NEWS

The Cook Foundation announces a call for artists to submit designs for the first “Art in the Air”, a public art exhibit in the form of downtown banners in the Gloucester Village.

Artists are encouraged to submit their designs along with an application fee of $15 with a second design for $10.  Artists may submit up to 2 designs for consideration. Overall, eighteen artists will be chosen and each of those artists will receive $100 towards supplies to create their banner. Banners will be supplied by the Cook Foundation along with instructions on how to properly prep, paint and seal the banner.  The theme for “Art in the Air” is Celebrate.

The Cook Foundation would like to see artists render designs on what they celebrate about Gloucester.  “Art in the Air” is a wonderful addition to continuing to improve the aesthetic appearance of the downtown and should add more color and visual excitement”, said Jenny Crittenden.  “We are striving to create an authentic experience for anyone who lives, works or visits Main Street and by incorporating public art into the commercial core, we certainly do that.”

Designs submissions and applications are due to the Cook Foundation by Friday, May 8^th.  Mailed submissions should be sent to the Cook Foundation, P.O. Box 1383, Gloucester, VA or delivered in person to the office located in the Coke Building on Main Street (6688 Main Street) on Friday, May 8^th between 9AM – 2PM or by email submission to director@mpst.org.  No late submissions will be accepted.  To obtain a copy of the design guidelines and application form, go to www.cookfoundation.info and download.

For more information, please call Jenny Crittenden at 804-824-9614. Banners are expected to be installed mid- June and introduced to the public during a wine walk event in the latter part of June thru the Gloucester Main Street Association.  The Cook Foundation expects the banners to be displayed throughout the summer and later auctioned off at an event to further engage the public in appreciation of the arts.