Prima Materia - Guidelines

Prima Materia is a structured, multi-part exhibition examining the hand as origin — the instrument through which intention becomes mark.

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Each participating artist produces a unified system consisting of a finished palette, a working palette, and a plaster cast of their dominant arm. These elements are installed as a single vertical composition, presenting instrument, process, and resolution as one continuous work.

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Please read the guidelines carefully.

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Exhibition Structure

Each artist installation consists of three primary elements:

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1. Primary Palette (Resolution)
The resolved artwork. This serves as the main visual component and is wall-mounted.

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2. Working Palette (Process)
A palette used during active creation. This surface must show authentic evidence of labor, accumulation, and decision-making.

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3. Plaster Arm Cast (Instrument)
A cast of the artist’s dominant arm (hand through forearm), displayed on a pedestal beneath the wall works.

These three elements function as a single, unified work.

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Palette Usage

Primary Palette

• Must contain the finished, resolved artwork

• Will be displayed as the top element of the installation
   

Working Palette

• Must be used during the creation process

• Should retain visible marks of use (paint, mixture, correction, etc.)

• Will be displayed directly beneath the primary palette
   

Third Palette (Optional)

• May be used as a secondary artwork or held for sale

• Will not be included in the installed vertical composition

 

Orientation & Composition

• All palettes must remain horizontal

• The finger hole may be oriented left or right

• Artists should consider natural handling of the palette in the non-dominant hand

• Sculptural additions are permitted but must remain stable and wall-safe

• The palette format must remain intact; any expansion must be minimal and structurally sound​

 

Installation & Hangers (Important)

The gallery will handle all installation and 

• Gallery curator will make works suitable for wall mounting

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Sales & Commission

Sales will be processed through the hosting gallery.
 

Commission Structure:

• 40% Gallery Commission (Empire)

• 60% to artists
   

Artists may offer:

• The primary palette artwork alone

• The complete installation (palette set + arm cast)

• Optional third palette work
   

Artists should price accordingly.

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Key Dates

Artwork Drop-Off Deadline
July 1, 2026
 

Work must be delivered directly to the curator. Please coordinate at the curator’s home OR another agreed-upon location. Work should not be left unattended or unaccounted for at any time.

Curator Drop-off Location:
3125 Dogwood Drive
Hapeville, GA 30354
 

Installation
July 7 – July 9, 2026
 

Opening Reception
July 10, 2026 - (evening TBD)
Empire Arts Gallery

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Artwork Pickup

Artists are responsible for retrieving all work after the exhibition.

• Pickup window will be provided after close

• Work must be collected within 30 days