Call for Artists: “GATSBY in the GARDENS” PERSPECTIVES on ART DECO

Stylized forms, depicting the exuberance and opulence of the “Roaring 1920’s,” characteristic of the “Great Gatsby” Style Gold Coast of Long Island’s Mansions and Gardens during a period of economic prosperity, rapid social and cultural change, featuring lavish parties, sophisticated fashion, bold geometrical architectural design, refined luxury advertising and sleek transportation modes by land and sea. Curated in partnership by Westbury Arts and Old Westbury Gardens.

Westbury Arts, in partnership with Old Westbury Gardens, is proud to present a fifteen (15) ensemble exhibition which will be on display in the Light Court area of the museum mansion from Friday, September 19th to Sunday, September 21st, 2025, in connection with Old Westbury Gardens’ exciting “Gatsby in the Gardens” themed weekend-long event, where visitors will be encouraged to wear Roaring 1920’s Gatsby style attire.

  • Artists’ works will serve to enhance the Gatsby style themed atmosphere for Old Westbury Gardens’ visitors.
  • Complimentary Tickets: Participating artists will be gifted tickets for the event weekend to view their artwork on display and enjoy the House and Gardens. Roaring 1920’s Gatsby style attire is encouraged but not required.
  • Please direct ALL inquiries to Westbury Arts (do not contact Old Westbury Gardens). You may call the Westbury Arts Gallery at (516) 400-2787 or email the Lead Event Coordinator, Jacki@westburyarts.org.

This Artist Call is Open to Westbury Arts Members. If you are not a current member, please scan the QR Code (scroll down to view membership options) to Renew or Become a Westbury Arts member and submit your artwork for the “Gatsby in the Gardens” Artist Call.

No fees are due to submit your artwork for consideration.
The $15.00 submit fee plus possible membership fee (up to $25.00) will be due only IF your artwork is selected.

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Perspectives on ART DECO: “Gatsby in the Gardens”

Westbury Arts will judge original artists’ works depicting themes of the 1920’s luxurious lifestyles reminiscent of the “Great Gatsby” Gold Coast of Long Island, marked by the Art Deco style characteristic of the period’s symmetrical curves and lines, bold colors palettes, geometric shapes and patterns, and the glitz, glamour, jewel tones, lush velvets and fabrics of the era. Art Deco Garden designs of the time featured ornamental elements such as statues, fountains, and stylized plant arrangements chosen for their architectural value and bold shapes. Luxurious materials included marble, bronze, and glass in fountains; pergolas; and seating areas to create a sense of opulence. Water features including ponds, fountains, and birdbaths were also a trend.

Submission Fee

$15.00 for current Westbury Arts members for up to two (2) works can be submitted by an artist. The fee is collected if your work is accepted for exhibit.

Acceptable Subjects

The objects and stylized representations, whether People, Places, or Things, will contribute to the overall aesthetic that is a hallmark of the 1920’s and Art Deco movement.

Selection Criteria

The Westbury Arts Exhibition Panel will determine which works will be accepted. Considerations will include:

  1. Relation to the theme
  2. Artistic merit
  3. Variety/mixture
  4. The absence of violence, nudity or any imagery otherwise deemed unsuitable for public display

Artwork Sales

  • All artwork sales will be transacted privately.
  • Artists’ direct contact information will be displayed with the artwork.
  • Interested parties may contact the artist directly.
  • There will be no donation requirement on any private sales.
  • However, you may make a donation to Westbury Arts and/or Old Westbury Gardens if you choose.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Adults

Emerging and established artists must be 18 years or over and reside in the U.S.

Original Two-Dimensional Themed Artwork

Original suitably themed 2-D artwork of any kind will be considered.

Entry Information

All entry submission information requested (see entry form link below) must be included (artist QR Code optional).

Submission Format

Judging will be done entirely from JPEGs or PNGs. Each image must, importantly, be labeled with your name, title, and medium of the artwork. No other formats will be accepted.

Size Dimension

The maximum sized artwork submission (frame included) for consideration is 11” x 17”.

Artwork Must be Ready to Hang

The artwork chosen must be:

  • Suitably framed
  • Firmly wired
  • Ready to hang by medal Graber drapery hook on a 2-display portable board
  • No sawtooth hangers or sandwich frames
  • No artwork or artist placement cards will be hung on walls

Availability of Artwork

Artwork must be available for the entire display period from Friday, September 19th to Sunday, September 21st, 2025.

Acceptance of Terms

Your completion of the entry form will serve as your acceptance of the terms and conditions stated herein. Violence, nudity or any imagery otherwise deemed unsuitable for public display will not be considered. Westbury Arts and Old Westbury Gardens reserve the right to not accept, hang or display any artwork at their discretion. All decisions will be final.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES

Entry Deadline

Entries must be submitted on or before 11:59 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Acceptance Notification

Accepted artists will be notified on/about Wednesday, September 10th, 2025. Only selected artists will be notified by Westbury Arts. Do not contact Old Westbury Gardens.

Artwork Delivery

  • Drop-Off: Saturday, September 13th, 2025, from 10:30 AM until 2:00 PM
  • Pick-up/Return: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, from 10:30 AM until 2:00 PM
  • Further drop-off and pick-up details will be included in the acceptance notification
  • All inquiries and deliveries must be coordinated through Westbury Arts. Do not contact Old Westbury Gardens.

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