Annual Art Acquisition program and Salon exhibition

Each year, a jury of practicing artists and County residents recommend artworks to be purchased for the County’s Permanent Art Collection.
The Art Acquisition program takes place during “the Strathcona Salon”—a sweeping exhibition of the artists who help to shape the County’s artistic landscape. From this exhibition, eligible artworks are considered for County purchase. “The Salon" also features artwork by ten promising youth artists, selected by a jury during the Art Society of Strathcona County’s annual youth exhibition.
"The Strathcona Salon" takes place May 14 to June 24, 2022 at Gallery@501
Artists: apply to participate
Review the guidelines and complete the online application form. All artists with a significant connection to Strathcona County are encouraged to participate.
Application deadlines:
- April 14, 2022 - for artists living outside the County
- April 29, 2022 - for artists living in the County
The online application form takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Before beginning, we recommend preparing a word document with the following items:
- Contact information
- Artwork information (title, medium, size, etc.)
- Artist bio (approximately 200 words)
- Artist statement (approximately 150 words per artwork or series)
- One quality JPEG image for each artwork submitted (cellphone photography is acceptable)
- For artists who do not live in Strathcona County: a description of your connection to the county (approximately 500 words)
After submitting the online form, you will receive an email with instructions for submitting photos of your artwork.
Access a fillable PDF version of the application form:
Annual Art Acquisition application form (1.1 MB)
Download the guidelines as a PDF:
General guidelines
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- Participants can apply using the online application form (a printable pdf form is also available by request)
- Apply by these dates:
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Artists living outside of Strathcona County (non-Residents) – April 14, 2022, 11:59 p.m.
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Artists living in Strathcona County (residents) - April 29, 2022, 11:59 p.m
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Artists will be requested to include one photo per artwork. Good quality photos taken with a cell phone are acceptable.
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Artists can submit larger artwork:
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Up to two 2-dimensional artworks up to a total of 28 square feet
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A series of two dimensional artworks up to a total of 28 Square feet
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Up to three 3-dimensional artworks, fitting within a 2.5 square foot area
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- Participants can apply using the online application form (a printable pdf form is also available by request)
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Artists residing within the municipal boundaries of Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.
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Artists living in Canada with a significant connection to Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.
Strathcona County is committed to equity in the arts. With the intention of building a permanent art collection that is representative of our diverse community, the Strathcona County Public Art team and the Art Collection Advisory Committee is committed to addressing bias and improving diversity within our collection efforts. We especially encourage and welcome submissions from artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, gender non-binary, having disabilities, or representing one or more of the diverse communities with which the County engages. We recognize there may be barriers for some when applying. If you require accommodations please contact the Public Art team
Note: Artists whose work was selected for County purchase in 2021 may participate in the Salon Exhibition but their artwork will not eligible for purchase until 2023. -
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3. How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?
Permanent link to How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?Artists who do not live in Strathcona County but have a significant connection to the area are welcome to apply. These participants will provide a brief description of their relationship to the area within their application.
The Art Collection Advisory Committee will review and evaluate responses with equal consideration given to:
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The overall impact of your contributions to Strathcona County:
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Have you ever worked or volunteered in Strathcona County? If so, for how many years?
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Have you made any artistic contributions to Strathcona County?
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Have you exhibited your artwork in Strathcona County?
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Does your artistic practice have a considerable focus on Strathcona County?
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The significance Strathcona County holds for you personally:
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Have you ever lived in Strathcona County? If so, how many years?
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Are you an active member of a community or faith-based organization in Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist whose homelands overlaps with Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist with ancestral, traditional, or ceremonial ties to the area?
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Applications from artists living outside of Strathcona County are due April 14, 2022, 11:59 p.m.
These artists will be notified of the Committee’s decision by April 20, 2022.Artists are encouraged to contact the Public Art team prior to applying, especially if their connection to the County is not covered through the examples above.
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4. Where and when do I drop off my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I drop off my artwork?Drop off your artwork to Gallery@501 during one of drop off times or arrange for shipping:
Gallery@501
501 Festival Ave #120
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 4X3Artwork Drop-off Dates:
Thursday, May 5 – 3:00 to 7:00 PM
Friday, May 6 – 3:00 to 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 7 – 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Upon artwork drop off, a staff member will verify your application. Artists will sign an artwork loan agreement and receive a copy.Alternatively, participants may book an appointment to drop off artwork. Contact Susie Winters to book.
NOTE: at this time, Strathcona County cannot cover shipping or delivery costs.
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5. Where and when do I pick up my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I pick up my artwork?Pick up artwork from Gallery@501 during one of the pick-up times or arrange for return shipping.
Artwork Pick-up Dates
Saturday, June 25 – 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Monday, June 27 – 3:00 to 7:00 PM
Tuesday, June 28 – 3:00 to 7:00 PM -
Application deadline for artists living outside of Strathcona County – April 14, 2022, 11:59 p.m.
Registration deadline for artists living in Strathcona County – April 29, 2022, 11:59 p.m.
Artists’ Reception: Thursday, June 16, 2022
Exhibition Opening & Closing: May 14 to June 24, 2022
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7. Information for gallery representatives
Permanent link to Information for gallery representativesGallery representatives may apply on behalf of an artist. Sales inquiries may be directed to the artist’s representing gallery. For more information, contact Strathcona County Public Art.
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A different jury is selected each year. Names are suggested by the Art Collection Advisory Committee and by members of the Recreation, Parks & Culture Cultural Services Branch. We also contact organizations such as the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, who also have a juried art selection process for adding to their collection.
Contact Strathcona County Public Art for assistance and accommodations:
Susie Winters, Assistant Curator
artacquisition@strathcona.ca or susie.winters@strathcona.ca
(780) 242-3227Susan Pointe, Curator
Susan.pointe@strathcona.ca
(587) 335-4105
Artwork requirements
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Artists may submit 2 and 3-dimensional artwork in any medium. Any artwork that is original, initiated by the artist, and completed within the last 3 years may be eligible.
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Up to two two-dimensional works to a total of 28 square-feet (including frames)
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One series of two-dimensional works up to 28 square-feet (including frames)
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Up to three three-dimensional works covering an area up to five square-feet
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3. What is considered a "series of works"?
Permanent link to What is considered a "series of works"?A series of works refers to artwork that is visually connected through a subject matter, pattern, medium, technique, palette, and/or size. Artworks in a series must have matching frames, if framing is required.
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For two-dimensional artwork, the total area of all artworks must not exceed 28 square feet.
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Three-dimensional artworks must fit within a five-square-foot area.
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5. How do I prepare my artwork for display at the Salon?
Permanent link to How do I prepare my artwork for display at the Salon?-
Photograph: If possible, take a quality photograph of the artwork prior to framing. Cell phone photography is acceptable.
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Labels: Label your artwork on the back or bottom with the title of the work, your name and phone number.
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Framing: Two-dimensional artworks on paper or similar substrates must be framed or include alternative hanging hardware (rare-earth magnets, clips, etc.). Professional, museum-standard framing is not mandatory.
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D-Rings: On conventional 2-dimensional artworks, such as framed artwork and canvases, D-rings are the preferred hardware. If you require assistance or further instruction for installing hanging hardware, contact Strathcona County Public Art.
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Artwork that was submitted to the Salon Series Exhibition in prior years is not eligible.
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Artwork copied from an instructor’s demonstration or example is not permitted.
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Artwork that perpetuates harmful stereotypes, racism, or gendered violence will not be accepted.
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Artwork that depicts profanity, pornographic images, or graphic violence will not be permitted.
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Any artwork that cannot be spatially or technically accommodated by Gallery@501.
A Note on Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the tendency for members of privileged races and classes to continually use and benefit from the imagery, symbols, and ideas from cultures outside of their own. It is rooted in colonialism and contributes to larger systems of exploitation. If your artwork references the imagery, stories, ideas, practices, etc. of a culture or group that you do not have ties to, it’s important be transparent about your relationship to these elements. Explain why you chose to use these elements in your artist statement or bio. If you are unsure if your artwork perpetuates cultural appropriation, contact the Strathcona County Public Art team. -
Artwork sales and donations
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1. Can I sell my artwork during the Salon exhibition?
Permanent link to Can I sell my artwork during the Salon exhibition?In addition to submitting work to the Art Acquisition Program, artists may list their work as for sale during the Salon Series Exhibition. Pricing information for all artworks will be kept with reception at Gallery@501. With your consent, your contact information will be shared with interested buyers.
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Artwork submitted for donation to the collection is accepted at the discretion of the Jury. Although the County appreciates such offers, it is unable to accept all donations of artwork.
Jury and selection process
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1. How are artworks selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to How are artworks selected for acquisition?The Art Acquisition Selection Committee will consist of 3 professional practicing artists. New jurors are appointed each year. The professional backgrounds of the jurors may vary from year to year.
The jury recommends artwork for Strathcona County’s Permanent Collection based on the following Criteria:
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Authenticity and originality
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Presentation
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Aesthetic quality
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Technical excellence and craftsmanship
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Overall success and effect
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Quality of materials and future conservation or maintenance requirements
Recommendations for Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection will be made by the jury with the final recommendations being made by the Art Collection Advisory Committee and approved by Strathcona County Council. Artwork and artwork statements will be presented to the jurors anonymously.
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2. How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?
Permanent link to How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?The number of artworks purchased varies depending on the the selection jury's decision and the prices of artworks. With a typical budget of $10,000, the jury recommends approximately seven to ten artworks for purchase each year.
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3. What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?If your artwork is selected for acquisition, your artwork will be inducted into Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection. Acquisitions will be displayed in Strathcona County’s Artrium for up to one year immediately following the Salon Series Exhibition, then distributed throughout county buildings and offices. Your artwork will also be profiled online in the County’s Permanent Art Collection online gallery.
To finalize the purchase, you must sign an artwork purchase agreement and the artwork will remain with Strathcona County. You will be paid by cheque.
Artwork recommended for purchase will be announced at the Artists’ Reception on June 15, 7:00 pm. Selected artists will be contacted prior to the event.
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Members of the public vote on their favourite artwork in the exhibition. A “Peoples’ Choice Award” of $100.00 will be presented at the artists’ reception. In person and online voting will be open from May 16 to June 14, 2022.
For questions and concerns, contact public art:
artacquisition@strathcona.caSusie Winters, assistant curator
susie.winters@strathcona.ca
780-242-3227
Susan Pointe, curator
susan.pointe@strathcona.ca
587-335-4105
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Last updated: Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Page ID: 38811