Submission information for Flora and Fauna Illustrata

About the project

The mission of the Flora and Fauna Illustrata (FFI) project is to document plants and animals of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) through scientifically accurate fine art.

Artists from around the world are invited to show us the best of the MLA flora and fauna that inspire them. We are accepting entries for any plant or animal found on the 1,200+ acres of the MLA or the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center (HRC).

The Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL) permanently documents and archives the donated art and facilitates periodic exhibitions of it. The collection provides a visual regional and national resource to aid research and serves to inspire learning, discovery, and enjoyment.

Call type: Archival and exhibition
Eligibility: International
City: Chaska
State: Minnesota
Fee: No fee
Participation deadline: Ongoing

Project is ongoing. Multiple calls may be in process simultaneously.

Description

This juried project is open to all artists. Individual artists working in any two-dimensional medium (excluding photography and digital art) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Artwork selected to be added to the FFI Archive through the jury process will become property of the University of Minnesota and will be exhibited periodically, both physically and online.

Artists will retain some rights to use their artwork, which is specified in the FFI-Artist agreement. A high-resolution scan of jury-accepted artwork will be provided by the AHL to the artist for his or her personal not-for-profit use.

Specifications

Artworks will be selected to represent the whole species, it's parts (fruit, flowers, branches, etc.), and/or its seasonal forms. Duplicate submissions will not be considered once a species, including all its parts and seasonal forms, are represented.

Select a species growing at the MLA or HRC, then view the list of taken FFI species to check availability of the species or its parts.
The artist must render a plant from the grounds of the MLA or HRC. A specimen or photograph of the species can be provided to the artist upon resquest, using this species request form. However, artists are encouraged to come to the MLA and take their own photographs and specimen samples (with permission) for reference.
It is not necessary to illustrate the entire life cycle of the subject. If the image is not life-sized, a bar scale must be included.
Each submission should represent a single species, but subordinate organisms that occur naturally with that species may be included.

Media accepted

Two-dimensional original artwork, excluding photography and digital art.

Genre accepted

Scientifically accurate images. No landscapes.

Size

Works must be unframed and unmatted with the desired mat size indicated in pencil on the piece. Art may be vertically or horizontally orientated and must fit in the following frame sizes:

• 16” x 20”
• 20” x 24”
• 24” x 30”

Diptychs, triptychs, etc. are acceptable, with each piece not exceeding 24” x 30” framed.

Both the scientific and common names should be written on the back of the artwork.

Interested artists will be invited to a free informational session (approximately 60 minutes) at the MLA. At this optional gathering, participants will learn more about the FFI project, the Andersen Horticultural Library, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Artists will also be provided with a Field Project Leader if additional assistance during their work on the project is desired.

Submitting artwork to be juried

Finished artwork of an MLA plant or animal, with photographs used for reference, must be submitted to the Andersen Horticultural Library in a clear acetate envelope to protect the work.

Originals will be submitted by the FFI Coordinator to a jury consisting of at least one scientific expert in the subject field, at least one artist in the subject field, and at least one representative of the MLA-AHL. Juries will meet each spring and fall to review submissions.

Artists will be notified by mail or email whether their work was selected for inclusion in the FFI Archive.

All artists who apply are eligible for a reduced rate on membership. If you don't have an Arboretum membership, please contact the FFI Coordinator to arrange entry for a specific date and time.

Artists interested in submitting work to the Flora and Fauna Illustrata should fill out the following artist inquiry form and the FFI Coordinator will be in contact with you. For more information about the Flora and Fauna Illustrata project, visit the Main FFI page or email hortlib@umn.edu.