The Annual Invitational is a national competitive exhibition that has been hosted by the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum since its inception in 1948. The purpose of this exhibition is to encourage and recognize professional artists. In addition, this exhibition aligns with the museum’s mission to foster art appreciation in the community. All works will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit RAM’s exhibits, educational programing, and the participating artists.

Theme: Beasts of the Imagination

Beast – v. someone who is behaving in a crude, savage or horrible way; n. an animal; n. frightening mental images or ideas, sometimes in dreams, often representing deep-seated fears, anxieties or desires

Imagination – Comes from the Latin verb imaginary, which means “to picture oneself;” n. the ability to form mental images or ideas of things that are not real or that you have not experienced

For this year’s RAM Annual Invitational, allow your artwork to be vehicles of meaning for the beasts of the human imagination.

Cash prizes and a RAM purchase award will be granted. Cash awards will be made at the Juror’s discretion. Museum Purchase Award will be selected by RAM’s Executive Director and Permanent Collection Committee. The People’s Choice Award will be based on votes collected throughout the course of the exhibition. The winning piece will be announced on social media when the exhibit closes.

PRIZES:

• FIRST PRIZE – $1,000 & a solo show at RAM in 2025
• SECOND PRIZE – $500
• THIRD PRIZE – $250
• PURCHASE AWARD
• PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Submissions must include:

• Up to four (4) pieces may be submitted, and no more than 12 clearly labeled high resolution CD images, slides or photographs will be accepted.
• Entry Fee of $20 for Members or $25 for Non-Members can be paid by check or you can pay online here.
• Artwork submitted must have been created within the past three (3) years.
• If artwork will exceed 36” wide (including frame), pre-approval by the Gallery Manager will be required. Thank you.
• Details for each work: title, year, media and dimensions (H x W x D).
• Each piece must be for sale. Please tell us how much you require for each piece.
• Artist resume including list of solo and group exhibitions.
• Artist statement of why your piece represents Beasts of the Imagination.
• Submission flash drives or printed items will not be returned.
• Any artwork left at RAM after the pickup deadline of Friday, September 19, 2024, will be considered forfeited.
• Submissions can be any media: painting, photography, fiber, sculpture, installation or video.
• Museum will not accept original artwork as a submission. You must submit with a flashdrive, email or printed material.

Send submission to:
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
RAM Annual Invitational
1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
or email your submission to info@fsram.org

Drop offs can be made during museum hours only:
Tuesday – Saturday, 11AM-5PM; Sunday 1-5PM