On behalf of the Associated Arts of Ocean Shores (AAOS) and the Coastal Interpretive Center (CIC), we jointly invite regional artists—regardless of chosen media—to enter our unique and free art exhibition. This year the exhibition's theme is Wings Over Grays Harbor. It will hang from April 25 through June 30, 2025, at the CIC in Ocean Shores, Washington.​

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Each spring—in one of nature's most astounding spectacles—massive numbers of migratory birds simultaneously descend on our Grays Harbor Estuary. This emphatic display of life's complexity is awe-inspiring for anyone; however, for artists it is particularly so. That's why we hope somewhere among that half-million avian visitors is flying the perfect subject for your artistic expression. It's that expression we'd like to consider for possible inclusion within this exhibition. We can display up to 24 works of art in CIC's temporary exhibition space, in a manner that's particularly suited for emerging artists.

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Importantly for most artists, this exhibition offers rare opportunities—free exposure to the public, and possible financial compensation. This year for the first time ever, artists are free to sell entry submissions or retain ownership when the exhibition ends. And how about this next benefit? Anyone can win a First, Second, or Third Place prize of $250, $150, or $50 respectively. Prize money is donated by AAOS. We're pleased to display your creation, but if it sells during the exhibition, we request a nominal commission of 15%. Your financial gain, shared with us, will help us meet the needs of more people just like you. It will be split equally between both nonprofits, CIC and AAOS, and it will benefit the CIC's community education and stewardship initiatives as well as the AAOS Annual Arts and Crafts Festival.

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Submission

There is no entry fee. Please submit—within an email to hello@interpretivecenter.org, with "Wings Over Grays Harbor" in the subject line—JPEG or PNG images of no more than four pieces of your original art. Art submitted should draw inspiration from the birds and nature of Grays Harbor. Please include the following information for each submission, by close of business on Monday, March 31, 2025:

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• Title

• Brief personal statement of purpose

• Description of media

• Image dimensions

• Price, if the art is for sale

• How you heard about this exhibition

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Judging

Representatives of AAOS and CIC will review all submissions, ultimately selecting as many as 24 pieces of art for exhibition at CIC. In early April, we'll notify you by email if your art is selected. This email will also include pertinent instructions for exhibiting artists. Three judges, one from the AAOS board, one from the CIC board, and another from the local art community, will award the three prizes. Prize-winning artwork will be published as part of our annual AAOS series of postcards, which will be available for purchase at our CIC bookstore in mid-to-late 2025.

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Festivities

The opening reception of Wings Over Grays Harbor, on April 25th, is open to the public, but we especially hope exhibiting artists attend. Of particular interest during this exhibition are planned public demonstrations of artistic creativity, to take place within the CIC. Two prominent artists, Karen Fox and Tim Rossow, have each graciously agreed to demonstrate how they paint a shorebird. This art exhibition is timed to coincide with the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival. Duration of this exhibition will extend from 4/25/2025 through 6/30/2025. The opening reception will be cohosted by AAOS and CIC, at Coastal Interpretive Center, 1033 Catala Ave SE, Ocean Shores, Washington.

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Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact CIC at hello@interpretivecenter.org.

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