Beaufort County Arts Council is having a membership drive, of sorts. The organization is accepting work for its annual Members’ Exhibit, which opens May 16 at the Washington Civic Center.
There are no jurors and no fees to enter the exhibit. The only requirement for the exhibit is that artists are members in good standing with BCAC.
“That’s when a lot of our artists renew, when the member show rolls around,” said BCAC Executive Director Joey Toler.
BCAC has a senior/student membership for $25 and individual memberships for $40. Senior couples may join for $40, and families become members for $60. There are memberships classified as donors, sponsors, patrons and benefactors, depending on the size of members’ donations.
Each member may enter up to two original works in the Members’ Exhibit. The work may be two-or three-dimensional and any medium.
“We take anything that they bring us,” Toler said. “We do reserve a right to reject a piece if it is controversial. But, that’s never happened in my tenure.”
Two-dimensional work must be wired for hanging, and 3D work must fit in the Civic Center’s glass cases. Artists are encouraged to call the arts council in advance if they plan to exhibit work.
Toler said the show has no jurors (people who judge artwork) to encourage everyone to participate without the pressure of scrutiny. The exhibit has become one of the most anticipated events of the year because of the wide spectrum of work entered, he said.
“It’s a huge show; I mean it’s one of the biggest shows we do,” Toler said.
If previous years are any indication, there will be at least 40 artists in the exhibit. Toler loves the show for two reasons.
“I like the diversity,” he said. “And it sells well.”
Entries may be delivered to the BCAC office located in the historic train depot at 108 Gladden St. in downtown Washington the week of May 7-10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Outside of our Fine Arts Show in October, this has to be one of our most popular exhibits,” said Toler.  “It’s a chance for the public to see what a broad range of talent we have among our membership when it comes to the visual arts.”
The annual Members’ Exhibit opens May 16 with a reception at the Civic Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit will run through June 27. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
The Civic Center gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occasionally, the Civic Center is closed for private functions, so the public is encouraged to call the arts council in advance to verify gallery hours. For more information about this exhibit and more programs offered by BCAC, call 252-946-2504 or by email sent to beaufortcountyarts@embarqmail.com.