Appliction

When you are interested in applying to become a participant in Salon, you may have many questions. My first Salon was 2005 in Philadelphia, PA. I had not yet attended a Salon or knew what to expect. I was thrilled and frightened at the same time. I had many questions on what it meant to be a participant. A Participant is defined as those who exhibit and demonstrate. Salon is a gathering of skillful, like-minded individuals (craftsmen) who come together to share techniques, mediums and ideas pertaining to Decorative Art. The public arena is intended to inspire and educate. It is not a venue to promote oneself, school, or particular interest. Salon is about passion, not profit. If you are selected to participate come prepared for these two major aspects of Salon. Here is a list of questions you may have.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How do I become a participant in Salon?

New applicants must submit 3 photos of their work with an explanation of mediums used, and any other pertinent information. The applicant should also include a (brief) biographical paragraph, including why they would like to participate in Salon. Regarding an applicant’s first exhibition, he/she must then submit a photo of the actual panel they wish to exhibit, for further board approval. The submission of their first-time exhibition panel must be done at least 30 days prior to the registration deadline. Sometimes Salon has a theme; the application panel is preferred to be on the theme, but is not mandatory. The application shall be sent, preferable by e-mail, to the organizer of the coming Salon.

Friederike Schultz is the organizer 2012: info@salon2012.de

2. What do I paint?

You can paint your interpretation of the theme in a technique or style that you do well, you may also check with in the techniques as described below. Salon is looking for classical elements of Decorative painting, not just a simple wall glaze or plaster finish. Those types of finishes can be incorporated into an element of your panel, but should not be the main focus. My best recommendation would be to look at pictures from past Salons as a good reference. Just click on any year and to pull up past exhibition panels. To help you see how the theme has been incorporated into a finished panel you can always look at the list of decorative techniques if your uncertain as to what is acceptable.

3. What size should my piece be?

We don’t place limitations on size other than what may be restricted by the venue. For example, you will have at least a (2m x 1m) area to hang your work/works and most of the time it is double that. It all depends on the selected venue as to how much space each participant has. Should you have a large panel, contact your organizer to ask if the space is available?

4. What should I paint on - what medium can I use?

Most participants paint on a substrate that is easily rolled up and placed into an art tube for transportation. You want to make sure it arrives to salon un-damaged. Here are a few widely use materials: light weight canvas, mylar (drafting film) I prefer mylar with both sides frosted. Some people like only one side frosted. You can find any of these materials at your local art store. You can use any medium you prefer.

5. What do I demonstrate and how?

A demonstration can be either a personal demonstration of your particular expertise or a contribution to the collaborative mural. Should you wish to do a personal demonstration, it can be any subject matter or medium you prefer. You will be demonstrating along with other participants at the same time. Demonstrations have been both structured (date & time) and loose (when ever you choose). Demonstration if structured, will be indicated in the Salon program you will receive upon arrival.

6. What happens after I submit my application?

Your application will be forwarded on the Salon board members for review. You will then receive a letter stating approval or denial to participate in Salon.

7. What happens to my painting after Salon?

Paintings done by participants remain their individual property. The collaborative mural may be donated to an appropriate recipient (such as hospital, hosting city or other charitable organizations).

8. After my first exhibition, am I a participant for future Salons?

You are welcome to continue to participate, unless you receive a letter to re-submit. Regarding the issue of exhibition panels that do not portray the expected skill level of a Salon participant, the board may request a participant to submit a photo the their intended exhibition panel for the next year’s Salon for approval (at least 30 days prior to the registration deadline). We do need to encourage on another to continually evolve and improve our skills as craftsmen and share the responsibility of maintaining the level of excellence that Salon is noted for. We should be accountable to our craft, to each other and our financial contributors who make this event possible, by striving for continued excellence.

9. Conduct

It is important for Salon participants to maintain a professional level of decorum at all times. Undesirable or offensive behavior (or due to excessive alcohol consumption) that is damaging to the image of Salon and its contributing sponsors cannot be tolerated. Complaints brought to the board of such behavior, will result in a probationary period imposed on the offending participant to change their behavior. If they choose not to change their behavior, for the good of the Salon, they will loose their status as a participant.

Please read the Manifest to get a full understanding of Salon.

Types of decorative techniques:

Calligraphy and Illumination

Gilding and Embossing

Heraldry and Church work

Panel Artists

Sign writing and Painted Illustration

Drawn and Painted lettering

Painted Ornament

Scenic work & clouded ceilings (for theater and film)

Trompe L’oeil (non-moving objects on real measurements)

Quadratura

Clair-Obscur

Grisaille

Velum and Drapery techniques

Chantourne

Anamorphosis

Painted furniture & Artifacts

Fresco Painting

Wood graining

Marbling

Fairground Art

Murals

Distressing, Ageing, and Patinas

Glasswork; acid etching, gilding and painting

Large-scale street art

Grottesca

Kim Dokka 9/6/2010