Only a few days remain to submit entries for Art in the Loft’s third annual Juried Art Exhibit. The quickly approaching deadline is Sept. 3 for the 2018 Red-themed competition.

Once all entries are in, the selections made by this year’s juror and the exhibit installed, there should be little doubt what the 2018 theme is since each piece in the exhibit will be comprised of at least 50 percent red hues.

“Just based on what we’re seeing in terms of submissions we’ve already received, you’ll know as soon as you walk in the door,” said Justin Christensen-Cooper, executive director of the Loft.

During the juried show’s inaugural year, artists worked within a strictly Black and White theme. That was followed up last year with a Forgotten Spaces theme.

“This year’s theme of Red stemmed from our first show, which was the Black and White,” Christensen-Cooper said. “We decided at that time if we were going to do the juried show every year then we wanted to represent all the colors of the color wheel over time. It will probably be a bi-annual thing.”

All submissions are done through the Loft’s website, www.artintheloft.org. Cost to participate is $35 for the first entry and $10 for each one after that up to three total entries.

Serving as this year’s juror is Tara Welch, executive director of Studio 23/The Arts Center in Bay City.

During her time at Studio 23, Welch has helped to increase programming, community outreach and donor support. Studio 23 hosts seven exhibits a year, including two annual exhibits and one juried exhibit. It also serves an advocate for public art by creating murals, an Art Around the City project, an outside gallery experience and community-based projects.

Welch is a 2014 graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with a double Bachelor of Arts in Art and History. Art in the Loft has always been a favorite stop for her as she travels to Alpena to visit her in-laws. She currently resides in Bay City with her husband, Brent.

The Red show opens Oct. 4 and runs through Nov. 8. An opening/awards reception is planned for Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.

Among awards to be presented are Best of Show (full year of exhibition space and $300 cash prize), Second Place ($200 cash prize), Third Place ($100 cash prize) and People’s Choice ($50 gift certificate).

Christensen-Cooper said he is pleased with the submissions that have come in to date.

“The interesting thing with the color theme is that it opens itself to many styles of art,” he said. “You’re not pigeonholed. The entries include many styles, many mediums, many design choices. The only parameter is that the design choice has to be 50 percent red, which can be anything from reddish brown and maroon to light red or even pink shades.”

Complete details about the competition and submission process are available at the Loft’s website. More information also is available at 989-356-4877.