WSSC Art Gallery Guidelines

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WHO MAY USE THE SPACE

Professional level art organizations /artists based within Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties may submit exhibit proposals in writing to:

Office of Communications
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
14501 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20707

Proposals should describe the scope and nature of the exhibition. Slides of representative works (4 slides for individual artists and 10 slides for groups) and background information (such as catalogs from past exhibits, press clippings, letters of recommendation) should be included. Please submit a biographical profile of the art organization / artist with your proposal. Slides and materials will be returned upon request.

Approval is subject to the discretion of the Communications Director. Any art that does not meet the criteria may be rejected.

TIME ALLOTTED

The space is reserved for a one month period. The WSSC accepts complete responsibility for installing and dismantling the exhibition within the reserved time. Exhibitions are open to the public. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SELECTION OF WORKS FOR EXHIBITION

Selection and placement of works should reflect the public nature of the space. The WSSC reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the inclusion and /or placement of any individual work(s) in the exhibition. The WSSC also reserves the right to temporarily move or relocate any work(s) to accommodate any groups meeting in the lobby.

PREPARATION OF WORKS FOR EXHIBITION

Works must be suitably framed and wired for hanging.

DELIVERY AND PICKUP OF WORKS

The art organization / artist is responsible for transporting the works to and from the WSSC’s display area. The delivery / pickup schedule for each organization must be agreed upon in advance by the art organization /artist and the WSSC Communications Office. Individuals delivering art should use the main entrance.

IMPORTANT: A representative of the art organization /artist must be on the premises during delivery of works. Names of the organization’s representatives should be provided to the WSSC’s Communications Office at least one full week prior to delivery.

SECURITY

The WSSC will take precautions necessary to assure that art work will not be damaged. A 24-hour guard station is manned in our lobby gallery area. There are strategic security cameras placed throughout the building, as well. An exhibit agreement will be signed by a representative of the art organization /artist prior to hanging. Artists will be required to submit a listing of titles and prices of all works intended for display at least one week prior to hanging.

Please note that works may not be removed from the premises before the closing of the exhibition, nor may works be added without the written consent of the WSSC Communications Office.

INSTALLATION

The WSSC is responsible for installing all works using a lynch rod system. Installation problems requiring special attention should be described in writing at least two weeks before the anticipated installation date. Such problems include large or heavy works or those requiring unusual means of installation. The WSSC’s Facilities Manager will approve installation plans and will work with the organization /artist to find appropriate solutions, but does have the right to reject any pieces which are not properly wired for hanging or are too unwieldy to accommodate.

SALE OF WORKS

The primary purpose of the WSSC’s display area is to exhibit works for the cultural enrichment of employees and the public. The WSSC accepts no commission for sales of exhibited works. Every effort will be made to direct inquiries to the artist . A flier with organization/ artist’s name, short bio, and telephone number (if desired)will be displayed in the WSSC lobby.

WSSC ASSISTANCE

The WSSC will not contribute money to organizations presenting exhibitions. The WSSC will provide in-kind services (subject to in-house capabilities) such as fliers with contact information and biographical profiles of the organization /artist. Due to time constraints, the WSSC cannot be responsible for press releases for most monthly shows.

If you have additional questions about this program, please contact Mary Stewart at 301-206-8183 or via e-mail at mstewar@wsscwater.com.