Photographic artists' submissions sought

The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch is announcing a two-part call to artists for photographic submissions for two projects.

The first is a planned publication titled "Roadside Sculptures and Topiary Delights [as created by the Utility Companies]."

Photographs are also being accepted for inclusion in the upcoming exhibition titled "Sprawl," which will run from Feb. 29 to April 4 at SICA, 20 Third Ave., Long Branch.

For "Roadside Sculptures and Topiary Delights," the gallery is seeking black and white or color images of strange occurrences produced by the intrusion of utility companies on people and the environment. SICA's plan is to compile the selected works into a publication, the sale of which will benefit SICA, a nonprofit art institution. The deadline for possible inclusion in this publication is March 30. Some examples can be found on www.sica.org.

Submissions received by Jan. 18 will be considered for inclusion in "Sprawl," which is being organized in conjunction with simultaneous exhibitions at Jersey City Museum, the Rahway Artist Guild and the Hunterdon Museum. It involves artists whose work investigates the changes that occur on the social, political, economic, ecological and geographic levels. The intrusion of utilities obviously fits within these parameters, according to a press release.

The exhibition and publication are open to all photographers. Each artist may enter digital images of original photographs only for consideration, which have been completed in the past eight years.

Digital entries may be black and white or color, and no larger than 850KB (actual work may be a higher resolution).

Entry fee, including insurance and handling fees, is $20 for the submission of two photographs and is nonrefundable. Additional images may be submitted for $10 per image. All submissions must be digital through theWeb site www.sica.org and fit the theme of "Roadside Sculptures and Topiary Delights [as created by the Utility Companies]." Examples can be seen on theWeb site. Juried screening will be made from digital images only.

Only accepted artists will be notified. Work selected for inclusion in the "Sprawl" exhibition and shipped to SICA will not be accepted unless all return costs, necessary documentation and shipping insurance is included by the artist.

For a schedule for submissions, more information, a prospectus, or to enter, visit www.sica.org, call (732) 263-1121, or email info@sica.org.