VALDOSTA — Submissions are being accepted to the 32nd Annual Spring Into Art Exhibition.

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will host the opening gala 6-9 p.m. Monday, April 8, when winners will be announced.

The deadline to submit artwork is Thursday, March 14; art is to be delivered March 28-30.

Artists of any medium may enter one to two pieces. The center is looking to get 450 pieces from 250 artists. Entries must include titles.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and price their items to sell. Organizers ask that the selling price include a 30 percent commission share for Turner.

There will be two judges awarding placement winners and best in show. Artists will be chosen to have their artwork be featured in the Colson Calendar.

A best-in-show winner will be awarded $1,000 – a prize that has gone to paintings, woven baskets and a rocking chair in past years, said Bill Shenton, Turner curator and artistic administrator.

To win best in show, an art piece must exhibit craftsmanship, Shenton said.

“There is something to be said by whatever form the art takes,” he said. “It is formed with an exceptional level of talent and skill.”

While craftsmanship and technique are key, Shenton said concept comes secondary.

“It can be a well-executed painting of something that’s not very interesting – and it won’t have people’s attention very long – so it has to also be an interesting concept or provoke some kind of emotional response with the viewer to be a good piece,” he said.

He said some pieces are crafted with skill, but they can still be intriguing and catch everyone’s attention. Overall, best in show has to stand out in quality and concept.

There is an entry fee of $40 or $60 for Spring Into Art. Works must have been crafted in the last two years, according to organizers.

Organizers ask that three-dimensional works not exceed 90 pounds and be stable.

Two-dimensional works can’t exceed 50 inches in width or 60 inches in height. This includes the frame.

All works will be on display until Wednesday, June 5. 

Tickets to the gala are $45. Call (229) 247-2787, ext. 223; email bshenton@turnercenter.org; or visit turnercenter.org for applications and more information. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.