Exhibits Policy and Procedures

In general, it shall be the responsibility of the Visual Arts Committee (VAC), as appointed by the president of the Franklin County Arts Alliance to determine selection and scheduling of all exhibits held at the Old Jail Art Museum. An individual wanting to exhibit must be recommended by one or more of the committee members and have the support of a majority of the VAC. In the case of individuals petitioning the Visual Arts Committee for an exhibit, the following procedure will be followed:

1. Petitioner submits a request to the VAC chairperson.
2. Petitioner fills out an artist's background and statement-of-purpose form.
3. Petitioner leaves a selection of his/her work with the VAC chairperson, or at the Frame-Up for review by the VAC.
4. VAC reviews and votes on the suitability of the petitioner's work for an exhibit at the Art Museum.
5. VAC responds positively or negatively to the petitioner's request and if the request is approved, the VAC works the petitioner into the museum's exhibit schedule.
6. 
   In the majority of cases, only the works of professionals, semi-professionals and art instructors will be considered for exhibit. Exceptionally qualified amateurs may be considered under special conditions, as well as knowledgeable collectors of art who wish to share their personal collections.
   Art students are encouraged to enter invitational shows for local artists, which may be held at the art museum or Cultural Arts Center during the annual Countryfest.
   
   

O'JamWatercolor & Pastel, 10 X 8, Jerry Smith
Many of the accomplished and award-winning artists in northeast Texas exhibit in our Old Jail Art Museum, affectionately referred to as "O'Jam." The permanent collection includes paintings in oils, watercolors, acrylic, mixed media, cut-paper, and pencil. There is photographic art and numerous works in ceramics and sculptures in stone, clay and metal. Whether you are a lover of high art, an art student, or just enjoy seeing individual achievement, the OJAM is a center for education and appreciation.

A Bit of History

The old county jail was offered to us when the Arts Alliance desperately needed a facility for an art center. While the jail was not the perfect facility for an art museum it was offered at virtually no cost, and there was a precedent: the Albany, Texas, Old Jail Art Museum. The Albany museum started under similar circumstances over 25 years ago and became a first class art museum with a collection valued in the millions. Albany is stimulating because it mirrors Mt. Vernon in size and in enthusiasm for the arts and tourism. We and other supports of the arts visit Albany, periodically, for inspiration. more. . .