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Northern Virginia Photographic Society
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Exhibits
September 1st, 2009 - NVPS Exhibit at the US Geological Survey National Center Art Hallway
USGS EXHIBIT UPDATE - Members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to exhibit their work at the US Geological Survey Building , Reston, VA, in September 2009. Depending upon the response, we anticipate individuals will be able to  display up to five images. Maximum size has not yet been finalized, but several members have suggested sizes up to 22x28. Signup sheets will be available at meetings through May. For those of you who have sent me e-mails expressing interest, please also add you name to the list so I can keep all the names together.

Below is information I have received from USGS which I believe will be helpful. Additional details will be made available as we go along.

I will be away for about 10 days, but plan to be back for the meeting on May 5.

John Quigley
Exhibits Chairperson
jhquigley "at" msn.com


US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY EXHIBIT

NVPS has the opportunity to hold an exhibit at the headquarters building of the US Geological Survey during the month of September 2009. While this presents a great opportunity for the club, it also presents some challenges. I have not yet seen the venue, but I understand it is very nice and contains space to display up to 100 framed images. Since the club is in adjournment for the summer months the planning and organization for the exhibit must start immediately. For planning purposes and these details are subject to change, the exhibit would go up on September 1 and remain in place for the month. By the middle of May I would like to have a list of members wishing to exhibit and the number of images you wish to show. My goal would be to get approximately 20 members with 5 images each, give or take. For now lets say maximum framed size of 20 x 16 (input requested) with consideration for panoramics. Also, for planning purposes, each member will need to make arrangements to deliver their images to the venue, either in person or by someone else. I will also need help for setup and takedown. By the time we break for the summer we should have all arrangements except for last minute adjustments in place. I will be available throughout the summer for coordination.


John Quigley
Exhibits Chairperson
jhquigley "at" msn.com

Guidelines for Fine Art Shows at the USGS National Center Art Hallway, Reston, VA

Revised April 2008

Location:
U.S. Geological Survey
MS 135 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, Virginia 20192

Facility:
The Art Hallway consists of two available wall spaces on either side of a long, wide hallway, which extends from the Auditorium, just past the Visitor Entrance, to the Main Elevators and Lobby area.  The available wall spaces are 119 ft along one wall and 45 ft. long on wall across. The remainder of the space is floor-ceiling glass with plants - this space may be used to hang moderate sized stain glass pieces, and is sometimes used for USGS science conference poster boards. The hallway is 12 ft. high.

The National Center is a public, smoke-free building, open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parking is available in the Visitor's Lot outside the Visitor's Entrance.  With prior arrangements, artwork may be brought in and taken out through the Loading Dock. This requires stopping vehicles at the guardhouse for wadding and inspection, before proceeding to the Loading Dock. Due to current security restrictions, all parcels and packages are subject to search upon entering the Visitor's Entrance. This includes personal items such as purses, briefcases, shopping bags, boxes or packing crates of normal size. All laptops must be registered by serial number in order to be brought in and taken out of the building. Large art objects cannot be passed through the screening device, but are subject to inspection by guards at either the Loading Dock or the Visitor Entrance. Photo identification will also be required from each individual when signing in at the Visitor Entrance.

Artwork submitted must be the original work of the artist or group:

  • If work is a print, it must be a limited-edition print executed by the artist, signed and numbered.
  • Photographic prints must be from the artist's original negative and be processed by that artist or under his/her direct supervision.
  • Works on paper must be framed behind glass or plexiglass.  Oriental scrolls need not be behind glass. 
  • Canvases (oils and acrylics for the most part) must be dry and framed unless the unframed piece is intended to be shown without frame, as a painting that wraps around the side borders.
  • Two-dimensional pieces must have suitable hanging apparatus on the back (usually braided wire) such that they can be installed on frame hangers nailed to the gallery wall.  Pieces weighing more than 50 lbs are not recommended for hanging.
  • Three-dimensional pieces must not extend into the hallway from the wall more than 48 inches. If the piece is not wall-mountable or intended to be exhibited directly on the floor, the artist shall furnish their own pedestals for the pieces. These pedestals should be sturdy and consistent in appearance.
  • All pieces should be labeled (on the back or appropriately out of sight) with artist's contact information.
  • Anything with unusual installation requirements should be cleared with the committee ahead of time.


Security and Risk Policy:

Security guards are present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Notwithstanding this security, the U.S. Geological Survey assumes no responsibility for the pieces being shown.  Any insurance of the pieces must be handled and held by the artist.

Requirements for Shows:

  • Artists are expected to furnish hardware necessary for hanging. To avoid damage from falling, sturdy frame hangers are strongly recommended.
  • Labels and/or business cards may be affixed to the wall next to each work, with title, media, artist name, etc. These labels may be numbered to match an associated list, but may NOT include any pricing (see below). Due to the ridged wall covering, stick-on mechanisms do not work, and push pins are recommended.
  • Works may be for sale; however, Federal law prohibits "employees and other persons...from selling or soliciting for personal gain within any building or on any lands occupied or used by the Department" (43 C.F.R. § 20.504 Selling or soliciting.) Therefore, any sales transactions must occur off premises, directly between the artist or gallery and the buyer. The USGS charges no fee or commission for works displayed or sold.
  • Prices may be listed on a brochure or price list, along with other information about the artist/group, including direct contact information. These will be displayed on stands provided on a table in the art hallway.
  • Accepted works that are sold may not be removed before the end of the exhibition.

All art should be of good taste for a public building where young children are frequently in the gallery. The Fine Arts Committee reserves the right to unconditionally reject any piece of art deemed not suitable for display based on content or quality.  If the piece is rejected, the artist must remove the piece immediately.

In order to ensure smooth transitions between shows, shows must be put up on the first day of the agreed upon show dates and must be taken down no later than the last day of the agreed upon dates. Space is normally available for one calendar month. Shows must be put up and taken down by the artist and /or group, who should provide all necessary supplies and equipment. The Fine Arts Committee does not have staff to assist with hanging shows.



 
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