Campus & Community

Calling All Faculty and Staff Artists! Submit Your Original Creative Works to ‘On My Own Time’

Friday, April 28, 2023, By News Staff

graphic that says "On My Own Time OMOT2023" with the CNY Arts logoThe University is pleased to announce the return of its participation in “On My Own Time”—a celebration of local visual arts that highlights the often-unsung artists who create art on their own time.

2023 is the 50th anniversary of this program, organized by CNY Arts, and faculty and staff are invited to showcase their talents along with other employers and businesses in the region.

All eligible artwork submitted will be displayed on campus in the Noble Room in Hendricks Chapel in a special exhibition titled “On My Own Time–Celebrating the Artistic Talents of ϲ Faculty and Staff.” The exhibition will run from May 30-June 8.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to support their colleagues by visiting the exhibition and casting a ballot for their favorite piece to win the People’s Choice Award. Also, during the on-campus exhibit, a selection panel of adjudicators—including a CNY Arts representative—will select pieces for an “On My Own Time Grand Finale” exhibition. The finale is a five-week exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art* from Oct. 7-Nov. 11 and will include a reception for artists, University colleagues, family and friends on Oct. 12. Tickets to the finale are available starting in September at .

*Grand Finale exhibition location and timing subject to change

Eligibility for Participation

All active full-time and part-time faculty and staff are eligible to submit artwork for adjudication. Fine arts faculty and professional artists are eligible to submit works outside of their discipline.

Criteria for Submission of Artists’ Work

  • All artwork submitted must be original creations. Copies of published work or craft kits will not be accepted.
  • All artwork must have been completed within three years of entry.
  • Artwork must be finished and display-ready, to include mounting hardware (if applicable). Please submit display instructions or materials as necessary.
  • Each faculty or staff member may submit one piece per category, not to exceed three pieces total.

Submission categories include:

  • Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)
  • Metalwork
  • Drawing (pen, pencil, ink, charcoal)
  • Jewelry
  • Collage/assemblage
  • Printmaking
  • Computer art
  • Photography (color or black-and-white)
  • Woodwork
  • Glasswork
  • Sculpture
  • Mixed media
  • Ceramics
  • Fiber art

Registration and Submission Instructions

All artists must register with their intent to participate by May 19 by completing a . Artwork submissions must be delivered to the Noble Room on May 26. Additional details will be shared upon registration. Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting artwork on schedule.

Volunteers Needed

Faculty and staff volunteers are also needed to staff the “On My Own Time” exhibition at Hendricks. If you would like to volunteer, email OMOT@syr.edu as soon as possible with your availability May 26-June 8. General questions about the exhibition can also be directed to OMOT@syr.edu.

three people view artwork at the 2018 On My Own Time awards reception

A previous “On My Own Time” faculty and staff exhibition held on campus