CALL FOR ART

Art of the Book: Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace

Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions was the first novel by Daniel Wallace, Chapel Hill writer and J. Ross MacDonald Distinguished Professor of English at UNC-Chapel Hill. Released in 1998, Big Fish tells the story of William Bloom, a young man trying to reconcile the tall tales told to him throughout his life by his father Edward. The story captured hearts and was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film Big Fish in 2003 by Tim Burton. A musical adaptation starring Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz premiered in Chicago in April, 2013. The novel has now been translated into 25 languages. 

The Orange County Arts Commission and Orange County Public Library invite regional artists to apply to “Art of the Book: Big Fish” exhibits coming August, 2024, to the Eno Arts Mill Gallery and the Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough.  Artists 18+ will be featured at the Eno Arts Mill, while youth participants will be on exhibit at the library. 

The youth application will open July 1. Check back for more information. 

ENO ARTS MILL EXHIBIT DETAILS

TIMELINE

• Application window  Friday, May 10 through Friday, May 31, 11:59PM
• Accepted artists notified  No later than Monday, June 10
• Artwork details due to OCAC  Monday, July 22, 5PM
• Artwork drop off  Tuesday, July 30th, 12-7PM 
• Show opening  Friday, August 2nd, 6-9PM
• Show dates Friday, August 2nd – Saturday, August 31st 
• Unsold artwork pick up Tuesday, September 3rd, 12-7PM

GUIDELINES

• Open to visual artists 18+ currently living in Orange and adjacent counties (Durham, Chatham, Caswell, Person and Alamance).
• All submissions must be received through the online application portal by Friday, May 31, 11:59PM.
• Applicants will submit a concept proposal inspired by a passage from the book as well as work samples that reflect the medium and style of the proposed concept piece. 
• A jury panel will evaluate applications (all identifying information will be redacted) based on relevant work samples and how the proposed submission reflects the selected passage. Panelists will evaluate work samples based on artistic excellence, visual impact, and creativity. They will also evaluate the proposed concept, its relation to the book, and the feasibility of the proposed work including public safety, durability, and space required.
• A diverse pool of artists of all styles and mediums will be selected and each artist will create one piece of work for the exhibit.

Selected artists:

• Will submit one work for the exhibit. An image of the work with the title, size, medium, edition (if applicable), and price is required. Images should be a minimum 300 resolution.
• Must sign the Eno Arts Mill Participating Artist Agreement
• All mediums are allowed, including two and three-dimensional works and installation
• All work must be for sale
• Works on paper and canvases less than 1″ thick must be properly framed and wired (no sawtooth hangers)
• No living animals are allowed as part of the exhibit.
• If project significantly evolves or deviates from the proposed concept, artist must contact OCAC to discuss adjustments. OCAC reserves the right to determine if the changes can be accommodated.
• WORK SOLD: For all work sold, the Orange County Arts Alliance (on behalf of the Orange County Arts Commission) will retain a 40% commission (30% commission for Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists). The OCAA will collect all monies from the sale of artwork, including tax, through the end of August. Artists will receive payment by September 30. 
• UNSOLD WORK: Artists must pick up their work on Tuesday, September 3rd, 12-7PM. After December 31, 2024, remaining work will become property of the OCAA.
• Artists agree to allow the OCAC/OCAA use of images of artwork and associated events for promotional purposes (credit will be given).

AWARDS

• A $500 Author’s Award will be selected by Daniel Wallace and announced at the show opening on August 2. 
• A $100 People’s Choice Award will be voted on by the public throughout the exhibit and announced in early September. 

HOW TO FIND BIG FISH

• Check it out from the Orange County Public Library (residents of adjacent counties can register for a free library card) or your local library
• Download the book for free on hoopla with your library card
• The Eno Arts Mill will have copies on loan 
• Purchase a copy from your local book store

The Eno Arts Mill is located within the historic Eno Mill in the West Hillsborough neighborhood. The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) currently occupies two spaces with artist studios, located close to each other within the mill:

• The Eno Mill Artist Studios are 11 studios within a 3,000 square-foot working space. Click here to view a map.  
• Suite 17 includes the OCAC offices, a classroom, gallery/events space, and 5 offices/studios available to artists and/or cultural organizations.  Click here to view a map. 

All studios include 24/7 access (workspace only), wifi, utilities, opportunities to exhibit work, communal gathering and workspace, and access to a loading dock and restrooms. Both spaces are on the first floor of the mill.

Applications are accepted from artists, designers, and craftspeople looking to further their professional careers through dedicated studio practice. Studios will be awarded based on criteria listed below.

The OCAC is looking for creatives who:

• Are community-minded and will benefit from a co-working, semiprivate studio environment
• Display commitment to their craft through an existing body of work
• Create original work
• Are willing to participate in monthly public events, such as Last Friday Art Walk. The space will not be open to the general public other than during special events and by appointment with studio tenants.

Tenant Selection Considerations

• The OCAC seeks to represent a variety of artistic disciplines.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying levels in their career.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying ages, races, and backgrounds.
• Will this person’s practice work within the space available? 
• Does this person already have a place to work?
• Will this person use the space regularly? Will they participate in open studios and other public events?

Important Information

• Filling out an application does not guarantee studio space.
• The Mill Studios are work only, we do not provide live-work spaces (however this is a possibility in coming years).
• A security deposit of one month’s rent plus first month’s rent, which may be pro-rated, are due at lease signing.
• To ensure the safety and security of all tenants, accepted tenants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.
• All tenants must hold a minimum $1M general liability policy showing Orange County and Hedgehog Holdings as additional insured. You can anticipate this costing between $200-$500 per year, or approximately $20-$50 per month. Certificate of Insurance must be on file before keys are given. The OCAC can connect you with a local insurance agent to assist you, if needed.  
• Tenants are required to sign a one-year lease which may be renewed annually for up to three years. 
• Tenants are required to agree to our Tenant Agreement Code of Conduct.
• For studios that do not have access to natural light, interior lighting has been installed which mimics natural light (5,000 kelvins).
• Equipment or materials that produce excessive fumes requiring special ventilation, smoke, fire, excessive dust, noise, or permanent damage to the facilities are not appropriate for this space. Preservatives/solvents including turpentine, ammonia, sodium fluoride, phenol or mercury compounds, as well as spray paint/spray fixative and dry pigments are not allowed. Only low-odor or odor-free mineral spirits are allowed. All solvent-soaked rags must be placed in a self-closing waste disposal can and emptied on a regular basis.
• The studios are visual artists only; however, the classrooms and gallery can be rented for musical performance and/or rehearsal.
• Tenants must possess awareness of the health, safety, and hospitable working environment of other artist tenants and a respect for the upkeep and preservation of the facilities. This includes but is not limited to noise pollution (eg: loud equipment and music), use of toxic materials, and the use and proper disposal of studio waste (eg: solvent soaked rags, hot wax, turpentine, acetone, etc) and keeping common areas clean. Artists will also avoid unsolicited critiques and only offer feedback when asked.
•  Pets are not allowed.

Arts Educator Grants are available to public school arts educators in Orange County Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools seeking professional and/or artistic development. This program will provide four $500 grants for a variety of expenses and is designed to assist arts educators in advancing their careers. The grants are available to any public school educator in Orange County teaching in the visual or performing arts pursing professional and/or artistic development opportunities taking place through the 2024 calendar year. The application opens Wednesday, May 1; the deadline is 11:59pm on Monday, Friday, May 24.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSE

• Travel expenses related to workshops or seminars, or to do research related to art form, such as meals, lodging and transportation.
• Expenses related to workshops, classes or coaching that will enhance the teacher’s abilities and/or allow the acquisition of Continuing Education Units, such as registration fees, substitute teacher costs, or required supplies.
• Purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of work which is considered to be essential to the advancement of his/her teaching career.

 Arts Educator Grant Program funds may not be used for the following:

• Student travel
• The completion of baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degrees
• Classroom supplies

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a full-time preK-12th grade teacher in the visual or performing arts at any school within Orange County Public Schools or Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
• Must be returning to the classroom in the consecutive school year

TIMELINE

• Application window: Wednesday, May 1 -  Friday, May 24, 11:59pm
• Award notification: No later than Friday, June 14
• Funds disbursement: No later than Friday, June 28
• Grant completion deadline: December 31, 2024

 
APPLICATION QUESTIONS

• School system, School, Grade level, Subject
• Explanation of Request
• How will you benefit from this funding as an artist and teacher?
• Program website, if applicable
• Is your school classified as Title 1?
• If applying for professional development support, please list previous professional development opportunities you’ve participated in and how associated costs were funded (if this would be your first opportunity, that does hinder your application)
• Uploads: program documentation, proof of employment
• Confirmation of being a OCPS/CHCCS teacher during the 2024-25 school year

QUESTIONS?

• Contact Katie Murray at kmurray (at) orangecountync (dot) com