In December of 1944, the Swope’s second director (1944-60), Dr. Allen Albert, and curator Hazel Dodge announced plans for a new and exciting annual exhibition where all artists of Terre Haute and vicinity could enter their work. They planned for it to become as permanent and noteworthy as the Hoosier Salon program, and the first Wabash Valley show opened May 6, 1945 to an outstanding attendance of 350 people.
The Wabash Valley Exhibition remains one of the Museum’s most popular events, attracting a diverse array of artists and patrons alike. Because of this, it is safe to say Dr. Albert and Ms. Dodge achieved their goal of furthering the support and interest in Midwestern art.
Distinguished Juror
This year’s distinguished juror is Drék Davis. A native of Monroe, Georgia, Davis is a 2006 graduate of the University of Georgia Fine Arts program – with an emphasis in drawing and painting. Primarily a mixed-media artist, Davis is also a former columnist for the Athens Banner-Herald and Code Z Online: Black Visual Culture Now. Davis has presented papers at several academic conferences, including the HUIC Conference (Hawaii University International Conferences) Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, for which he discussed manifestations of Hip-Hop culture in the visual arts. His work has been featured in the Politics Issue of Callaloo: A Journal of African Diaspora Arts and Letters, ColorLines, and over sixty exhibitions. Mr. Davis is Professor, and Head of the Department of Visual & Performing Arts at Grambling State University, in Grambling Louisiana.
For Artists
Thank you for submitting your work to the Wabash Valley Exhibition! Please expect to hear back from us by Thursday, October 7.
For Patrons
The Wabash Valley Exhibition presents opportunities not just for artists, but for art collectors and benefactors as well. Benefactors and collectors may participate and support our regional artists by sponsoring honorary juror’s awards or by purchasing from the show as a purchase award. If you are interested in either of these options for this year’s exhibition, please call or email the Swope to receive an award sponsorship form. 812.238.1676 x 112 or ginoplos@swope.org
Patrons and artists are also able to contribute to the Danette Angermeier Memorial Merit Award Fund.
Exhibition Timeline
Friday, September 24th entries due via EntryThingy
Thursday, October 7th notification of acceptance
Saturday, October 9th – Sunday, October 17th accepted work delivery
Friday, November 5th opening of exhibition and awards announced
Sunday, January 9th exhibition closes
Thursday, January 14th – Sunday, January 16th work to be returned/ collected