ACA FAQ

About ACA     Guidelines     Awards     Jurors     Sponsors     Ceremony     FAQ      Enter Now

What is ART COMES ALIVE 2012?

ACA is a regional art competition hosted by ADC, Art Design Consultants. The main objective of the exhibit is to award artists for their exceptional work, connect them with potential buyers, and find new artwork in all mediums and subjects to show and sell.

When is the competition deadline?

The deadline is April 20, 2012

When will the competition open?

It opens on Feb 21, 2012

When will the winners be announced?

The winners of the “on site” exhibition (150) pieces will be notified on May 4th. The winners of the category awards will be notified on May 11th and the winners of the purchase awards will be notified on June 8th.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you must be 18 or older to enter

How do I apply?

Click here and begin filling out the entry form.  It’s quick and easy!

What is the entry fee?

  • $45 1st image
  • $25 2nd image
  • $10 3rd image
  • Free 4th image

What type of artwork is accepted?

2D Painting, illustration, original prints, sculpture (including stone, metal, & wood), non functional fine art crafts (glass, fiber, jewelry, & clay), photography, and mixed media

Is there a size limit for the artwork entered?

Yes. We do not accept artwork entries larger than 48” x 60.” Sculptures cannot exceed 72”H x 24”W x 24″L and must arrive in one piece.

How do I enter for the Lifetime Achievement or Emerging Artist Award?

During the entry process you will have the opportunity to self nominate/select Lifetime Achievement or Emerging Artist Awards. Once you have selected to enter, you will be asked to fill out an artist’s statement/bio.

Can artwork that is not for sale be considered for the competition?

No.

How does the Facebook “People’s Choice Award” work?

All artists who enter the ACA competition will be featured on ADC, Art Design Consultant’s Facebook Page where all the fans can vote for their favorite. To vote, go to www.facebook.com/artdesignconsultants, click “like” to see each artist’s gallery & vote for your favorite! Tell your friends to simply become an ADC fan on Facebook and vote for your work!

When will I be notified if I’m accepted?

The jurors will select 150 pieces of art for an “on site” exhibition & opening night awards ceremony in the gallery on June 15, 2012. The artists chosen for the 150 piece exhibit will be notified May 4, 2012. Purchase award winners will be notified by June 3rd  (selected from the group of 150). 

If my work is accepted, how do I get it to the gallery?

You have two options:  You can deliver it or ship it *the artist covers all shipping and delivery costs (before and after the show)

Who will see my artwork?

  • The jurors (gallery owners and arts institutions)
  • Everyone that views our website/blog for a year (June 2012-June 2013)
  • Everyone who attends the opening night/awards ceremony (we’re anticipating about 250 guests.
  • Potential buyers (corporate, private collectors, healthcare and hospitality industries & interior designers)
  • Our current clients and sponsors who have committed to purchase awards
  • The media

How long will the exhibit last?

Opening night/June 15 through July 20th.

What is a purchase award and how does it work?

A group of corporate sponsors and private collectors commit an amount to purchase art.  They can use these funds to purchase any number of pieces, as long as the total amount committed is used on the works by the artists in the ACA exhibit.

If my work is selected for a purchase award, how will I receive payment?

You will receive 50% of the price you put on your artwork.  We will have the sponsors/buyers select what they want to  purchase two weeks prior to the awards ceremony (so they can view the art in person.)  You will receive a check during the awards ceremony when your   purchase award is announced.  If you cannot be present, we will mail you payment the next day.  All additional sales made during the opening night/awards ceremony and for the duration of the exhibit (ends July 20th) will receive payment on July 30th.

Can I win more than one award?

Yes. For example if you have created a figurative piece with pastels, you have the opportunity to win Figurative Artists of the Year as well as Pastel Artist of the Year. Similarly, if you enter 2 pieces of artwork and one is abstract while the other is sculpture, you have the chance to win both Abstract Artist of the Year as well as Sculptor of the Year. Every artist accepted for the exhibit will also have an opportunity to win a purchase award.

How do you win the $1,000 Custom Framing Gift Certificate?

Larson Juhl Moulding will choose the artist who will win the gift certificate. The artist will be notified by June 8th & will be presented with the award at the opening night ceremony.

Who are the jurors?

Please see this page for a list of the jurors.

Who are the sponsors who award the purchase awards?

Please see this page for a list of sponsors

What can I expect at the opening night/awards ceremony on Friday June 15, 2012?

All awards will be presented to the artists at the ceremony.

If your work is one of the 150 pieces selected by the jurors, you will receive one complimentary ticket to the opening.  Any additional guests attending will need to purchase a ticket for $50 through eventbrite.com.  Tickets will be on a “first come, first served” basis and limited.

There will be upwards of 250 artists, guests, art collectors, sponsors, jurors and the media attending.  Each artist who was notified as a category winner along with purchase award recipients will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for 8:00 pm.

There will also be fabulous food by the presenting sponsor and of top caterers in Cincinnati, “Elegant Fare” There will also be an extensive open bar.  You will also have a chance to meet the sponsors, jurors, collectors and make important connections, all while enjoying the vast array of art displayed.

There will be a professional photographer taking many photos, so look your best! *cocktail attire

How do I RSVP for the opening night awards ceremony?

*Must RSVP by June 1. Artists and guests must RSVO to the event separately. Artists who are a part of the show RSVP at www.aca-artist-rsvp.eventbrite.com. Guests RSVP at www.aca-guest-rsvp.eventbrite.com.

Do I have to be present to win?

No, we will notify you by email if you are an award recipient.  Although we urge you to attend the exciting opening night awards ceremony, it’s your choice to be present or not.

Will my entries be featured on the adcfinearat.com website even if I’m not selected to be in the show?

Yes.  Regardless of whether your work is accepted for the exhibit, the images you enter will be featured on the website

Can I send the entry form fee in cash?

No, we will only accept major credit cards (through the on-line system) or by check in the mail.  Checks are payable to:

Art Design Consultants, Inc.
310 Culvert St.
Cincinnati, OH  45202

Aside from the entry fee for the contest, will there be additional charges?

If the artist is selected for the exhibition, he/she will be responsible for all shipping or delivery charges to and from Art Design Consultants gallery.  if you choose to bring a guest/guests to the opening night/awards ceremony, there is a $50 per guest ticket.  Each selected artists receives a complimentary ticket.