Figure drawing has been a core community activity at Art House 473 since we began in 2018. The tradition of having a live human reference to draw from goes back hundreds and hundreds of years and represents an artist striving towards mastery of something that should be so familiar to us. We live in a body, we see them all the time, yet when confronted with a shoulder from a particular angle, or when asked to draw one from memory, we often fall short.
This exhibition is an opportunity for artists to explore the human figure through different mediums and beyond our quick poses during our life drawing sessions. Once a human presence enters into an artwork, there is a cascading effect of different considerations. We relate to the body and can imagine how a piece may be narrative, how the body may express as a social component – a political one. Bodies and the figure have been celebrated throughout history, but there are also histories of shame, trauma, and hiding. Humans are at once “fearfully and wonderfully made”, but also prone to appetites that are less than divine.
I hope, as curator, that whichever direction is most compelling for you as an artist to explore, this exhibition can be an opportunity to go deeper. Whether doing technical anatomical inquiries, exploring the boundaries of comfort, or spending time considering the many many ways our world is shaped by the way we are shaped.
- Asher Mains, MFA
ACCEPTED MEDIUMS
- Painting
- Drawing
- Photography
- Free-standing sculpture
- Assemblage, Bricolage, Installation etc.
SUBMISSION LIMIT
Each artist may apply with up to 3 pieces but only one artwork will be considered for acceptance.
ARTWORK ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
- All submitted artworks must have either been created in the last two years or never exhibited.
- Submitted artworks must not have been previously exhibited in an Art House 473 exhibition.
- All works must be original works created by the submitting artist.
- Selected artworks must be available for the full duration of the exhibition and have a sale price.
Paintings, Drawings & Photography
- Minimum size: 8.5” × 11”
- Maximum size: 48” wide × 60” high (negotiable)
- All two-dimensional works must be ready for display on an easel and should not require wall mounting.
- Paintings must be suitably stretched or mounted.
- Drawings and photographs must be suitably mounted or framed for presentation.
Sculpture
- Large sculptures must be free-standing.
- For small sculptures, the artist must provide a suitable plinth or display stand.
- Artists are responsible for ensuring that sculptures are stable and suitable for exhibition.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each submission must include:
1. Artist Bio
A brief biography outlining your artistic practice and background.
2. Website / Social Media Handles
Please provide your artist website and/or relevant social media handles.
3. Artwork Description
A one-paragraph description of the submitted piece, including its inspiration, concept and/or connection to the The Figure theme.
4. Artwork Photographs
Applicants must provide clear image of the artwork.
Photographs should be well lit, clear and show the artwork in its entirety.
For sculptures, please also include an overall view and detail photographs, where appropriate.
IMPORTANT: Artwork photographs cannot currently be uploaded directly through this application form. Please email all required images to arthouse473@gmail.com after submitting your application.
Please include your full name and the title of your artwork in the email subject line so that your photographs can be matched with your application.
Suggested email subject:
The Figure – [Artist Name] – [Artwork Title]
5. Artwork Dimensions
Please provide the height × width, and depth where applicable.
6. Artist’s Price
Please state the price you wish to receive for the artwork.
Art House 473 commission of 30% will be added to the artist’s stated price to determine the final selling price.
SELECTION
All submissions will be reviewed by the directors at Art House 473.
Selection will be based on artistic merit, relevance to the exhibition theme, presentation and available exhibition space.
Submission does not guarantee selection.
The decision of Art House 473 regarding the selection of artworks will be considered final.
REGISTRATION FEE
Artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will be required to pay an $25ec registration fee upon acceptance.
The registration fee is only applicable to successful candidates.
SALES
All sales of artwork during the exhibition will be handled exclusively by Art House 473.
Artists should not conduct direct sales or collect payment from purchasers during the exhibition.
The artist’s stated price will be the amount the artist wishes to receive, with the Grenada Arts Council’s commission added to determine the final selling price.
INSURANCE & DISPLAY OF ARTWORK
Artwork submitted for The Figure will not be insured by Art House 473.
All artwork is displayed and exhibited at the artist’s own risk.
Art House 473 will take reasonable care in the handling and display of submitted works but accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to artwork.
Artists will be required to acknowledge and accept these terms as part of the submission process.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Monday, March 1st 2027
Please ensure that all required information and artwork photographs are submitted by the deadline.
Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
The Figure: Artwork Referencing the Human Body
Held at Art House 473 in Calliste, Grenada.
March 19th – April 2nd 2026
Opening Reception, March 19th, 5:30pm
