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Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators (PSBI)
2025 Philadelphia Flower Show

                      Prospectus

​February 28-March 9, 2025
PHS theme:  ​Tomorrow's Garden
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
 
  • PSBI Theme/ Exhibit Title: “The Future is Botanical”
"The Future is Botanical" envisions a transformative era where gardening evolves into a pivotal force for environmental and human well-being. As we advance, the role of pollinators—bees, butterflies, and other crucial insects—will be central, driving efforts to cultivate gardens that provide essential habitats and support biodiversity. Innovations in understanding root systems will yield plants with enhanced resilience, improving soil health and water management. Embracing the full life cycles of plants and their symbiotic relationships with fungi, bacteria, and other organisms will create self-sustaining ecosystems that thrive on mutual support. Plants beneficial for climate, such as those that sequester carbon or prevent erosion, will be integral to our climate strategies. Rediscovering long-forgotten plants, especially medicinal varieties, offers new solutions for health and well-being, grounding modern remedies in ancient wisdom. By integrating these elements, gardens of the future will not only address pressing environmental challenges but also provide tangible benefits for our health and survival, underscoring that the future indeed lies in the botanical world.
 
2025 Requirement: 
It is required that all members with work that is accepted into the Flower Show will volunteer their time to support PSBI during the Flower show open hours for any of the following activities:
Demonstrations
Cocoon
Set up
Tear Down
 
We will work with you if you are unable to full fill your volunteer requirement.
 
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Open to all PSBI members in good standing (dues fully paid for the current fiscal year) as of January 1, 2025   Entries by members with unpaid dues will not be accepted.
 
Subject Requirements:
  • The plant should be depicted in its natural state. 
  • Single color flat backgrounds only. Natural variations in vellum acceptable.
  • No man-made objects or constructions in composition.
  • Photographs used as reference must be taken by the artist.
  • Previously exhibited work will be accepted as long as it has not been in any previous PHS Flower Show.
  • Work must be two-dimensional, executed in any media with the exceptions of original digital, photography and collage.
 
Botanical Nomenclature:
  • It is required that all artwork must be submitted using the Latin plant name in the form of Genus species ‘Cultivar.’ At minimum the plant name must include the specimen’s genus.
  • The botanical judge will be looking for identifiable characteristics of the specific genus species and cultivar if known.  Entries may not be accepted if Latin plant name is not identifiable with the plant specimen represented in the artwork.
  • Please refer to botanical nomenclature on PSBI website.
 
Entry requirements:
  • $35 entry fee covers 1 or 2 paintings per artist (limit 2 paintings per artist).
  • Entry payment in the form of a check must be received by the Treasurer by close of entries, January 19, 2025.
 
Submissions:
  • Artists must submit their entry information and artwork image electronically.  This can be done through the submissions page in the Members’ section of the PSBI website or directly through EntryThingy.  Artists are responsible for establishing their own, secure, EntryThingy account.  There is no charge for creating an account.
  • In addition to contact and painting information including common name, Latin name (Genus species ‘Cultivar’), and final framed size (H x W), artists must upload an electronic image of their unframed piece. 
  • Image files must be in a JPG format and named Artistlastname.FirstInitial_Genus_species.jpg. Following ASBA recommendations, the longest dimension of the digital image should be 8” at 300dpi.
  • Entry submission will close at 11:59 PM on January 19, 2025.

Framing Requirements:
  • Paintings must be framed in a simple light-weight plain wood, gold or silver toned frame. “L” shape preferred. No colored frames or complex molding will be accepted.
  • No metal frames.
  • Frame molding width not to exceed 2“and should be appropriate for the dimensions of the piece.
  • Minimum frame size 12”x12”.
  • A hanging wire with D-ring or other flat wired hangers (no screw eyes) must be attached to the frame.  Wire under hanging tension must allow 2” from the top of the frame to cover the hanger hook.
  •  Bottom corners MUST have frame bumpers attached.
  • White or off-white main mats, thin liner mats of any color acceptable.
  • PSBI retains the right to refuse an entry at drop-off if framing is inadequate or does not follow guidelines.
 
Drop-Off and Packaging:
  • Accepted artwork to be delivered / collected no later than February 17, 2025.
  • Follow up information will provide locations and times for artwork collection.
  • An Artist's Entry Form must be completed and delivered along with artwork (visit the 2025 Flower Show Member Page on the PSBI website. This form is fillable on your computer before printing out, or you may print out the form and fill it in by hand).
  • Artwork must be wrapped securely in adequately protective envelopes.
  • To purchase gallery pouches, visit Frame Destination (https://www.framedestination.com/search.html?q=gallery%20pouch) or ArtPak (http://www.artpak.net/).
  • All packaging must collapse flat.
  • All packaging must have the appropriate labels (See 2021 Flower Show Entry Form)
 
Jury Process:
  • There are three criteria for scoring: Botanical Accuracy, Technical Execution, and Artistic Merit.
Notification:
  • Acceptances and regrets tentatively scheduled to be sent via email January 31, 2025.
 
Insurance:
  • PSBI carries insurance to cover a major loss of artwork including but not limited to: theft, destruction of the artwork by fire or vandalism; destruction of the artwork due to major accidents such as dropping or water leaks from roof or plumbing.
  • Normal wear and tear to frames, glazing and matting such as soiling, scratching or chipping are not considered major losses.
  • All entry forms must include an insurance valuation. Any entry received without a valuation will be listed as NFS with a value of $100.
  • All claims must be submitted to the PSBI Show Producer within five days of the end of the show in order to be considered. 
 
Sale of Works:
  • Artwork does not need to be for sale.
  • Sales of art will be arranged directly with artists who agree to a 10% donation to benefit the PHS Charity of Choice. Procedures for handling this will be provided.
  • The PSBI Flower Show committee will select the Charity of Choice.
  • No paintings may be removed until the show is over.
 
Pick-up:
  • Artists will be notified of pick-up arrangements.
 
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact:
Allison Finch, PSBI Flower Show Producer, phone: 302-463-3439;  [email protected]