A Year on the Plaza Art Competition Deadline August 22

A YEAR ON THE PLAZA ART COMPETITION INVITES TEXAS PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR YEAR-LONG DISPLAY IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS

Winner of The Catholic Foundation contest receives $2,500 stipend; no entry fees

DALLAS – Professional artists across Texas are invited to enter The Catholic Foundation’s A Year on the Plaza Art Competition by Thursday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. for an exceptional exhibition opportunity for the winning artist.

The Catholic Foundation hosts this unique competition to identify a piece of original artwork to adorn a 28-foot-long by 9-foot-wide public art wall in the Dallas Arts District for one year. Works must be appropriate for the location of the Plaza on the grounds of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe but do not require a religious theme.  

“As a community foundation, we are honored to present this art competition once again. Not only are we able to feature a talented artist’s work on the Art Wall each year, but community residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this gift to the Dallas Arts District,” said J. Matthew Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “We encourage professional artists to enter the contest for a chance to draw people into the downtown space with their beautiful artwork.”

There are no entry fees, and the winning artist receives a $2,500 stipend. Honorable mentions are also recognized with a $250 award. Submissions must measure 28 inches by 9 and 2/3 inches, and the winning work will be digitally enlarged to cover the wall in the Plaza. Photography or computer-generated art are not eligible. Submission guidelines are available at www.catholicfoundation.com/Get-Involved/Events-Calendar/A-Year-on-the-Plaza-Art-Competition.

A panel of highly respected members of the local arts community will determine the winning piece, which will be installed and unveiled this October.

“I entered this contest almost as an impulse, and I’m so glad I listened to that little voice in my head that told me to enter,” said Emily Holman Morris. “I’m very grateful to The Catholic Foundation for such an amazing opportunity.”

CONTACTS: Emily Wingate, Sunwest Communications, [email protected], 469-547-0212; Bill Kula, APR, [email protected], 214-789-1644

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About The Catholic Foundation Plaza

The Catholic Foundation Plaza is a unique 3,900-square-foot public space located at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the corner of Flora and Crockett Streets, directly across from the Meyerson Symphony Hall. The Plaza is in a highly visible location for visitors to the Dallas Arts District and is also one of the sites on the “Public Art Walk Dallas.” Dedicated in 2006, the Plaza was a gift from The Catholic Foundation to the Dallas community to commemorate the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. The wall currently displays last year’s winning piece, “Windows to the City” by Emily Holman Morris. Smaller replicas of all past winning artwork are mounted on the wall as well.

About The Catholic Foundation

The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong community, helping donors fulfill their charitable goals, and preserving the founders’ vision and philanthropic legacy. Over time, the Foundation has provided more than $170 million in grants to religious, charitable and educational organizations. Today, it manages approximately $207 million in assets and houses more than 440 charitable funds and trusts. For additional information about The Catholic Foundation, call 972.661.9792 or visit www.catholicfoundation.com.