DES MOINES – Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Arts Council recently announced an open call for female artists to submit their artwork for the Iowa Women’s Art Exhibition, which celebrates female Iowa artists and their contributions to the vitality of the arts and quality of life in Iowa.

“Everywhere I go, I hear from businesses and industry who are not only interested in our economic climate, but also our state’s quality of life for their employees,” Reynolds said. “Iowa’s female artists play a leading role in developing and supporting creative and economic vitality in our state and I am pleased to display their works in my formal office. I encourage Iowa’s female artists to submit their works for the Iowa Women’s Art Exhibition.”

The exhibition includes two exhibits each year that rotate semi-annually at the state Capitol in the formal office of the Lieutenant Governor with a Fall Exhibit July through December and a Spring Exhibit January through June 2017. The submission deadline is May 2 and artists must use the online application portal at www.iowaartscouncil.slideroom.com.

Applicants must be a current Iowa resident, female, 21 years of age or older and not enrolled in a degree-granting program. Submissions must be original pieces in 2D or 3D media completed within the past five years. Film, video or installation work will not be accepted. Works also must be display-ready including frames, fastening/installation material, and stand-alone without set-up needs.

Selected artists will receive $250 stipends to underwrite transportation and display costs. More information is available by contacting Veronica O’Hern at veronica.ohern@iowa.gov or visiting www.iowaculture.gov.

The Iowa Arts Council is a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.