6×6 Art Exhibit Open for 2022 Entries

01/27/2022

6×6 – RoCo’s International Small Art Phenomenon – Open for 2022 Entries for 15th Year of Beloved Exhibition and Fundraiser

Since 2008, Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s iconic 6×6 exhibition has brought together thousands of diverse artists from around the world to create a stunning exhibition of small art, and raise funds for its contemporary art programming. Now in its 15th year, the international small art phenomenon is building back after significant impacts from COVID-19, and launches an additional focus by sharing the love through “squaring the love.” 

As always, 6×6 will include artworks from around the block to around the globe. In 2021, 6×6 artworks came from 44 states and over 40 different countries. This year, it is also“squaring the love” by paying it forward to a specific community to shine a light on a critical issue impacting that community. In 2022, RoCo shines that light on Puerto Rico—specifically on the environmental contamination by the United States Military and the ensuing humanitarian crisis on the beautiful, small Puerto Rican islands of Vieques and Culebra. 

“6×6 literally has been built on the generosity of thousands of creatives from all around the world,” said RoCo Executive Director Bleu Cease. “It only makes sense that we share some of the publicity and fundraising capacity of 6×6 to help raise awareness about an important issue.”

During the month of March, RoCo once again is encouraging the community to “Party with Your Pod” to create artworks, as well as utilizing Friday, March 4 as “Make Art Day,” recognized in 2019 by the City of Rochester.

The 2022 6×6 kick-off event on Saturday, June 4 will be 100% virtual, which reflects the egalitarian and democratic nature of 6×6, allowing global participants an equal opportunity to purchase art on opening night. This year’s exhibition runs from June 4 – July 17, with all artworks displayed through July 17.

Participation is free, and artworks are now being accepted with the following deadlines:

April 9 (Walk-in entries due)

April 2 (International mailed entries due)

April 12 (U.S. mailed entries due)

Each entry must be accompanied by a short form, in Spanish and English, downloadable at roco6x6.org/6x6_entryform.pdf. Every 6×6 artwork will be exhibited and for sale to the public. This year marks a return to four entries per person—and four per school group—of any medium (2D or 3D, no glitter). Artworks must be six inches square and signed only on the back, to be exhibited anonymously until purchase. All information is available at rochestercontemporary.org.

Bleu Cease noted that 6×6 has been resilient during the pandemic. “In 2020, we still were able to go forward with 6×6, albeit online only. Last year was a solid rebuilding year, with excellent participation by our Sister Cities and impressive summer attendance. In 2022, we hope to continue the trend toward our complete return to 6×6.”

Artworks from Puerto Rico will be included in a highlighted Square the Love collection. On June 30, RoCo will hold a fundraiser for la Fundación de Culebra, which protects the history, environment, and culture of Culebra and Vieques. More information will be forthcoming. 

“I am excited that 6×6 is recognizing and supporting Puerto Rico with ‘Square the Love,’ and that this initiative will help raise funds for La Fundación,” said Henry Padrón, bilingual poet, owner of Hipocampo Books, and community activist with family connections to Culebra.

Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) is a venue for the exchange of ideas and a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded in 1977. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, RoCo provides unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists. Regular RoCo hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 pm, and Friday, 12-9 pm.