Some say there is a glut of artists with MFA degrees in the world - that they are a dime a dozen. Unless academia is conferring this terminal fine art degree on anyone willing to pay the often staggering price for it, this devaluation of the degreed Master is indicative, we feel, of a systemic problem in society. The role of the master artist as cultural observer, intellectual mystic, and social healer is trivialized and misunderstood. Some suggest that an academic degree has no power to establish one's mastery of an art form - that only hard work and trial by fire in the 'real world' can do that. But these critics are, one might guess, those who either did not try, or could not survive the grueling critiques and endless all-nighters in the framework of the academic graduate process. Certainly, to say one is a Master is not to devalue other means of attaining excellence or status. But to have studied in the context of a university or college program, with rigourous requirements, and gained the terminal degree of Master surely warrants some merit. WIth this in mind Master Pieces will seek to present the best works by the best new Masters in 2008.

Media/Genre:
Open to all traditional and non-traditional genre and media, including but not limited to: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, installation, video, etc.

Catalog:
Manifest will produce a full-color catalog documenting the work in Master Pieces. Exhibitors will receive a 50% discount on one copy of the catalog.

Delivery and Return of Work:
All work accepted for the exhibition must arrive ready to install. Works not gallery-ready, or not exhibiting good craftsmanship, may be omitted from the exhibit. Accepted work that differs significantly from the entry images or suffers from poor presentation, will be disqualified. Work may be hand delivered or shipped. Shipped works must be sent in a reusable container with return shipping prepaid. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered or via UPS/USPS. Works will be insured while on gallery premisis. All work must arrive at Manifest by the date specified (see deadlines). Accepted work will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Entry Fee:
Each work submitted must be accompanied by a $10 non-refundable entry fee. Number of entries is unlimited. Entry fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to MANIFEST, or by credit card via PayPal. (If paying by PayPal PLEASE use the paypal link provided on the page that follows the submission of the online entry form.) Detail images may be included at no additional cost.

Sale of Work:
All work, unless indicated as not for sale (NFS), will be available for sale during exhibit. Manifest Gallery will retain a commission of 30% on all artwork sold during the exhibition. Images: Entrants can choose to submit artwork in either slide or digital format (see below). Manifest Gallery will retain the submitted images of accepted artwork and reserves the right to use the images in publications and gallery publicity. CD's and slides of works not selected will only be returned if accompanied by a SASE. (digital entries and online form submissions preferred)

Slide Format:
2" by 2" 35 mm slides. Each slide must be clearly marked with the following information: Slide number corresponding the entry form, the artist's name, title of work, and an arrow indicating the top of the slide.

Digital Format:
Digital images can be submitted on CD or by e-mail (mail to: info@manifestgallery.org). Hi-Res, print-quality images will be requested for accepted works upon conclusion of the jury process. If suitable images are not provided, the work will be not be included in the catalog.

To send via email:
The email should include the artist's full name as subject along with 'MASTER PIECES submission.' The images must meet the following specifications: File names = artist's last name followed by the entry number as noted on the entry form (i.e. Jones1.jpg). The image files should be in HIGH QUALITY JPEG format, images should be no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction and 72dpi. Images must be oriented properly (i.e. top of image is top of artwork).

To send on CD/DVD:
Clearly label the CD with the artist's full name. File specifications for CD submission - (see e-mail specs. above)

Application:
Download Prospectus and Application. If sending through the USPS, mail materials to:

Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center
MAGNITUDE SEVEN 2008
P.O. Box 6218
Cincinnati, OH 45206

e-mail contact with questions.

About Manifest:
Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located in East Walnut Hills in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Manifest enhances the role of art and design in society by cultivating and focusing the transformative power of creativity in the visual arts. Manifest benefits people in the local and global community, including professionals, students, and the public, by creating quality centered experiences focused on contemporary visual arts and related activities in the context of creative exploration.

Manifest Gallery serves as a venue for the display and experience of insightful, thought provoking art and design, and functions as a hub for creative research and innovation at all levels of artistic endeavor.