new exhibitors information

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY PAINTING IN mINIATURE?

The Hilliard Society is committed to encouraging new artists into this intricate art form and we know it can sometimes be daunting to enter work in a new exhibition. We are therefore delighted to offer free online submissions for pre-selection from aspiring miniaturists who would like to take part in our annual International Exhibition of Miniature Art.

WHO CAN SUBMIT WORK ONLINE?

First time entrants from anywhere in the world are welcome to submit images of their work by email for pre-selection. You may submit up to five works. This is a free service, intended to give you an initial appraisal before submitting your work for exhibition selection. It is completely optional, you are very welcome to simply send your work in the usual way, between 7th-11th April 2025, whether or not you have exhibited with us before. If you are 18 or under please let us know.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEND YOUR IMAGES?

Please send you images by Friday MARCH 14TH 2025 (see below). Unfortunately entries sent after this date cannot be considered. This allows for the selection committee to make their decisions and for successful artists to be able to get work to the Society in time for the exhibition hand-in date (especially if it is coming from overseas). You will be notified the pre-selection committee's decision by email on Monday 17th March.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?

If you have been successful, you will be invited to send your work to the Exhibition Selection Committee in time for the hand in date, along with your entry form and fee, in the same way as other exhibitors. Please note that the quality of artwork juried into the Exhibition is very high and pre-selection does not automatically ensure your work will be selected for the final Exhibition. If you have been unsuccessful we will do our best to give you the reason to encourage you to try again another year.

COST:   There is no charge for submitting entries for pre-selection. If you are subsequently invited to submit entries for the Exhibition, Non-Members may submit up to FIVE miniature works at an Entry Fee of £12 per work. This covers handling and administrative costs and is non-refundable. If you are 18 or under there is no entry fee to pay.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE A GO?

A miniature painting can be worked on any media and in any medium - bearing in mind that a smooth surface is required to execute the miniature techniques of fine detail and brushwork. It should be of good composition and tonal balance when viewed from a distance and, by virtue of its detail and fine execution, should stand up to close inspection. Mounts should be accurately cut and frames of high quality and not overwhelming.

Maximum sizes - Rectangles 4.5 inches x 6 inches; Squares 4.5 inches; Circles 4.5 inches in diameter. Sculptures maximum size is 10" in any dimension. This should include the outer size of the frame, as larger sizes may influence selection. Please also note these are 'maximum' sizes - most miniatures are considerably smaller. 

See Materials and Guidelines for helpful information and a video to help with framing queries. Please also have a look at the current exhibition online.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR IMAGES FOR PRE-SELECTION


Please submit a clear photograph of your framed work with a ruler alongside (as in the example shown) together with your name. We can only accept entries for pre-selection submitted by March 14th 2025.


Please EMAIL your entries to: submissions@hilliardsociety.org