21st Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale
September 5, 2013 to September 8, 2013
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Application Dates
Dec 13 '12 to Apr 2 '13
Application Fee
$50.00
(see prospectus for details)
Notification Date
May 2, 2013

Prospectus

The 2013 Western Design Conference (WDC) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, September 5-8, 2013, is hosted by Teton Home and Living magazine. The show brings together artists, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects, and fashion designers with a passion for the West.

The 21st Annual Exhibit + Sale is a one-of-a-kind showcase for museum-quality functional art. The finest Western-influenced designers and artists from across the country apply to be among the more than 100 exhibitors showcased in this event, which is part of the 29th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Handcrafted works in leather, metal, accents, woodworking, jewelry, and fashion will be viewed and purchased by discriminating residents and visitors at our spectacular location in beautiful Jackson Hole. More than $22,000 worth of cash awards are given out annually. The energy generated by tourists, artists, local businesses, and residents promises to make the 21st Annual Western Design Conference unforgettable—for both exhibitors and attendees.

In 2013, we plan to revolutionize the WDC awards jury process by offering each artist the opportunity to tell his or her story in person to the judges. You will be allowed 60 seconds (about 150 words) to describe to our panel of experts your western inspiration, the materials used, your design process, and how you grew as an artist while creating your pedestal piece.

Who applies to be an exhibitor at the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale?

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale is a COMPETITIVE JURIED EXHIBITION displaying one-of-a-kind functional art.

The categories are:

ACCENTS | All pieces crafted with fibers, ceramics, glass, paper, woven material, and mixed media are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship, execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection. Examples: lighting, fireplace tools, vessels, pottery, wall hangings, fiber arts, doors, rugs, screens, baskets, throws, pillows.

ART TO WEAR—FASHION | All clothing and fashion accessories are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship, execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection.

ART TO WEAR—JEWELRY | All jewelry and accessories are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship, execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection.

LEATHER | All pieces crafted with leather, functional and wearable, are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship, execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection. Examples: clothing, boots, furnishings, pillows, throws, jewelry.

METAL | All pieces crafted with metal are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship, execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection. Examples: jewelry, silverware, serving ware, lighting, furnishings, vessels, basins, fireplace doors and tools, mirrors, cabinetry, knives.

WOODWORKING | All pieces crafted with wood are eligible for this category and award. The quality of craftsmanship (joinery, hardware, finish, and techniques), execution, functionality, design appeal, effective adaptation of materials, and originality will all be used in determining this selection. Examples: tables, chairs, armoires, pool tables, wall hangings, screens, bars, beds, cabinets, desks, vessels.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Artist Applications due April 2, 2013

Design Excellence Awards

Awards Ceremony: Friday, September 6, at 11am at the Snow King Center.

20 Total Awards worth more than $22,000 are awarded annually

Best of Show $5,000 (All juried pieces are eligible to receive this award in design excellence)
Best Artist, Accents $1000
Best Artist, Art to Wear–Fashion $1000
Best Artist, Art to Wear–Jewelry $1000
Best Artist, Leather $1000
Best Artist, Metal $1000
Best Artist, Woodworking $1000
Honorable Mention $200 (awarded in each category)
Historical Craftsmanship* $1000
Sonny Tuttle Spirit Award* $1000
Western Spirit* $1000

*All juried pieces are eligible to receive these awards.

Four additional awards, chosen through a ballot process, will be announced on Sunday, September 8, at 4:30 pm at the Snow King Center.

Best Collection, Art to Wear–Fashion Show $1000
Best Collection, Art to Wear–Jewelry Show $1000
Exhibitors’ Choice Award $1000
People’s Choice Award $4000

Exhibit + Sale
The Exhibit + Sale will be held at the Pavilion at Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It will showcase contemporary crafts and highlight artistic traditions including Western, Adirondack, Rustic, Lodge, Asian, Southwestern, Hispanic, Native American, and Modern influences. All products juried into the show will be displayed in a setting on black carpet and white pedestals. A pedestal is required and is of the utmost importance to maintain the visual integrity of a gallery. All products must be handmade in the United States or Canada. No mass-produced or imported items will be eligible for this juried show. The 3-day Exhibit + Sale will be open to the public daily on September 6, 7, and 8 from 10am to 5pm.

Winners’ Circle Art Auction
Past award winners are eligible for consideration to donate new works of art to be auctioned off. All proceeds benefit the artist and the annual WDC Artist Awards Fund, with a 50/50 split. Entries are due no later than April 15, 2013. Selection results will be released on May 1.

Pedestal space
ALL FUNCTIONAL ART
pieces in the juried exhibition may be shown in the spaces detailed below. One pedestal ONLY per space. The fee schedule is as follows:

4 x 4 ft Space* $ 700
6 x 6 ft Space* $ 900
8 x 8 ft Space* $1000 2 Pieces (one pedestal) 8 x 8 ft Space $1300**
10 x10 ft Space* $1500 2 Pieces (one pedestal) 10 x 10 ft Space $1700**

*There are a limited number of 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10 ft pedestals available. All pedestal space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
**Two pieces (furniture, leather, metal, or accent), or an ensemble made up of a group of complementary pieces contributing to a single effect (example: dining room table and chairs).


ART TO WEAR—FASHION SHOW
$800 for six ensembles modeled on the runway at the Western Design Conference Fashion Show*, along with a 4 x 4 ft space at the exhibition for one ensemble on a pedestal.

ART TO WEAR—JEWELRY SHOW
$800 for six ensembles modeled at the Western Design Conference Jewelry Show*, along with a 4 x 4 ft space at the exhibition for one ensemble on a pedestal.

* Space in the Fashion and Jewelry shows is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.


Each exhibitor is permitted to purchase two pedestal spaces to show their oversized work.

  • No additional items may be used to enhance the appearance of the exhibition piece. Rugs, pillows, lamps, candles, bronzes, artwork, dishes, and other accessories are not allowed on the pedestal. Beds are excluded from this rule; they will be allowed to have a single cover and two pillows.
  • Only self-contained lighting will be allowed on the exhibit floor. Lighting fixtures must be integrated into the pedestal.
  • Business cards, brochures, and/or portfolios may be placed on your pedestal.
  • Additional booth space is available (see below).

Booth Space
Booths are professionally lined with craft paper and include 9 ft tall wooden walls, overhead trellis lighting, electricity, up to two chairs, and one skirted table.

  • 10 x 10 ft Booth $1800
  • 10 x 10 ft Corner Booth $2200
  • 10 x 20 ft booth $3400
  • 5 x 5 ft Corner Booth $1100

5x5 ft booth islands are designed for those needing a smaller space to display additional work alongside their pedestal.

Juried artists can purchase booth space to show more of their work. The conference is a gallery style exhibit; purchasing booth space allows artists the opportunity to create an intimate salesroom space for buyers and clients. Artwork displayed in booth space will not be part of the juried exhibition, and works sold there will not be eligible for awards or cash prizes. All artwork must be displayed inside the booth area. Only 65, 10 x 10 ft booth spaces are available, so apply early!

The sale of booth space opens to non-juried artists, galleries, interior designers, architects, and fashion designers on June 1st, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations before June 1 will be subject to an administrative fee of $100
  • Cancellations after June 1 will be subject to an administrative fee of 50% of the confirmed booth and pedestal fees.
  • NO REFUNDS after August 2, 2013

Registration
Western Design Conference dates to remember:

April 2, 2013 Applications due
May 1, 2013 Selection results released by mail
June 1, 2013 50% payment of entry and booth fees due (NO EXCEPTIONS)
August 15, 2013 Balance due on entry and booth fees
September 5-8, 2013 Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allison Merritt, Event Manager

Western Design Conference
PO Box 7889 Jackson, WY 83002
Phone 307-690-971
Fax 307-734-9433
allison@westerndesignconference.com
WesternDesignConference.com

2013 SCHEDULE
21st Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale

Wednesday , September 4

8 am–6 pm Check-in begins, Booth move-in (no pedestal setup), Snow King Center

5 pm–9 pm Fashion Show rehearsal, Center for the Arts

Thursday , September 5, Snow King Center

8 am–Noon Artist Pedestal setup/Pedestal lighting (no booth move-in)

12:15–3 pm Closed judging in progress

NEW! Each juried entry will receive a start time to present their work to a jury of five in 60 seconds or less (about 150 words). Miss your time slot and you miss presenting to the judges.

3 pm–5pm Closed judging in progress

The Center is closed to ALL artists and booth personnel until judging is complete

WDC GALA EVENT, Center for the Arts

6 pm Jewelry Show and Champagne Reception

6:30 pm Winners’ Circle Art Auction

NEW! Past award winners will donate new works of art to be auctioned off. All proceeds benefit the artist and the annual WDC Artist Awards Fund, with a 50/50 split

7 pm Fashion Show

A runway fashion show in the Center Theater; Gala Reception to follow

Friday , September 6, Snow King Center

9 am VIP opening

10 am–5 pm WDC Exhibit + Sale

11 am Design Excellence Awards Ceremony & Reception

Saturday , September 7, Snow King Center

10 am–5 pm WDC Exhibit + Sale

Sunday , September 8, Snow King Center

10 am–5 pm WDC Exhibit + Sale

4:30 pm People’s Choice and Exhibitors’ Choice Awards

Best Collection Art to Wear–Fashion Award

Best Collection Art to Wear–Jewelry Award