Poetic License – 2025

The Deadline to select a poem is 8/15/2025. 
The Deadline to submit your art is 8/25/2025.
Call For Art

Inspired by a project created by the Poetry Barn in West Hurley, NY & the Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), the Hudson Valley Writers Guild & the Upstate Artists Guild created our own version of this project which we called Poetic License – Albany.

In 2022, 113 individual poems were submitted by 62 poets; ultimately, 18 works of visual art were exhibited at the Art Associates Gallery & at Lark Hall in Albany, with 3 readings held in conjunction with the exhibits. 
In 2023 the show exhibited in November at the Fish Market Project in Troy AND in December at the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany. 42 individual poems, submitted by 38 poets; 21 poems were selected by 19 artists; who ultimately, made 31 works of visual art.

In 2024, # individual poems were submitted by # poets; ultimately, # works of visual art were exhibited at the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany, with # readings held in conjunction with the exhibit. 

2025 will bring Poetic License back to the Fish Market Project in Troy for September 9/5-9/30 AND October 10/3- 11/16 at the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany.

In conjunction with the art show, PL will present Artist/Poet receptions, poetry readings by the PL poets and collage workshops with a focus on words.

Eligibility: 
Open to all past and present UAG Members. All media will be permitted.  Work must have been completed in the last 24 months. Work must be able to be delivered and picked up on the dates speci­fied.     THE UAG CANNOT STORE WORK!!!!

Speci­fications:
Entrants must select a curated poem from a HVWG member, and the artwork should be inspired by the poem. 
Otherwise, your work is limited only by imagination, ability, and the following:     
• Maximum size of work in any direction is 6 feet
• Work must be wired & ready to hang (3-D or media work must come display ready)
• Work must be clearly labeled with the artist’s name, name of work, price, and contact information (including app-based pay options if applicable)   

Entry procedure and fees:
Browse poems curated by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild (HVWG) between 6/15 and 8/15 to select a poem for inspiration. Poems will be available at  https://www.poeticlicensealbany.com/poems/ .  From there, you will be able to select a poem (or two!) that inspires you to make a visual work of art.

• Select your poem from the drop-down list on the submission page.
• Fill out and submit the form.
• Once the artwork is complete, Artists are encouraged to email artist/artwork information, images of the work, and a 1-2 page artist bio to info@upstateartistsguild.org
• There is no submission fee for this show.    
• Submission information and images of completed work must be received by midnight on August 25th 2025.  

The Show:
Drop off dates for accepted work are tentatively set for Tuesday, 9/2 6-8pm at the Fish Market and prior to that by contacting Rebecca to make other arrangements.

Fish Market Project in Troy for September 9/5-9/30 AND October 10/3- 11/16 at the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany

Un-sold artwork must be picked up from Honest Weight Food Coop on a date/time to be shared ASPA***Most likely 11/16/2025 Time TBD. Please contact Rebecca ahead of time if other arrangements are necessary. THE UAG CANNOT STORE WORK.

Events:
Friday, 9/5- Show opens at the Fish Market Project.  *Gallery Hours will be posted when available
*Sunday, 9/7 11am-2pm Collage Workshop-Words theme
*Monday, 9/15 6:30pm Poetry Reading/Open Mic
*Thursday, 9/18 6-8pm Collage Night-Words theme
Art Night Out, Friday 9/26 5-8pm- Closing Reception at the Fish Market Project
First Friday, 10/3 5-8pm- Opening Reception at Honest Weight Food-Co-op
*Sunday, 10/5 11am-2pm Collage Workshop-Words theme
*Monday, 10/13 6:30pm Poetry Reading/Open Mic
*Thursday, 10/16 6-8pm Collage Night-Words theme
First Friday, 11/7 5-8pm- Reception at Honest Weight Food-Co-op
*Dates & Times are subject to change, but will be updated if changes occur. 
Thank you for your understanding.

Sales:
Artists whose work is sold will receive 100% of the sale price.  There will be no commission fee.  Patrons will be encouraged to pay cash, write a check directly to the artist or be provided the artist’s PayPal, Venmo or other app-based payment.

We strongly suggest submitting by email.
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone:
E-mail:
App-based payment method (if applicable):
Name as you would like it on art label, if different from above:

1.Title:
Size:                                       
Price:
Medium:
Title of Selected Poem:

In the event that you selected two poems, enter second entry info here:

2. Title:
Size:                                       
Price:
Medium:
Title of Selected Poem: 

The UAG will take all possible precautions for the protection and care of all works for the duration of the show. 

The UAG CANNOT STORE WORK: Artists MUST pick up the work on the dates specified or make arrangements with the gallery ahead of time if you cannot make it during the pickup times. Artwork left at the gallery for over 30 days becomes property of the UAG. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, we cannot accept your artwork for display.
Signature
Print Name                     
Date 

The UAG is open to all and was established to promote the appreciation, practice, and enjoyment of art; art education and artistic endeavors throughout the community; and to work with the community to stimulate an interest in the arts.
It also works to support emerging artists, by providing them the opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery space.  The UAG is a not-for-profit volunteer organization.  

Please see PoeticLicenseAlbany.com for the Call for Art and other important information.