking thankfulness and hope. Reclaim the joy of artmaking by tapping into one’s inner child. Display moments of contentment you’ve experienced or witnessed. We ask artists to answer the question—what does happiness mean to you in the here and now, and provide a window into a personal source of peace and pleasure. We intend to create an exhibition of contemporary works produced by artists who aim to engage the viewer emotionally. As in life, sorrow and happiness are intertwined in art. Please submit works related to the theme of JOY as you experience it.




JURORS:  Priscilla Otani, Arc Gallery Principal Partner and Karen M. Gutfreund, Karen M. Gutfreund Art



Priscilla Otani is founding partner of Arc Studios & Gallery in San Francisco, Board President of the Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art (NCWCA), and art curator. As partner of Arc Studios & Gallery, Otani has focused on showcasing and promoting emerging and established artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2010, Arc has exhibited more than 500 mostly local artists, provides studio spaces for 14 local artists, and houses two micro-businesses.   Founded in 1973, NCWCA has an activist mission in support of women in the arts and its membership includes artists, art historians, curators, gallerists, art educators and students. As Board President, Otani prioritizes the continuation of NCWCA’s successful programs such as the mentorship program, curatorial tours, activist exhibitions, and professional development as well as building collaborative opportunities with Bay Area businesses.  As curator, Otani has produced local, national and international exhibitions through Arc Gallery, NCWCA, National Women’s Caucus for Art, and the Pacific Center for the Book Arts.  Otani received her BA in Psychology and Asian Studies from Mills College in 1974 and MA in Japanese Literature from Columbia University in 1976.

MORE INFO:

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, November 16th 7-9PM, 2024
  


GALLERY & ON-LINE GALLERY: There are two opportunities to get into this show. The juror will select works that will be exhibited in the Arc Gallery at 1246 Folsom Street and works that will be included only on the Arc On-line Gallery.
 


CATALOG: All artwork selected will be included in the printed and online exhibition catalog 


ELIGIBILITY: All artists residing in the United States. 

JUROR’S AWARD: A Juror’s Award ribbon, certificate, catalog and $250 will be presented to each of the three works that express the most imaginative interpretation of the theme. 
 


GO HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO APPLY: https://www.arc-sf.com/joy-2024.html


Contact us with questions about juried exhibitions at:  arcexhibit@gmail.com