Exhibit, set for Jan. 14-March 5, kicks off nonprofit’s new Artist Collective designed to provide educational and professional development opportunities for area artists 

ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory invites artists working in all two- and three-dimensional mediums to submit their work for consideration for “Compendium,” the art center’s first juried exhibition in more than five years. The exhibit, designed to showcase the talents of the artists living and working in the region, will also help launch the nonprofit’s “Artist Collective,” a new initiative designed to provide the region’s visual arts community with a variety of impactful educational and professional development programs and opportunities.

Set for Jan.14-March 5, Compendium is open to all two-dimensional mediums, as well as any three-dimensional medium fitting within an 18”x18” footprint. Artists may submit up to three works for a fee of $15, with members of the new Artist Collective invited to enter the show at no charge. Submissions can be made at www.bananafactory.org/artists and deadline to apply is Dec. 16.

“The Lehigh Valley region continues to grow, and with this growth we’ve seen an increased interest and appreciation for the arts,” says Hillary Harper, ArtsQuest Sr. Manager for Visual Arts. “As a community-based arts organization, ArtsQuest and its Banana Factory are committed to offering the educational programs, connections and resources our artists and arts community need to take advantage of any new opportunities that may arise.

“This new Artist Collective is designed to connect hotels, restaurants and businesses looking to purchase art with the talented artists living and working in our area. At the same time, the artists will have opportunities to take part in exhibitions, workshops and professional development events designed to give them the skills they need to market themselves and their work.”

Launched in late November, the Artist Collective is designed to provide opportunities for visual artists to advance their careers by taking part in networking events, marketing workshops and more. In the coming months, ArtsQuest will be announcing Artists Collective programs that include professional development classes and art appreciation workshops, as well as opportunities for artists to take part in open studio hours at the Banana Factory. Collective members will also receive an artist’s listing on the Banana Factory website, notices of upcoming art exhibition and competition opportunities in the region and more. Cost to join the Artist Collective is $45 for ArtsQuest Members and $50 for the public.

The Banana Factory Arts Center is located at 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. For more information on Compendium and the new Artist Collective, visit www.bananafactory.org/artists.