Stride For Stride: Celebrating the 100th Start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton

"Stride For Stride" March 26– April 18, 2024

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) is excited to announce a special call for art. To celebrate the 100th start in Hopkinton, we invite artists and storytellers to submit inspiring stories about the Boston Marathon. We are looking for art that captures the spirit of the marathon and the quiet heroes who have made it what it is today.

Have you witnessed or experienced an inspiring moment during the Boston Marathon? Have you captured it in a photograph, painting, poem, or sculpture? We invite you to share your story with us through your art.

Over the years, we have witnessed countless acts of kindness, bravery, and determination from the runners and the spectators. From the beloved dog Spencer, who greeted the runners with a flag in his mouth, to the Hoyts, who showed the fierce love and bond between a father and son, we have seen the best of the human spirit.

Art can bring people together and inspire change. We invite you to join us in celebrating the heroes of the Boston Marathon through your art. Let’s honor the stories of those who have made the marathon what it is today and inspire others to do the same.

Memories of Heartbreak Hill

“I grew up a few houses away from Commonwealth Ave at the start of Heartbreak Hill. The Boston Marathon was a part of my childhood. All the neighborhood kids and I used to hand out water and orange slices to the runners and cheer them on to keep going. As a young child, I was intrigued by those who would trickle by, hobbling along as it started to get dark long after most of the pack had crossed the finish line. I wanted to know more about why they were pushing themselves so hard.

It has evolved over the last 50 years since I sat on the grassy medium of Commonwealth Avenue with my friends, and now I find myself working in the community that hosts the start of this infamous course. But the kid in me still wants to know the stories. We’ve celebrated the history of the Boston Globe’s coverage. We’ve celebrated the first woman (Bobbi Gibb) to run the marathon, and now it's time to tell all the other stories from the everyday runners who all have a story to tell. We are listening.”

Sarah Alexander, Gallery Director, and Curator.

"Stride by Stride" is a competitive juried show for all artists. Selected juries will choose the artwork to be exhibited and select six outstanding works for awards. These artworks will be honored during the reception on April 12, 2024. The six winning artists will receive cash prizes totaling over $1,000.

Specifications:

Up to three artworks not shown at HCA may be submitted. All 2D media, including photos, fiber art, and digital art, may be entered. The work must be wired for hanging. The maximum height and width for framed wall-hung work is 40 inches. Click here for more information.

3D work may be entered if it is free-standing (does not require a pedestal), can be hung on the wall, and does not protrude more than 10 inches. No sawtooth hangers, sandwich frames, giclee prints, copies, derivatives, or electronic reproductions will be accepted.

Important Dates:

03/05: Call Deadline

03/08: Announcement of selected artworks

Art Drop off: Art accepted into the show is to be received by mail* or drop off Friday 03/22, 3-6 p.m., and/or Saturday 3/23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

03/26: Exhibition Opens

04/12: Opening Reception

04/18: Exhibit Ends

Art Pick Up: Friday 04/19, 3 – 6 p.m., and Saturday 04/20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

*Non-local selected artists' work must be received at the HCA, 98 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 c/o exhibitions by March 22, 2024. Non-local artists are responsible for shipping costs to and from the HCA and insure their work while in transit. If shipping work, each artist must provide a pre-paid UPS or FedEx return shipping label, including insurance. Please pack your work in sturdy, reusable packaging. The HCA carries appropriate insurance to cover all artwork in the show for the duration of the exhibition, including the time frame of drop-off, installation, de-installation, and pick-up.

Eligibility:

Artists of all ages are welcome to apply.

Accessibility:

The HCA gallery spaces are fully accessible, and we strive to make the exhibition submission process accessible to all artists. We encourage anyone to enter our open-call exhibitions. If you need any additional information or accommodations to enter, please call Art Director Sarah Alexander at 508.589.4409.

Commission Structure:

Artists receive 70% commission, and the HCA receives 30% for art sold during the exhibition. The HCA may duplicate and reproduce images of work for purposes of public relations and exhibition announcements directly related to the exhibition.