The National Collage Society’s (NCS) Annual Small Format Exhibit showcases postcard-sized collages measuring exactly 4-inch by 6-inch created by members worldwide. Now in its 26th year, this inclusive exhibition guarantees every member a spot, unlike the competitive Juried Exhibit which accepts only half of entries, encouraging both established and emerging artists to participate. Founded in 1982, the NCS has championed collage through exhibitions, workshops and publications, with this compact format challenging artists to distill their vision into a diverse and engaging showcase that celebrates the medium’s unique ability to explore texture, concept and design.
While all entries are accepted, only 18 were given awards out of more than 100 submissions. Three of those awards went to Guild artists!
The word “collage”, comes from the French verb “Coller” meaning “to glue”. To start a collage the artist would collect different papers, magazines, music, words, poetry, photos, fabrics and the list goes on. The fun begins when one starts arranging pieces on their support to achieve a pleasing composition and also considering color and texture. This process may take lots of twists and turns before reaching the final design. Once the composition has been decided, it is glued to the support and sealed.
About the Artists
Fran Dorr received an award for her Remember the Dodo Bird. Fran was with her collage group discussing the upcoming National Collage Society’s upcoming small format show when the idea for her submission just popped into her head.
Gretchen Bierbaum’s award winner is entitled Verborvm. Gretchen feels that expansive art can be found in a small format. We should be able to look at small collages and imagine them in a large format.
Jill Jepson received an award for her entry City Flowers. For this piece, Jill said, “I had no idea or inspiration, only that I wanted to keep it simple. So, I started doodling and found a design I liked. I gathered my collage papers and chose a color scheme. Once I started laying out my papers I saw an abstract cityscape. I used cut up watercolor paintings, rice and tissue papers, washi tape, gold foil envelope linings and a couple magazine cut outs. To soften the lines, I added flowers. I was pleased with the end result and much to my surprise, it won an award”.
