NESBA Exhibition Guidelines

NESBA reserves the right to decline any submission, or to remove a selected work, if it does not conform to the exhibition theme or fails to meet any of these guidelines.

  • The subject plant must be the prominent feature of the work and be scientifically accurate.  Insects or other animals may be shown, particularly if they pertain in a significant way to the plant’s life cycle but the focus of the work must be botanical.

    All plant parts need not be shown, however what is shown should be botanically accurate.

    Work can be of any scale, and background can be any color.

    Supports such as vases, tablecloths, other still-life objects should not be included.  

    Background images are allowed if they place the plant in its native habitat and are not the focal point of the work.

    Artworks must be original works created by the artist only and may not include digital components.

  • The scientific name of a plant has two parts: genus and species.  The genus name always comes first and is capitalized. The species name is always in lower case. The name is printed in italics or underlined if handwritten.

    When the actual species is not known or specified, “sp.” can be used as an abbreviation; “spp.” is the plural form. These abbreviations are not italicized.  Example Rosa sp.

    If you are listing a series of plants all in the same genus, the generic name can be abbreviated. Example: Lavandula latifolia, L. stoechas and L. canariensis are three lavender species.

    Variety: Plants with a naturally occurring variation can be noted by using ‘var.’ before the identifying name. Example: Philodendron hederaceum var. kirkbridei

    Hybrid are indicated by an × (multiplication sign). Both the genus name and the specific epithet are italicized.  Example: Platanus occidentalis × Platanus orientalis (or Platanus occidentalis × P. orientalis). Sometimes the hybrid is given a new name of its own: Example: Platanus × hispanica with the × in the new name indicating it is a hybrid.

    Cultivar: Cultivars are new plants that were bred in cultivation rather than being natural variations. Example Clematis ‘Huldine’

    1. Use wood frames. Do not use metal frames.  Frame color should be light, medium, or gold.

    2. Mats should be white or off-white.

    3. Hangers should be D-rings. No screw eyes or sawtooth hangers. D-rings should be placed 3-4 inches from the top of your work. Make sure the wire is taut and will not show above the frame when hanging.

    4. Work should be framed with Plexiglass - no glass.

    5. Tape the back of the painting using painter’s tape or framer’s tape to securely affix your painting in the frame.

  • 1.     Click here to download the Exhibit Labels

    2.     Print and complete two labels.

    3.     Attach one label to the back of your artwork in the lower corner.

    4.     Attach the second label to the front of your packaging envelope.

  • Recommended wrapping materials: bubble wrap or an insulation material called Double Reflective Insulation Radiant Barrier.  The insulation material is recommended as sturdier and easier to reuse. It is available at Home Depot and other hardware stores.

    1.     Cut a piece of wrapping material big enough to go around your painting plus 4-6 inches for a flap at the top.

    2.     If using bubble wrap, bubbles should be on the OUTSIDE.

    3.     Leave enough room on the sides for the painting to slip in and out of the envelope easily.

    4.     Fold the bottom up to cover that painting and tape the sides together securely with clear shipping tape or duct tape.

    5.     Seal the top flap with removable tape such as blue painters' tape.

    6.     Affix your label from Step #4 to the front of the envelope.

  • Schedule drop-off and pick-up with the Transport Person in your geographic area listed below.  List this person on your labels in Step #4

  • An artist statement for an exhibition should ideally be 150 to 300 words long, spanning about 1 to 3 paragraphs.  Include your name and email address.  Consider including the following elements:

    ·      How long you’ve been painting.

    ·      Your experience / training

    ·      Professional affiliations

    ·      What inspires you to do botanical art. 

    ·      Your process, painting approach.

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