Priority is generally given to: 

• Artists who live or work in Middlebury, Addison County, or the surrounding region; 

• Local students and school groups; 

• And nonprofit organizations and community groups. 

Individual artists and groups at all levels of experience are encouraged to apply. 

Interested exhibitors should submit the following to jennifer.johnson@ilsleypubliclibrary.org: 

• The artist’s or organization’s name and contact information; 

• A brief description of the proposed exhibit; 

• Several images or examples of the work; 

• The approximate number, size, and medium of the pieces; 

• A short artist biography or organizational description; 

• Preferred exhibit dates;  

• Preferred exhibit space; and 

• Any special installation or space requirements. 

Submitting a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. Proposals will be reviewed by library staff based on available space, scheduling, installation requirements, and suitability for the Library’s public environment. 

Exhibits are generally displayed for approximately six weeks. Installation and removal dates will be arranged in advance. 

To provide opportunities for a variety of artists, the artists and groups are limited to showing once a year. 

Artwork is not selected or evaluated based on perceived artistic merit. However, because exhibits are displayed in public areas visited by people of all ages, all works must be appropriate for a general audience. The Library may exclude works containing graphic depictions of violence, explicit sexual content or nudity, or other imagery that is reasonably likely to be disturbing or unsuitable for children. These guidelines apply to the manner in which a subject is depicted, not to the viewpoint, ideas, or message expressed by the artist. 

The presentation of an exhibit does not mean that the Library endorses the artist’s work, opinions, or point of view. The Library supports intellectual freedom and seeks to provide opportunities for creative expression and community conversation. 

The Library reserves the right to decline an exhibit or require the removal of work that does not match the approved proposal, presents a safety concern, violates the law, or cannot be accommodated appropriately in the available space. 

Exhibitors are responsible for installing and removing their work at times arranged with Library staff. The Library offers two gallery spaces for exhibits. The Victoria Brewer and Chris Bohjalian Gallery has two separate picture rails, one measuring 78 inches and the other 118 inches long. The Atrium Gallery has a single picture rail measuring 236 inches long. Both picture rails are approx. 7 feet off the ground. Both galleries utilize a STAS Picture Rail Pro system for displaying artwork. Works are suspended from the picture rail using cables and adjustable STAS Zipper hooks. A single cable may support one large work or several smaller works arranged vertically, depending on the size and weight of the pieces. 

• Artwork must be ready to hang using the Library’s designated hanging system. 

• Nails, screws, tape, adhesives, or other materials may not be applied to Library walls without prior approval. 

• Exhibitors must supply any labels, artist statements, or other accompanying text. 

• The Library must approve any special equipment, electrical connections, freestanding structures, or unusual installation needs in advance. 

Exhibitors may provide an artist statement, contact information, and a list of titles and prices. The Library does not conduct sales, collect payments, or act as an agent for exhibitors. Any sale must be arranged directly between the artist and buyer. Sold pieces should remain on display until the exhibit ends. 

The Library may promote an exhibit through its website, newsletter, social media, or printed materials. By participating, exhibitors give the Library permission to photograph the exhibit and use those images for noncommercial promotional purposes, unless other arrangements are made in writing. 

Artists interested in holding an opening reception or related program should discuss the idea with Library staff. All events are subject to space availability and applicable Library policies. 

Artwork is displayed at the exhibitor’s own risk. While Library staff will take reasonable care around exhibits, the Library cannot guarantee the security of displayed work and is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage. 

Before installation, exhibitors may be required to sign an exhibit agreement and liability waiver. Artists are responsible for arranging insurance for their work if desired. 

Exhibitors must remove all artwork and materials on the agreed-upon date. The Library cannot guarantee storage for work that is not collected on time.