Ignite Studio seeks submissions for “Layered”, our upcoming juried exhibition. The theme “Layered” refers to something that is composed of or constructed in tiers or layers, one on top of the other. This theme can be applied in different contexts, such as a layered structure, like a multi-tiered cake or hairstyle. In a less literal way, you can apply it to text or meaning with multiple interpretations. Layered can also refer to a design using multiple elements or patterns to create depth and visual interest. Layers can be either superimposed or literally laid over as in paint, collage, and mixed media. Overall, the theme signifies complexity, depth, or multi-dimensionality.
Thornton Dial, Stars of Everything (2004), detail. Photo: courtesy Souls Grown Deep.
This show will be juried by Gina Baird. Gina M. Baird, LMHC, ATR-BC, ATCS is a multi-media artist and a credentialed art therapist. In addition to maintaining a long-term private practice, Gina is a celebrated artist known for her contagious love for expressive art. Her art celebrates multiple layers in both materials used and in the symbolic presences of the artworks themselves. Gina has been awarded numerous grants that have supported her art and her clinical work and have helped her have an impact on her community. Some examples of her impact as a local artist include a leadership award as adjunct faculty, Penrod Grant Awards, a creative renewal grant through United Way, a Hoosier Women Artist award, and she was awarded a fellowship of Creative Renewal through the Indiana Arts. Gina has taught art in numerous settings, presented expressive art-making at numerous conferences, and shares her art in juried shows and competitions throughout the Midwest. Gina’s art has been featured and published in numerous publications, such as the cover images with a personal commentary on the art and her work with trauma survivors in the text, Art Therapy and the Neuroscience of Trauma: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives in both the 1st and the 2nd Edition.
Gina Baird, Vivid Nitch, 30’’x40’’, acrylic paint, graphite, stabilio pencil, inks and paint pens
We are looking for pieces that speak to the theme of “Layered.” Are you an artist who likes to use layers of paint to build up your surfaces? Do you work in the art of collage, gluing materials such as fabric or paper onto a surface? Do you have a piece that has hidden layers or meaning? Do you use multiple media to create your compositions?
Deadline to Submit: September 24
Monetary prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as selected by our guest juror. Artwork will be displayed at Ignite Studio, in the lower level of the Hamilton East Public Library at: 5 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN, 46038.
Entry
We display artwork by local artists of all ages and backgrounds. We encourage everyone to submit!
Eligibility
Copies or edits of another artist’s work are not eligible for entry; all work must be original.
Any work previously displayed at Ignite Studio is ineligible.
Hanging work should not exceed 50 lbs.
Ignite Studio is located in a public library visited by all ages. We cannot accept work with nudity or profanity.
Displayed artworks may be photographed for promotional work (social media, print materials, etc.).
NO AI GENERATED WORK.
Presentation
All 2D work must be wired for hanging before drop-off. No sawtooth hangers.
3D work is accepted, our pedestal’s dimensions for 3D work that cannot be displayed on the floor are 17”x17”.
Video work must come with display equipment.
Judith Scott: Untitled, 2000, fiber and found objects, 12 by 25 by 10 inches; at the Brooklyn Museum.
Sales
All work is allowed to be listed for sale. Ignite Studio does not take commission or facilitate sales. By submitting your work you are giving Ignite Studio staff permission to provide your contact information to interested buyers. If your work is sold, it is the responsibility of the artist to inform Ignite staff so that we may mark it as SOLD for the duration of the show. It is the artist’s responsibility to arrange for delivery of the sold artwork to the client.
Submission Guidelines
Submit all required materials via email to [email protected] by Sept. 24.
Artists may submit up to three pieces.
Submissions should include the following information for each piece:
- Artist’s name
- Title
- Dimensions of artwork
- 1 – 3 images of work (1 image per piece, up to 3 pieces)
- Price
- Media
Subject line of email should include the above info for all pieces in this format:
- Subject: The Road Less Traveled, Oil, 12×20, $270; Self-Portrait, Acrylic, 18×30, $300; Sunrise, Mixed Media, 8×16, NFS
Reception and Display
Stop by and see “Layered” on display from Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan.9, 2026. Join us for a special Artist Reception on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 6 PM featuring live music by Forward Motion.
