Postcards from the Edge 2021 (Virtual) - Call for Submissions

Postcards from the Edge 2021 - Call for Submissions

Postmark Deadline for Artwork: November 23rd, 2020

2021 will mark the 23rd year of Visual AIDS' benefit art sale and we hope that you will participate. Postcards from the Edge is Visual AIDS’ most popular and successful annual benefit event. It is not only a highlight of the art world each year for artists and collectors, but also provides essential funding to help us carry out our mission and programming.

After much consideration and guidance from experts in healthcare and leadership, Visual AIDS has decided to transition to a VIRTUAL event this year, and will hold the sale online in January 2021. Details TBD. For more information, please click the tab above titled "HOW WILL AN ONLINE EVENT WORK?"

Questions? Email info@visualaids.org.

** Do not call the office number or stop by our office if you have questions, as staff are still primarily working from home. Beginning October 1, we will have some postcard "kits" available outside our office door if you would like to stop by to pick one up.

GUIDELINES:

1. Create or attach an original artwork on a postcard or any 4x6” heavy weight paper. Drawings, photographs, paintings, printmaking, and mixed media are welcome. ONE ENTRY per artist.

**This year, all artworks will need to be scanned and will only be viewable online. You may want to choose the medium and style of your artwork with this in mind. Please note that fluorescent colors should not be used because fluorescence cannot be represented digitally and the colors will look entirely different. Additions like sequins and glitter, which look great in person, may not represent accurately in a digital scan. 3D works, artworks with surfaces that are very textural, have items attached to the surface, have ragged or unusual edges, are oversized (larger than 4 x 6"), or are not rectangular may not reproduce well in a scanned image and may have their edges or shapes cropped within the format of the web pages designed for the event.

2. Sign and Print Name on BACK ONLY. Also, indicate the top with an arrow.

3. Complete Submission Forms for Collector and Visual AIDS. (Forms can be downloaded at the bottom of this page)

4. Carefully package artwork. Recommended: wrap artwork in wax paper and place between cardboard. Do not submit charcoal or pastel pieces without fixing them. Do not wrap wet or sticky artwork.

5. If you need confirmation that we received your artwork, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard.

6. If you would like your unsold work returned, please include a 6x9” self-addressed, stamped envelope with proper postage. Unsold artwork will NOT be returned unless an SASE is enclosed. Visual AIDS is not responsible for artwork lost or damaged in the mail.

7. Mail your artwork and forms by POSTMARK DEADLINE Monday, November 23, 2020

Mailing address: Visual AIDS, 526 West 26^th Street, #510, New York, NY 10001

PFTE is one of our most important fundraisers of the year, and its success will allow us to produce important art activism projects in 2021. By participating, artists support our mission, enabling us to produce AIDS-focused contemporary art programs and provide supplies and assistance to artists living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are unable to continue producing work without such support.

THANK YOU - The support of artists makes this event a success each year. We couldn't do it without you!

HOW WILL AN ONLINE POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE WORK?
Postcards from the Edge 2021 will take place entirely online in January 2021. All postcard artworks submitted to Visual AIDS will be scanned and photographed. Images of all artworks will be uploaded to a dedicated virtual viewing space. As always with Postcards from the Edge, all artworks will remain anonymous until purchased. To assist collectors with online viewing, we will include information such as title and medium for each work along with high resolution images. (Because the artworks will need to be scanned and will only be viewable online, you may want to choose the medium and style of your artwork with that in mind. We have some tips and suggestions here.)

All postcard artworks submitted will be available for viewing online during a “preview” period prior to the public sale, similar to the VIP preview party we have held in past years. Participating artists will have access to this preview viewing period. We are endeavoring to keep many of the features of Postcards from the Edge, including a silent auction and preview event. When the sale begins, purchasers will be able to select and pay for artworks via an e-commerce site. Once an artwork is in a collector's shopping cart, no one else will be able to buy it. Purchased artworks will be mailed to buyers after the event, and a shipping fee will be included with each purchase. Much like a typical Postcards from the Edge event, purchasers will receive information about the artist who created the artwork purchased, along with the artwork. Artists will also be notified of who purchased their works.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
The submission process for artworks will be the same as in year's past. You will mail your artwork to the Visual AIDS office by a specific postmark deadline, along with a form, a self addressed stamped envelope if you would like unsold work returned, and a self addressed stamped postcard if you would like to be told that we received your submission. All submission details and forms are here.