Call to Artists for ‘Outside the Box’ Boxes
Get into your mind. Think outside the box. Join in the fun of creating a one-of-a-kind box (or two) that only the depths of your imagination can conjure. Both AiA Members and Salem area artists are encouraged to participate in this annual fundraising event which is held concurrently with the Salem Art Fair & Festival. This year, both the fair and auction are virtual and run for ten days. The donation of your artistic talent in box form is greatly appreciated by the AiA organization as well as the recipients of the objects d’art. We all enjoy seeing the fantastic creativity that has surfaced over the years. All boxes will be featured in a perpetual gallery on the AiA website.
Box Ideas & Guidelines
THE BOX: Can be any type of container, any shape, with or without a lid. It can be functional or purely decorative. Boxes must be original, well constructed and finished (no raw edges, sloppiness, unevenness). It should be professional, artful and reflect a minimum value of $25.
MEDIUM: You may paint, decorate, collage, etc., an existing box or create your own box. All mediums are acceptable including ceramic, paper, wood, tile, mosaic, metal, fiber, fabric, glass, etc.
SIZE: Any size box is ok, but if small, you may want to do a set of boxes, such as stacking or nesting. We want the bid item to be as substantial as possible to increase value and bidding activity.
IDEAS: Keepsake box, gift box, game box, assemblage box, travel box, a boxed-set, stacking boxes, nesting boxes, garden box, seed box, kitchen box, paint box, tool box, pencil box, hat box, magazine box, memory box, photo box, CD box, box with a surprise inside.
ACCEPTANCE: When we receive your box, a small committee will review it for originality, craftsmanship, minimum value and appropriateness for the success of the fundraiser. AiA reserves the right to not accept any donations that do not meet the criteria.
How to Provide Box Details
We need all the details on your box(es) to create the auction listings. You DO NOT need to provide photos. Here’s what we’ll ask you for:
• Email/Phone (our eyes only; not published)
• Box Artist’s Name
• Artist’s Site Link (optional)
• Box Title
• Description (enticing)
• Medium
• Size (approximate ok)
• Estimated $ Value (optional)
We prefer that you use the online OTB Donation/Participation Form to send us the details on your box(es). This allows us to communicate with you about the event and gives us a head start on production. This online method must be done between Tuesday, September 1 and Tuesday September 8th.
You will also need to fill out the label to go on the outside of the paper bag containing your box.
This is the link for label for the paper bag containing your box: https://artistsinaction.org/events2/outside-the-box/box-label/
Online OTB Donation/Participation Form
Alternatively, you may download the PDF version of the donation/participation form, print it out and bring the completed form with you when you drop off your box(es). We’ll have forms on-site too, but doing it ahead of time is recommended.
When & Where to Drop Off Your Box(es)
Your completed boxes must be dropped off between Tuesday, September 1st and Tuesday, September 8th at the Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery at 444 Ferry Street in downtown Salem. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9-6; Saturday, 10-5. Closed Sunday and Monday. The boxes will be taken to the Salem Art Fair.