Lines of the City: Urban Sketches of Toronto - Call for Entries

• Exhibition Dates: August 5 - September 27, 2025
• Location: UrbanSpace Gallery, 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
• Deadline to Submit Form: Monday, June 2, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
• Submission via Google Form: https://forms.gle/rm64kdDPM3Vh3W9b9

About the Exhibition

We invite submissions for Lines of the City: Urban Sketches of Toronto, a group exhibition showcasing the vibrant, diverse, and ever-changing cityscape through on-location sketching. 

Open to all sketchers within our Urban Sketchers Toronto community —whether seasoned or just beginning— this exhibition celebrates sketching our city from observation, one line at a time. Show us your Toronto!

What is an Urban Sketch?

An urban sketch is a drawing created on location—in the moment—capturing your surroundings from direct observation. If you draw on location, you are an urban sketcher!

The Urban Sketchers Manifesto:

1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

Eligibility

Open to artists in our Urban Sketchers Toronto community who have participated in an event or meetup.

Artwork Guidelines

• Up to 2 pieces per artist may be submitted.
• Due to space limitations, 1 or both may be accepted.
• Maximum dimensions (including frame): 14 x 18 inches (portrait or landscape).
• Originals or giclée prints are allowed. Giclée prints must be faithful reproductions (no digital manipulation beyond basic corrections).
• Artist Statement (2–3 sentences, 75 words max) required for each piece. Tell us a little bit about why you chose the scene, what it means to you, an interesting moment etc. Please note this statement may be used on display at the exhibition and/or included in a print catalogue for distribution.

Submission Format

Submit digital images for consideration via above-mentioned Google Form, using the following criteria: 

• JPEG or PNG images at minimum 200 dpi
• Minimum 1200 pixels on longest side
• File size under 10MB
• File naming format: [LastName][FirstName]_[EntryNumber].jpg
•  (e.g., DoeJane_01.jpg)

Entry Fee

• $20 per accepted piece (non-refundable)
• This fee helps cover exhibition costs and the opening reception.
• Unfortunately, no waivers or discounts are available.

Framing & Presentation

Upon acceptance, all artworks MUST be in frames with the following attributes:

• D-rings only for hanging (no sawtooth hangers)
• Black with flat profile, max 1” width
• Clean and gallery-ready
• Glazed with glass or Plexiglas
• Matting optional; must be white, off-white, or pale gray
• Maximum dimensions (including frame): 14 x 18 inches (portrait or landscape)

Important Dates

• Form Submission Deadline: Monday, June 2, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: Thursday, June 26, 2025
• Artwork Drop-off Day: Saturday August 2 (time TBD)
• Exhibition Opens: August 5, 2025
• Exhibition Closes: September 27, 2025
• Artwork Pick-up: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (times TBD)

Delivery & Pick-up

• Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting their artwork on the specified dates.
• If you cannot attend, you may:
• Authorize someone to deliver/pick up on your behalf
• Coordinate a group delivery with other participants
• No alternate dates will be available.

Sales & Promotion

• Artists are responsible for coordinating direct sales of their work.
• If the work is for sale, price and contact information must be provided with submission and will be displayed at the exhibition.
• All sold pieces must remain on display until the end of the exhibition.
• Participating artists agree to allow images of their work to be used for promotional purposes (with full credit).
• Accepted works may be featured in a print catalogue, which would be available for preorder.

Liability & Damages

Urban Sketchers Toronto and 401 Richmond Urbanspace Gallery are not responsible for any losses, injuries or damages of artwork or persons that may be incurred before, during, or after the duration of the exhibition installation.

Need More Info?

Got questions? Email us at toronto.urbansketchers@gmail.com

Website: https://uskto.blogspot.com/

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