Summit Challenge Exhibition Series
A rolling summer exhibition inviting artists to create new work from observation around Owego and the surrounding area.
How Owego Field Studies unfolds
A rolling exhibition built from observation
Instead of a traditional deadline-based exhibition, Owego Field Studies grows over time. Artists are invited to create small-format work from observation around Owego and the surrounding area.
Go out. Work from observation.
Create around Owego.
You might sketch a storefront, paint changing light on the river, collect textures and shapes for collage, study an old tree, interpret a neighborhood through color, or focus on overlooked details most people pass by.
Work will be added to the exhibition as it is completed, and the exhibition will remain on view through the end of August.
Observation & Interpretation
This exhibition begins with working from observation.
Artists are encouraged to sketch outside, work on-site, walk, gather references, take notes, revisit locations, and spend time working from the places, details, atmosphere, and rhythms of Owego during the exhibition period.
Finished work does not need to be strictly realistic or completed entirely on location. You can simplify, exaggerate, stylize, or abstract what you observe.
The important thing is that the work begins with direct experience of Owego during the exhibition period.
What Counts as Owego?
Owego Field Studies is centered on the Village of Owego and the places immediately surrounding and connected to it.
This may include downtown streets, storefronts, neighborhoods, riverbanks, bridges, parks, cemeteries, nearby roads, edges of town, farms, overlooks, and places that feel meaningfully connected to Owego and its day-to-day life.
The goal is not strict geography or map-policing, but the work should stay reasonably close to Owego and connected to the character of the area.
As a loose rule of thumb, if a location feels like part of the greater Owego area, roughly within 10–15 minutes of downtown Owego, you’re probably in the right territory.
Bull Thistle reserves final discretion on whether work fits the spirit of the exhibition. A reference map may be used for clarification if questions arise.
Participation & Surface Stamping
Owego Field Studies uses a surface stamping system to help ensure work is created specifically during the exhibition period and remains connected to observation and active making.
Registration takes place in person at Bull Thistle through August 15. Bring the surfaces you intend to work on and receive your official Field Study stamps before beginning.
There is no need to know exactly what you plan to make before registering. Owego Field Studies is meant to begin with working from observation.
In-Person Registration
Participation fee: $25. Registration includes up to 5 official Field Study surface stamps.
Bring Your Own Surface
Artists may bring their own canvas, panel, paper, board, or other approved working surface to be stamped before beginning work. Printmakers should bring their pre-worked plate or printing surface.
Need Materials?
Bull Thistle may have affordable surfaces available through the Art Supply Library. Just ask what is currently available in-store.
Additional Stamps
Additional surfaces may be stamped for $5 each if exhibition space remains available.
Rolling Submission
Work may be submitted as it is finished and ready for installation throughout the exhibition period.
Space
Work is installed on a rolling, first-come basis as space allows. Participation may close once exhibition space is full.
Field Study Open Hours: Stamping, Drop-Off & Gallery
During the extended registration period (through August 15), artists can register, get surfaces stamped, drop off completed work, and ask questions during posted gallery hours.
Current Gallery Hours
Stop in during posted Bull Thistle gallery hours for registration, stamping, artwork drop-off, and gallery visits.
Need Another Time?
Can’t make regular hours? Reach out and we’ll do our best to arrange another time.
Updates
Hours and field session announcements may shift during the summer. Check Instagram or message Bull Thistle for the latest updates.
Three $100 Field Study Prizes
The Field Study Prizes were designed to encourage different ways of engaging with place and working from observation.
The Close Looking Prize
For extraordinary observation and attention to place.
The Translation Prize
For work that transforms observation into something personal, experimental, or unexpected.
The Staying With It Prize
For sustained engagement with Owego and its surroundings.
Artwork Guidelines
Accepted Media
Painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, fiber, assemblage, small wall-based sculpture, and experimental work based on observation are welcome.
Photography as a sole medium will not be accepted.
Digital collage or mixed-media work incorporating photographic elements captured by the artist during the exhibition period is welcome.
Artist Prints
Artists may include a limited number of artist prints based only on original work created for Owego Field Studies.
Up to 10 total prints may be included per artist across all Field Studies work.
Prints are separate from stamped original works and do not count toward surface stamps.
Prints of pre-existing work, unrelated work, or artwork created outside the exhibition period are not eligible.
AI & Process
AI-assisted or AI-generated work is not eligible for this exhibition.
The spirit of Owego Field Studies is direct observation, personal interpretation, and time spent working from place.
Size
Maximum size is 16 × 20 inches, including frame.
Smaller work is encouraged. Oversized work will not be accepted.
Display
- All work must arrive exhibition-ready
- Work must be capable of secure wall display
- Works on paper must be framed and securely wired
- Framed work should have D-rings or eye-hooks and hanging wire
- Sawtooth hangers do not work with the available hanging system
- No clips, temporary adhesives, unstable mounting, or unfinished presentation
- These guidelines help make the effort to hang and enjoy your work easier for both the exhibition and collectors who want to place your work in their home.
Gallery Preparation
Artists are responsible for ensuring work is exhibition-ready upon delivery.
Bull Thistle will not wire, frame, alter, or prepare work for installation. We can sell you the hardware to do it, and you are welcome to prepare your work in the studio during open hours.
Artwork Information
Submitted work should include artist name, title, location, medium, and retail price attached to the back at the time of drop-off.
Having this information ready helps with rolling installation and sales.
Evolving Exhibition Model
Owego Field Studies is an active, changing exhibition.
Sold work will be released immediately to collectors. Artists should only submit work they are prepared to let go of at the time of sale.
As work sells and leaves, new completed stamped work may enter the exhibition if space allows.
- Previously completed work is not eligible
- Submission does not guarantee exhibition of all work
- Work may be rotated, rearranged, or removed as the exhibition evolves
- Bull Thistle retains final discretion regarding placement and exhibition suitability
Sales & Pricing
- Artists set their own prices
- Bull Thistle retains a 30% commission on 97% of the retail sale price after payment processing
- Sold work leaves with the collector immediately
- Submitted work should include artist name, title, medium, and retail price
Owego Field Studies emphasizes small, collectible work and immediate release.
Artists are encouraged to price work thoughtfully in relation to scale, presentation, framing, and the spirit of the exhibition.
To support accessibility and spontaneous collecting during the rolling exhibition period, a suggested maximum retail price of $300 is encouraged for most work.
Ready to begin?
Registration happens in person. Bring your surfaces to Bull Thistle during open hours to register, get stamped, and begin.
Questions?
Stop by during open hours or message Bull Thistle on Instagram at @bullthistle.gallery.
Bull Thistle Art Studio & Gallery · 53 North Ave, Owego NY · @bullthistle.gallery