Post-Rustbelt: Living Between America seeks to capture the artistic experience of life in "Middle America" during the decades following the decline of industry (mid 1970's) to the turn of the Millennium. These rustbelt states are most often thought to include New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

We are seeking artwork representative of, but not limited to: industry decline, the disappeance of main street (and subsequent rise of hyper consumerism), general life (artistic, social, work, family, otherwise) caught between changes (i.e. holding onto a past way of life while searching for new identity), and/or juxtaposition of old and new.

Although regional in the nature of the content, the show is open to national artists who may have migrated away from the rustbelt, as this exodus is also an important aspect of the the Post-Rustbelt experience.
Post-Rustbelt is Part One of a two-part series of shows taking place in April/May 2021 at Vestige Concept Gallery, a new venture in the heart of Pittsburgh's most vibrant arts and entertainment neighborhood: Lawrenceville. Each of the shows will also appear in an online gallery format.
Post-Rustbelt: Living Between America in-person opening reception will be held Saturday, April 3rd, at 6 PM.

ELIGIBILITY
Post-Rustbelt is open to any artists over age 18, within the United States and Canada.
Work could have been created in any year, and ideally should express the exhibition theme.
Work must not have been previously displayed in a Vestige Concept Gallery exhibit.
No Glicees will be accepted.
ENTRY PROCEDURE
Entries and fees will be processed through www.callforentry.org
Applicants can submit up to 2 entries
Application fee is $25.
Application deadline is March 18, 2021
Artists will be notified of acceptance by March 20, 2021
Shipped works of art must arrive no later than March 31st, 2021, no exception.
CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE
Artists accepted into the show must send an email confirmation upon acceptance, plus provide a high resolution 300 dpi image of the accepted piece(s) along with an artist pic, short bio, and web/social links (if applicable). These items are neccessary for the Online version of the show. By submitting this information, you provide Vestige Concept Gallery all rights to post the work on their gallery website and within a paper brochure for the event. (Please also see our legal agreement for use of images and other material for promotional purposes)
Accepted artwork must be the actual artwork as seen in the submitted images. No substitutions. Vestige Concept Gallery reserves the right to pull any artwork that differs from the images in the accepted submission. Any Glicees will automatically be pulled from the show.
Accepted artwork listed for sale must be for the price listed in the submission. No price changes.
Vestige Concept Gallery will retain a 20% commission for any artwork sold.
Artists are responsible for shipping & optional shipping insurance to and from Vestige Concept Gallery. A prepaid return shipping label must be included. Fedex or UPS only. No cash or checks.
Shipped work must be sent in reusable, sturdy boxes and marked with your name. No loose peanuts. Artwork framed with glass is the responsibility of the artist and is not recommended. Artwork with glass that arrives in broken condition may be pulled from the event if artist is unable to remedy the issue.
Late or damaged work will not be exhibited.
Art damaged in transit is soley the responsibility of the artist and shipper. Artwork may also be hand-delivered.
Wall pieces MUST be securely wired, framed, and properly prepared for display.
2D Work must not exceed 33 lbs. 3D work or audio/video must be available to discuss the "display" with gallery member, if selected. 3D artists may wish to inquire with the gallery first.
TIMELINE

MARCH 18 Application deadline.
On or before MARCH 20 Acceptance notification
MARCH 31 Deadline for shipped or dropped-off work
APRIL 3 Opening Reception
APRIL 4 "Safe" Walkthru Day
APRIL- normal business hours
APRIL 28 Show closes
APRIL 29-30 Unsold artwork is packaged and shipped back

Any questions please reach out to: [email protected]
All applications must be received through callforentry.org

Event listing artwork shown above: "Mudville", courtesy of artist Robert Sands, 2019.