HomeRMSBA Calls for Entries

Call for Entries: Full Spectrum

Description

A joyful celebration of the colors from which we create, Full Spectrum honors them all. Artists are invited to submit works accentuating a singular hue selected from the following list:

Reds

Oranges

Yellows

Greens

Blues

Violets

Pinks

Work completed no earlier than 2023 is eligible and must not have been exhibited previously with RMSBA. As this theme celebrates color, artists are asked to commit to their color choice(s) using SignUpGenius, an online signup registry. This helps ensure an even distribution of the spectrum and will allow for a dazzling display and vivid viewer experience.

If, after reading this call for entries you have questions regarding the specifics of the call, check out the Q&A below for answers to frequently asked questions. If the answers you need are not there, contact RMSBA at RMSBArtists@gmail.com .

Entry Timeline

Color sign up due: January 1, 2026

Submissions accepted: September 15, 2025 through November 2, 2026

Entry Deadline

November 2, 2026

Details

Eligibility

Artists are encouraged to become members of the Rocky Mountain Society of Botanical Artists, but national and international artists, may enter with tiered entry fees. The artwork submitted must not have been entered in a previous RMSBA exhibition.

Subject

Botanical specimens.

Media

Two-dimensional, original botanical art in any medium, excluding photographs and digital artwork.

Size

Framed size upper limit is 30" x 30"

Fee

RMSBA members: $25 for the first entry, plus $10 for each additional entry.

ASBA-only members: $35 for the first entry, plus $10 for each additional entry.

Nonmembers: $45 for the first entry, plus $15 for each additional entry.

Entry fees are nonrefundable. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Retain your Payment Receipt for future reference.

Number of artworks per entry: 2

Color Signup Due Date: January 1, 2026

Entry Deadline: November 2, 2026

Submissions

All entries will be made through OnlineJuriedShows beginning September 15, 2025. Images must be digital files only, at least 1920 pixels @72 dpi on the longest side, jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace *. Help in photographing your work and properly sizing your images can be found at OnlineJuriedShows Image Help.

*If you need help entering your images, please email onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or call 888-666-1351.

At submission, artists will be asked for:

Title (creative/artistic title OR common name of plant)
Scientific name
Dimensions of artwork unframed
Medium
Price

Upon being juried into the exhibit, artists will be asked to submit a bio and a brief description of their plant; without this information, the work will not be shown

Jurors

TBA

Jurying

All artwork will be juried using digital images, which must meet the criteria for OnlineJuriedShows as described above under "Submissions." Criteria for acceptance will include botanical accuracy, artistic presentation and skilled technical use of medium represented by high-quality digital images.

Venues

TBD

Notification

Artists will be notified by email once the results are ready to view in their OnlineJuriedShows artist profiles. Notifications will be sent by November 20, 2026.

Requirements for selected artwork

Artwork not meeting the following standards will not be displayed.

Framed and ready to hang
Simple, natural-colored wood frame with acrylic glazing
Matted with white or off-white mat color OR unmatted with spacers between artwork and acrylic
Tight-wired for hanging with D-rings positioned 1/5th of the way down from the top of the frame. Wires should be tight and the center point of the wire should be 1½ inches down from the top of the frame. No saw-tooth or clip hangers or projecting screw eyes
Labeled on the back of your artwork with your name, address, phone number, email, title of artwork, sales status, and price.

Delivery of Work

Selected work may be delivered to the exhibition committee at the General Membership Meeting scheduled for January 2027. If you are unable to deliver the work in person, contact RMSBArtists@gmail.com.

Transportation

All artwork will be transported to venues in RMSBA Fleece Art Sacks. Contact RMSBArtists@gmail.com regarding other transportation needs.

Hanging Rights

RMSBA retains the right to refuse to hang work when received if framing is inadequate, the work is shipped in Styrofoam peanuts, or the quality of the artwork differs greatly from that represented by the submission materials.

Calendar

Open for entry: September 15, 2025
Color commitment due: January 1, 2026
Last day to enter: November 2, 2026
Notifications sent: November 20, 2026
Deadline for receipt of artwork: General Membership Meeting, January 2027
Shipping deadline: TBD.
Exhibition dates: TBD
Opening receptions: TBD

Sale of Works

Artists may choose to sell accepted artworks. It is the artist’s responsibility to make shipping arrangements with the buyer or gallery if necessary. Artists should expect that some venues will charge commissions within the standard gallery range and price their works accordingly.

Availability

If accepted, artist ensures that artwork(s) will be available for display. RMSBA is seeking multiple venues for this show and pieces must remain in the exhibit venue(s) until the official close of the exhibit in all venues.

Insurance -Insurance is the responsibility of the artist except while art is exhibited at a venue.

Publicity and Catalog

Your submitted images may be used in promotional, educational or interpretive materials, either in print or electronic media, before, during and after the exhibition.

Contact

RMSBArtists@gmail.com

Q & A

Q: Is there a maximum number of submittals per color?
A: Yes, there is a maximum number of submissions per color. If the slots in a color category are full, you will need to commit to another color category.

Q: I understand that up to a maximum of two (2) pieces are allowed. Can the 2 be different colors or must they be the same color?
A: If entering 2 pieces, they can be different colors OR the same. Either way, you would make 2 entries in SignupGenius.
Q: If I enter 2 pieces, do I need to assign a priority to each?
A: You do not need to assign a priority if entering 2 pieces. The same priority will be given to each choice that you make.

Q: How is "singular hue" defined?
A: Any shade or variation from the list in the call. Refer to your color wheel for the 12 primary, secondary, and tertiary hues, as well as the tint, tone and shade for each.

Q: Where do black & white (graphite, pen & ink) works fit in the color family choices in SignUpGenius?
A: The Full Spectrum call does not allow for totally black & white, or grayscale artworks (i.e., pen & ink, graphite, charcoal). Pieces incorporating color along with these mediums may work very well to accentuate your featured color. You might consider entering the Sydney Parkinson call for entries if you are working exclusively in a black & white/grayscale medium.

Q: Where do white/beige/neutral flowered or fruited subjects fit on the color family choices in SignupGenius?
A: White/beige/neutral flowered or fruited subjects including the specimen’s accompanying greenery, fit into the “greens” category.

Q: Will each color family be juried separately?
A: All entries will be juried together with consideration of building a cohesive exhibition. Therefore, artworks will be judged both on their quality and on how they fit into the exhibition as a whole.

Q: Can I change colors later?
A: You may not change colors later. However, you can change specimens as long as it is still in the same color category.

Q: What if I find I need to withdraw from my commitment after submitting my choice?
A: If you find you need to withdraw from your commitment to this exhibition, please contact RMSBA immediately so we can open up your color slot to another artist. RMSBArtists@gmail.com.