Both amateurs and seasoned professionals have the opportunity to see their work side by side at Mystery Art Exhibit. The Kemp Center for the Arts, located at 1300 Lamar, will host the exhibition from September 30 to October 21. The mysterious art exhibition is unique to other art installations, as entries are open to anyone and will run until September 8 The work is displayed without the artist’s name, adding the intrigue of the event.
Kristen Conrady Shiplet, development coordinator at the Kemp Center for the Arts, said the Exhibition typically receives between 175 and 250 entries. She added that the event increases accessibility for both creating and collecting art.
“Any artist can take part, from an experienced professional to an absolute beginner. We have all ages, from children’s handprints in the paint to when someone was 100 years old to enter the Exhibition, so we encourage participation at all ages, at all skill levels, ”Shiplet said. She later added, “It’s a good opportunity for someone to see his work hanging and not know if the artwork next to him is made by a professional [or] by a child. It just gives artists the opportunity to see their work professionally to inspire them to continue creating. ‘
In line with the theme of increasing local awareness and recognition of art and artists, most of the events related to the Exhibition are free of charge to the public. The first event is the dinner and the announcement of the Exposition on September 30, for which tickets will soon be available for sale. The gallery will open to the public on October 1. Scheduled free events include an inaugural party and artist party on October 6, a collaboration with the Wichita Falls Poetry Society to read poetry on October 13, and a closing and ending party on October 20, which will also include a live auction.
Shiplet said the auction gives art collectors of all experience levels the opportunity to expand or start their collections, with the exception that buyers do not know which artist they are buying from.
“This makes it very affordable for the first-time art buyer. You can bid items at auction at a price you feel comfortable with, and you can begin to develop your aesthetic or your own style with what interests you, ”Shiplet said.
Exhibit entries must be 8 by 10 for paintings or 8 by 8 by 10 for sculptures. Artists may submit a maximum of two entries to the Exhibition, and the best works in each category will qualify for cash prizes. The categories are: abstract, animal, floral, landscape, portrait, still life and symbolism. Additional information and application guidelines can be found at https://www.artscouncilwf.org/mystery-art.
