Call for artists opens for Stratford Artist Takeover at Matilda Gallery and Art Bar

Imagine the draw of local artists when Matilda Gallery and Art Bar showcases the Stratford Artist Takeover. The call for artists is now open.

Now in its’ fourth year, the Stratford Artist Takeover call for artists is now open until April 30 for artwork from local artists that will be, if accepted, displayed at Matilda Gallery and Art Bar. This is a great opportunity for emerging and established artists alike to have their pieces on display in the gallery located within steps of the Avon Theatre.

The opening for the Stratford Artist Takeover is planned for June 5.

“We do this show strictly annually; we have done a lot of different shows that aren’t repeated but this is one that we faithfully keep doing. It means a lot to us and to the creative community as well,” said owner Sarah Filion.

Anyone who has been to Matilda Gallery and Art Bar knows that it is dedicated to housing many pieces art, primarily paintings and photographs, anywhere space can be found. With the Stratford Artist Takeover the two white walls upon entering will feature the curated works of local artists.

“It can be anywhere from 30 to 50 artists on display. Throughout the three years we have done this I think we have had over a hundred different artists showcased in the gallery so it’s a significant number. I was blown away the first year how much talent is in Stratford and every year since I’m blown away by the new applications. We do get some repeat applications, but we get equally the amount in new applications,” said Filion.

The application process is not arduous and can be completed online by visiting the website matildaswansongallery.com and clicking on the Artist Takeover image to complete the form. Each artist can submit no more than five pieces in .jpg format. There is no submission fee to apply. Information required is the dimension, the pricing, the media used. Artists are notified if they are accepted or not between May 3 and 5.

The curated pieces will be showcased between June 5, the opening, and July 12.

“This show we have opened it to all mediums, so if it is sculpture, ceramics, photography, painting, it is open to all styles. We do accept a lot of emerging artists for the show and have kept a lot of artists throughout the years because their work has married well with the gallery and we’ve been able to sell the work and support those artists. So, it is open to anyone and everyone, as long as they are a resident of Stratford,” said Filion.

Only pieces that are for sale are accepted because the goal is to support the artists financially and creating exposure for their art. “It’s a great show, a lot of people know about it and are excited for it. It’s right at the beginning of theatre season which is great as we get a lot of exposure to tourists and one of the first questions people ask is, ‘Do you have any local artists?’ so it’s a great time to say, actually we have a lot of local artists being represented in this show,” Filion said.

Matilda Gallery and Art Bar is located at 85 Downie St. and is open Wednesday through Sunday.