For Immediate Release
April 29, 2024

CALL FOR COMMUNITY ARTISTS
AT CLARK ART INSTITUTE

Artists needed to lead collaborative mural-making in July and August

Williamstown, Massachusetts—The Clark Art Institute seeks local emerging artists to facilitate a collaborative mural activity as part of its summer art-making program, Guided by Glass: Weekly Drop-In Art-Making. Artists have the opportunity to develop mural designs and facilitate collective mural-making with the public. On Thursdays in July and August between 1 and 4 pm, museum visitors are invited to join the artist to create temporary murals on the Clark’s Fernandez Terrace in celebration of summer exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Treasures from the Corning Museum. 

On view July 4 through October 27 in the Clark’s Michael Conforti Pavilion and drawn from the vast collection of the Corning Museum, Fragile Beauty demonstrates how makers across time and around the globe have taken inspiration from plants, animals, and other aspects of nature to create dazzling objects. Highlights of the selection include glass from the legendary Venetian island of Murano; enameled glass from early modern Europe and India; Art Nouveau glass by artists including Louis Comfort Tiffany, René Lalique, and Steuben; and contemporary works.

The exhibition serves as the inspiration for the Clark’s individual and collaborative art activities. In connection to the exhibition, artists are invited to submit mural designs that are inspired by images of nature, and to engage with light, color, and transparency. This program draws participants of all ages and serves a mix of local and visiting museum goers. When creating designs, artists should consider imagery and techniques that are accessible to a broad audience. 

Guided by Glass takes place outdoors on the Fernandez Terrace, weather permitting. 

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to college-level juniors, seniors, and graduate students currently enrolled at a regional institution and local artists ages 20-25. To submit an application, click here.

MURAL DIMENSIONS

The Clark provides two 6’ x 4’plexiglass panels, which are moveable and can be used as one continuous wall (12’ x 4’), or two separate components of 6’ x 4’.  

MATERIALS

Cost of materials is covered by the Clark. 

The following non-toxic materials have been selected based on their ability to be used by a wide range of participants and ease of application and removal from surface. Artists may select any combination of the materials for their proposed projects; additional materials will not be considered. Product brands are to be determined. 

• Colored Window Films 
• Chalk Markers 
• Crystal Effects Window Markers
• Colored Pencils – Glass
• Colored Masking Tape

APPLICATION TIMELINE

May 19: Deadline for Submissions
May 24: Accepted Artists Notified
June 2024: Accepted Artists Site Visit to the Clark

ARTIST SESSIONS: DATES AND FEES

Session 1: July 11, 18, and 25 (Artist Honorarium: $750)
Session 2: August 1, 8, and 15 (Artist Honorarium: $750)
Session 3: August 22 and 29 (Artist Honorarium: $600)

ABOUT THE CLARK
The Clark Art Institute, located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, is one of a small number of institutions globally that is both an art museum and a center for research, critical discussion, and higher education in the visual arts. Opened in 1955, the Clark houses exceptional European and American paintings and sculpture, extensive collections of master prints and drawings, English silver, and early photography. Acting as convener through its Research and Academic Program, the Clark gathers an international community of scholars to participate in a lively program of conferences, colloquia, and workshops on topics of vital importance to the visual arts. The Clark library, consisting of some 300,000 volumes, is one of the nation’s premier art history libraries. The Clark also houses and co-sponsors the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art.

The Clark, which has a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide, is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Its 140-acre campus includes miles of hiking and walking trails through woodlands and meadows, providing an exceptional experience of art in nature. Galleries are open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, from September through June, and daily in July and August. Open 10 am–9 pm on Wednesdays from June 19 through September 25, with free admission from 5–9 pm. Admission is free January through March and is $20 from March through December; admission is free year-round for Clark members, all visitors age 21 and under, and students with a valid student ID. Free admission is also available through several programs, including First Sundays Free; a local library pass program; and EBT Card to Culture. For information on these programs and more, visit clarkart.edu or call 413 458 2303.

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