growing pains student art show FAQ

 How do I participate?

You can submit your work (up to two pieces) here in this portal using this link. There, it will ask you basic information about yourself as well as your artwork, and you must submit images of the piece(s) you are submitting on the application page. Touchstone Gallery will not accept pieces submitted outside of this application page. It will require a $5 submission fee per student. Works that are submitted without the fee will not be accepted. The application will close on February 4, 2024 (extended). 

Who is eligible to submit?

Any student within the local DMV area aged 14-22 is encouraged to submit work! 

What sort of art are you looking for?

We are looking for any original visual artwork created by students within the age requirements that fall under the theme of the show, growing pains. Any copyrighted images, including but not limited to characters from movies, television, comics, as well as copies of other artwork, are not permitted.

What does ready to hang mean?

Ready to hang means that if you have a piece that will need to be displayed on a wall, the piece must have hanging attachments, such as wire and hooks, that are properly secured so that we here at Touchstone can hang it up. 3D pieces must arrive assembled. We will not frame art, nor will we attach hooks or wire for you. Pieces delivered without such parameters will not be displayed. 

Can I pay for my entry with cash?

Yes, application codes purchased with cash can be picked up at Touchstone Gallery during open hours (Wednesday - Sunday from 12-5 pm).

Is this an art competition?

No. growing pains is strictly an opportunity to have student artwork displayed in a gallery and to engage with the local community. Not all artwork will be selected to be displayed in the gallery. 

Do I need to provide an artist statement or explanation of work? 

If your work is accepted into the show, you may submit a statement of context up to 100 words for your piece, but this is not required. 

Will work be for sale? 

No. Displayed student work will not be for sale at Touchstone Gallery, but if anyone is interested in buying any work, we can put them in touch with the artist directly. 

What are the guidelines for submitting images? 

Images of work uploaded to applications must be full images of the entire piece, and must be the sole piece of artwork being shown. 

What are the dates of the show?

The exhibition will be at Touchstone Gallery on February 23 and February 24. The show will be also be online through April 1, 2024.