Open Call for Artists of All Mediums to Exhibit Original Work at the 2009 National Truffle Fest

Asheville, N.C. – January 23, 2009 – "Interpretation of the Truffle" is a national juried exhibition featuring artwork in a variety of media that have one thing in common — they are all inspired by the resplendent truffle.

POSSIBLE THEMES:
• From the farm to the feast. The quest. The cultivation. The conquest. Harvesting and trading.
• The truffle's size, aroma, color, texture – is there a perfect truffle?
• Cooking with truffles. In the kitchen. The sliver. The dish. The ultimate fantasy meal.
• Historic and/or futuristic interpretations: the grower, the chef, the aficionados' perspective.
• The future of the truffle in North Carolina and the introduction of The Ramble at Biltmore Farm-grown truffle.

The juried exhibition is open to anyone with a flair for creativity and the talent to transform an original concept into a compelling piece of art that can be shared with a public audience. Registration is free and open to artists nationwide through February 6, 2009.

Sculptures, paintings, digital/graphic designs and various forms of mixed media will all be considered. No performance art. Registration forms and details can be obtained at www.NationalTruffleFest.com. If your submission is accepted, you will be in contention for the National exhibit. Submissions will be auctioned off in a "SILENT" format with 40% of proceeds going to the "Grow for Good" campaign sponsored by American Express and the remainder to the artist.

Please send a digital image along with your name, the title of the art, suggested cost, your website address, and contact information to Betty@NorthAmericanTruffleFest.com.

MAKING THE CUT
The National Truffle Fest Art Exhibition Advisory Board has very few rules but the most important are: Artwork should be inspired by the TRUFFLE and should incorporate its likeness; and all artwork must be submitted to a drop off location or postmarked by February 6th, 2009. All submitted pieces will be critiqued by a prominent panel of judges from the Asheville art community. On average, 35-40 pieces will be accepted into the national exhibit.

Judges will review each piece based on the three Cs — Creativity (overall idea behind the piece), Conceptual execution (how well the piece translates the idea) and Construction (the quality of production/final presentation). Those with the highest marks will be featured in the 2009 National Truffle Fest Art Exhibition and will receive national recognition and exposure.

A select number of pieces from the exhibition will also be included in public relations and advertising. Additionally, judges will award top honors to the three most compelling creations.

First place honors will include a check for $1000. and a 3 day stay at the Grand Bohemian, Asheville's Kessler owned premier modern and contemporary property. Award for second place is a check for $500. Third place will be honored with a check for $250.

'ALUMINATED' VISION
Truffles have captured the imagination of thousands of artists worldwide. The 2009 National Truffle Fest Art Exhibition will be hosted March 5 – 8, 2009 in Gallery at the Doubletree-Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville has firmly secured its position as an internationally-recognized mecca of visual arts.

To register and learn more about "Interpretation of the Truffle" art exhibition visit www.NationalTruffleFest.com.

For media inquiries, photos, video or interviews, please contact Betty Garland at 919-593-6214 Betty@NorthAmericanTruffleFest.com.

Once approved, send original art to:
Betty Garland
Garland Truffles
3020 Ode Turner Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone (919) 732-3041
Fax (919) 732-6037
www.garlandtruffles.com

Web site: www.NationalTruffleFest.com