CRT seeks submissions for annual art show

HARTFORD — For nearly 30 years, the Community Renewal Team has hosted an annual National Arts Program, providing an opportunity for all local artists to showcase their art within the community.

Youth, teens, amateurs, intermediate and professional artists from both Middlesex and Hartford counties are invited to submit their work now for the 2020 art show, which will be on display at Capital Community College, 950 Main Street in Hartford, Feb. 13-March 2.

All forms of visual arts are accepted for this show; from paintings and photographs to sculptures, crafts and textiles. Entries submitted must be the original work of the applicant and completed within the last three years — up to two entries per artist. Participants must be current residents of Hartford or Middlesex county, or an employee or family member of an employee of CRT. Artists can submit their work for free to this show. By removing the financial and commercial requirements of most exhibitions, this special show creates a sense of community and artistic fulfillment for all participants.

The deadline to register for the 2020 National Arts Program in Central Connecticut is Feb. 7.

To register for the show, visit the NAP registration page: nationalartsprogram.org/hartford/

Cash prizes will be awarded in each of the following categories: Amateur — an adult with little or no experience; Intermediate — an adult with some experience, beginning art students, etc.; Professional — an adult with serious art training or employed in an art-related job; Youth (12 years and younger); Teen (ages 13-18); Teens Looking Out for Teens (ages 13-18) — in this special category, individual teenagers or groups of teens can submit a piece of art that evokes a greater understanding of the social issues affecting teens.

All entries in the 2020 National Arts Program must be delivered to either:

⏩ Capital Community College, 950 Main Street, Hartford, on Feb. 5 or 6 between 3-6 p.m, or February 7 by appointment only. ⏩ Avon Old Farms School, Old Farms Road, Avon on either Feb. 5 or 6 between 3-5 p.m. at the Estabrook Art Center. For questions about this second drop-off location, contact Cristina Pinton at 860-404-4183 or pintonc@avonoldfarms.com.

A gallery display of all of the art submitted to the 2020 National Arts Program will be held at Capital Community College (950 Main St., in Hartford), on the 1st and 11th floors from Feb. 13 to March 2, during the following hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 pm. During that time, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite works of art to help select the “People’s Choice” award winner.

The 29th Annual National Arts reception and presentation of awards will take place on Feb. 22, at 11 a.m. in Centinal Hall, located on the 11th floor of Capital Community College. In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be rescheduled for Feb. 29.

The National Arts Program provides materials and funding for this visual art exhibit including awards for winning work totaling $3,450. All prizes are determined by a panel of judges with experience in the arts.