Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Feb. 25, 2025—The Sault Area Arts Council (SAAC) invites artists from across the Midwest to submit artwork to its upcoming Natural Elements exhibition. The exhibition will be displayed from July 1 – 30 at the SAAC’s Olive M. Craig Gallery in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. All varieties of visual artists, sculptors, and photographers are encouraged to apply.
SAAC seeks artwork inspired by, using, or impacted by natural elements. The show’s theme is derived from the ancient concept of the natural elements. Earth, water, air, fire, and ether have long influenced thought and culture. Over time, natural elements have expanded to mean anything produced without human intervention, including plants, animals, and the naturally occurring elements on the periodic table. Natural elements exist all around us in the purity of nature and the tension between the manufactured and the wild. SAAC welcomes a broad interpretation of the theme.
“We are absolutely thrilled to host the Natural Elements exhibit,” said Scott Laursen, SAAC Vice Chair and Gallery Director. “Nature has always been the ultimate artist, sculpting landscapes, painting skies, and weaving intricate patterns in every leaf and ripple of water. This show is a celebration of that raw beauty and the deep connection between art and the natural world. I can’t wait to see how each artist captures the essence of earth, water, fire, and air in their own unique way—it’s going to be an inspiring and breathtaking show!”
Dr. Charles Colbert will jury the show. Colbert completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago and his PhD in art history from Harvard University. He has authored several books and many articles on 19th-century American art. His teaching career has spanned 37 years and three colleges: Boston College, Middlebury College, and Portland State University. He moved to the Upper Peninsula in 2012 when he retired.
SAAC will award $500 for best of show, $300 for runner-up, $200 for third place, two $50 honorable mentions, and a $200 viewer’s choice award.
Interested artists can learn more or apply by visiting saultartcenter.com/exhibits. A non-refundable $35 entry fee is required.
Important Dates
- May 15: Online application deadline
- May 25: Selection notifications sent out
- June 16 – 25: Drop off/deliver artwork (Tues. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- July 1 – 30: Exhibition dates
- July 12: Opening Reception from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- July 31 – Aug. 2: Pick up work
Requirements
- Each artist may submit images of recent, original artwork in any medium, including sculpture, photography, fiber, and mixed media. The artwork must be original. Reproductions, patterns, or prints will not be accepted.
- Artwork must be labeled with the artist’s name and title of work (on the back of 2D work, at the base of 3D work). Please indicate the top of the work.
- Work must be display-ready (no sawtooth hangers, please).
- Artists must be 18 years and older in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
About the Sault Area Arts Council
The Sault Area Arts Council (SAAC) encourages all people to lead more artful lives through opportunities to learn about, create, and market the visual arts. Its purpose is to sponsor and encourage cultural and educational activities in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas, sponsor cooperative planning, research, fundraising, and educational programs, and undertake other services deemed necessary to encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts by all citizens in the area.
The Sault Area Art Center, owned and operated by SAAC, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1969. It is under the direction of and staffed by volunteer board members. Currently located in the Alberta House, it contains the SAAC office, the Olive M. Craig Gallery, and a juried shop that displays and sells one-of-a-kind paintings and crafts by local artists.
Visit www.saultartcenter.com for more information and/or to donate.
