An unprecedented 347 artists submitted a total of 520 artworks for this competition from across the country and around the world. Only 55 artworks were selected.  

A note from the juror:

At first what appeared as a daunting task - to select 55 artworks from 520 submissions for a museum group show - soon became an intriguing mandate.  I discovered there were parallel ideas and images generated by the subject of Departures - as if the collective unconscious arrived at similar ideas and themes, simultaneously.  Since I was not familiar with all the individual artists' previous work, and how it related to a departure in their new work, I focused on the work which best exemplified the notion of Departure - in terms of innovation, striking imagery, unusual palette or fresh technique, the leaps and bounds of individual artistic expression. The results I hope provide for a visually stimulating show, initiating conversations about Departure between the artists, as well as the viewers.  Special thanks to Benton Jones for inviting me for this project, and to all the artists who took the time and care to submit their work.  Onwards and upwards!

-Nick Lawrence, Cape Cod and NYC