The Space
The Hudson Opera House (HOH), a multi-arts center located at 327 Warren Street in downtown Hudson New York, seeks proposals from artists, independent curators, and organizations for exhibitions.
Originally built in 1855 as the city hall for Hudson, the building has been restored for cultural and community use. The first room opened in late 1997, and since then four more rooms on the first floor have opened. Two of these spaces are used for exhibitions.
The Hudson Opera House Exhibition Program features a variety of exhibitions, some which are directly initiated by HOH, others that are submitted by the public. Proposals for exhibitions that are submitted through the guidelines are reviewed by the HOH Programming Committee, which is comprised of HOH staff and board.
Although there are two spaces for exhibitions, each space is also simultaneously used for a variety of other purposes: performances, lectures, workshops, readings and public meetings. Due to the varied use of these exhibition spaces, our ability to show three dimensional work may be limited. Please keep this in mind as you choose work to exhibit.
The first floor Center Hall Gallery, pictured at right, is 14' by 70' with 13' plaster ceilings. There is a picture rail installed at 11 feet, and all framed work must be hung from the picture rail.
The West Room, pictured at right, is 28' by 24' with 13' tin ceilings. There is a picture rail installed at 11 feet, and all framed work must be hung from the picture rail. Marble and wood wainscoting covers most of the walls up to a level of three feet.
Proposals may be submitted by interested artists, curators, or organizations in the community. In recent years HOH has presented exhibitions proposed by dozens artists, curators, and community organizations including Triform Camphill Village, The Columbia County Council on the Arts, the Columbia County Historical Society and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The Hudson Opera House is interested in exhibiting work of all genres, by local, national and international artists.
Artists and independent curators may propose a group show or a solo exhibition. Only one proposal may be submitted each year. There is no deadline for submission, you may submit materials for review any time during the year.
What to submit
Artists should submit up to 12 slides and/or up to 4 8 x 10 color photos or Artist may submit work on a CD, DVD, or website. Artists should carefully consider which presentation will best suit their work. Do not submit original work. Slides should be numbered 1 - 12, and clearly marked directly on the slide as shown below, indicating the top of the image. Please do not use labels or adhesives as they may get caught in the projector. Slides should be of recent work, and if possible, similar to what is proposed for exhibition. Artists should also submit a one page slide list, with a one line description of each work indicating slide number, title of work, date of the piece, medium and dimensions. (i.e.: # 3, "Sunset on Warren Street", 1998, oil on canvas, 72" x 108".)
Artists should also submit a one page proposal or a one page artist's statement. Indicate if you have a preference for exhibition space. Be sure to include name, address and telephone number on all written material.
All artists should submit a copy of their resume or bio.
Return of materials
Artists who would like their slides returned must submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Materials may not be picked up at the Opera House. The Opera House has limited storage space. Any material unaccompanied by a S.A.S.E. will be discarded after panel review.
Exhibition details
Artists will be notified if their work has been selected for exhibition within approximately three to six months after they are received. Artists selected through these guidelines for exhibition will be paid a $100 Artist's Fee. Group shows must share this fee.
Framing and hanging the work is the responsibility of the artist and should be completed by the opening date mutually agreed upon by the artist and the HOH staff. Exhibition arrangements must be made well in advance of the installation date. In general, work will be selected for a 3 to 4 week exhibition.
HOH will provide an opening reception for the artist, and will include the listing of the exhibition in its monthly calendar of events which is mailed to a list of members and constituents throughout the region. HOH will also prepare and distribute a press release, along with images, when they are made available by the artist. Artists who wish to do additional mailings must do so at their own expense.
HOH, in consultation with the artist, will also prepare a modest catalogue with a list of the works and a brief statement or essay for distribution during the exhibition.
Submissions should be forwarded to: Programming Committee, Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534.