The Art Gallery of New Geneva (AGNG) will consider any form of art to be displayed or performed including

2-dimensional visual art, 3-dimensional displays, literary, and performing arts which hold to a worldview as explained in our “Philosophy & Worldview” section.

All potential projects will be reviewed by the Art Gallery Board in order to be considered for exhibition.

General Information

If you are curious about displaying or performing at the AGNG, here are some quick, general points to first consider:

1. We believe all mankind is created in the image of God and therefore, by the grace of God, is able to do and perform good works, as God determines. Therefore, any work rendered as “good and acceptable” by the Board at the AGNG (whether from a professing Christian or not) is simply a reflection of God’s imputed ability upon that person, so therefore the Gallery believes that the work honors the Creator, not necessarily the artist himself.

2. All categories of art will be considered for display including representational, symbolic and abstract. Since all categories of art are exampled throughout creation by the Creator, all categories of art are accepted at the AGNG.

3. Artists willing to display must fill out an Application Form. See more details about displaying at the end of this section.

4. Once projects are submitted for consideration, the review board at the AGNG will notify the artist within 1-2 months of their decision.

5. If a general call goes out to artists for exhibition work being planned at the Gallery, artists are expected to abide by the rules and deadlines laid out for that particular exhibit or event.

6. The AGNG is a non-profit entity and therefore is legally bound from allowing direct sales for personal gain. Artists, therefore, are not permitted to directly sell their work through the AGNG.

Please contact us for details concerning this.

7. Depictions of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The AGNG will avoid depictions of facial or full body images of the personhood of Jesus. Although we firmly believe that the Lord, Jesus is all man as well as all God, we believe this is not only the safest path, but also will help to avoid added confusion with this issue. Consideration will, however, be made in certain cases such as historical, educational reasons, or creative suggestions of the Lord within an artwork.

8. Nudity within Artwork. Blatant nudity, harsh depictions of violence, or other such images willgenerally not be accepted for display. While such themes may or may not be truthful or Biblical, the AGNG endeavors to be a family-friendly place where no one will feel uncomfortable or hesitate to bring their children. Veiled expressions within the work may be accepted and will be considered on an individual basis.

Philosophy & Worldview 

The Art Gallery of New Geneva is a unique art institution in that it holds to a Biblical worldview of the arts and is not swayed necessarily by popular trends or the secular art world. Although it is open to considerations, its foundational appreciation for the arts is rooted in the precepts found in Scripture.

One passage that can be a general guide when considering displaying or performing at the Art Gallery at New Geneva is the following passage found in Philippians 4, verse 8:

…whatever things are true,

whatever things are honest

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

(Note: It would be virtually impossible for one art project to encompass all the traits listed above; only Christ can do that. However, if it can hold to at least one of them, it would be considered for showing at the Art Gallery of New Geneva.)

With respect to the above passage (Phil 4:8) and how it relates to the visual or performing arts, please consider the following:

True
(true; not concealing, deceitful, or lying)

Art projects should convey truth, not lies. Sometimes the truth is hard and hurts, but with some creativity, there can be a glimmer of hope even among the ashes.

Honest
(revere; honorable in character; venerable; grave)

A work should be honorable, not offensive to God. The workmanship as well should be executed with care being properly finished and/or framed, ready to display.

Just
(upright; virtuous; in keeping the commands of God; righteous)

Projects displayed should not promote unjust or unethical ideas that are against the righteousness of God’s Word.

Pure
(sacred; chaste; modest; morally blameless)

If an artist is pure in heart regarding the project displayed or performed, his work will reflect that.

Lovely
(acceptable; pleasing; friendly towards or fond of)

Something that is lovely draws people toward it. It can be appealing in either its simplicity or complexity, but its beauty to the eyes and/or perhaps to the thoughts and imagination will be motivating or appreciated by the viewer in some way.

Good Report
(sounding well; well-spoken of; good reputation)

Having a good report means having a good reputation; something or someone who has nothing to be ashamed of. Art work displayed or performed at the Gallery should be able to be viewed by all, young and old alike, without improprieties.

Virtue
(moral goodness; modesty; valor; attributed excellence)

The work should be of good character and quality, depicting a standard of respect.

Praise
(a commendable thing)

Specifically before God, a work should be commendable. “Praise of men” does not supersede praise or approval by God. (Ro2:29; 1Cor2:6-7)

Think on these Things
The last phrase in the above passage tells us to THINK on these things.

The art displayed and performed at the Gallery should not only be acceptable to the viewers, but also encourage their minds to ponder, wonder, and consider things they may not normally think about, even if it’s as “simple” as the wonderfully balanced perfection of the center of a flower.

Do you know …the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? (Job 37:16)

Length of Time for Exhibiting: Generally, an exhibit will be on display for one month unless otherwise agreed upon between the Gallery and the artist on the registration form.

Setup and Dismantling of Exhibit: The Art Gallery of New Geneva will arrange the setup of wall displays. The artist must bring work no earlier than two days prior to the exhibit date unless agreed upon. Artwork must be ready for hanging. The artist is responsible for retrieving his work no later than one day after the completed exhibit date, unless otherwise agreed upon. The Gallery will not assume responsibility for the artist’s work beyond the agreed pickup time.

The Gallery will do all that is possible to preserve and protect the artist’s work while in its care, however the Art Gallery is not responsible for damages by natural disasters, undetermined damages or elements beyond its control.

If an artist desires to have an Opening Event at the beginning of his/her exhibition, details will be written down between the Gallery and the Artist on the application form. 

Fee for Displaying: The Art Gallery of New Geneva does not take commissions for any work. Rather, the AGNG charges a flat fee for separate sections of the Gallery. If you’d like to receive current pricing for the use of the Gallery's available displaying areas, please write to: artshouldmatter@gmail.com  The fee for displaying will be detailed on the agreement form and must be satisfied prior to the first day of the exhibition.

Performance arts or other events will be negotiated and detailed on the agreement form.

Please send direct payments to PO Box 778, Appomattox, VA 24522, payable to "The ITR".

(ITR: The Institute for Theonomic Reformation, www.HisGlory.us)

Online payments can be made at: https://give.cornerstone.cc/newgeneva   Please designate what the payment is for on that link.

All proceeds go directly to the operation and maintenance of the Art Gallery of New Geneva.