Judge: Gene Skala
A place is what you make it, when you stop to look and absorb the scene you create a place, what you see is a landscape and as artists, we take the next step and create and record the feeling in art, and by doing so make sacred space. Landscapes, interiors, architectural scenery and still life works, reveal both artist’s interpretation of, and intimacy with – place. This is an open-call exhibition for art that evokes the sacred space of creation and creativity in new ways, escape landscape, real and imagined magical spaces.
- An online exhibition of works will be hosted on OPAL's website.
Judge’s selections for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, cash awards.
All mediums are accepted
Any artist submitting film or video please inquire about available projection system or provide your own display device.
Size is limited to 42” in its largest dimension
Up to two submissions per artist.
All work must be ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers will be accepted.
All work should have been completed in the past three years and not previously exhibited at OPAL.
All work meeting the guidelines above will be exhibited in this open-call show
Please deliver work during drop off dates to the Oak Park Art League at 720 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, IL.
About The Judge: Gene Skala is a native Chicagoan, a painter, and a graduate of Northern Illinois University’s fine arts program, with concentrations in studio painting, art history, and graphic design. Currently, he serves as the managing director for Chicago Sculpture International, an organization dedicated to showcasing sculptures created by its 300+ members to the public. Additionally, Gene maintains over 20 years of experience as a curatorial and collections management assistant, specializing in exhibition installation and graphic design for the Illinois State Museum. He also provides assistance with exhibition installations and collections management for various institutions, galleries, and legacy artists in the Chicagoland area.
Gene has held several solo exhibitions of his paintings and has participated in numerous group exhibitions. His work can be found in private collections locally and nationally. Influenced by American regionalism, American realists, and early 20th-century surrealism, Gene cites the late-career landscape paintings of George Inness as his deepest inspiration.
Important dates:
Drop off work: June 29 (1-4pm), July 2, 3 (1-5pm)
Exhibition Dates: July 5 - Aug 2
Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 7-9pm
Pick-up work: Aug 3 (1-4pm), 6-8 (1-5pm)
Submission fee:
Artist Member - 1st work @ $25, 2nd work @ $15
Non-Member - 1st work @ $35, 2nd work @ $20