100 Years of the Beacon Dummy Light

Painting by Erica Hauser, 2009

To celebrate the centennial of Beacon’s iconic Dummy Light, the Howland Public Library is hosting a juried community exhibition honoring this unique local landmark and its place in Beacon’s history and landscape.

Artists are invited to submit original works inspired by and depicting the Dummy Light. Creative interpretations are encouraged while keeping the Dummy Light as a central subject of the work.

Entries for Beacon’s Dummy Light: 100 Years are open to artists 18-years and above. A maximum of three images may be submitted for review. Accepted art work(s) must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Important Dates

Exhibition Dates: September 12 - October 30
Entries Due: August 1 at 5:30pm
Acceptance Notification Date: No later than August 14
Accepted Artwork Delivered to the Library: August 28-30
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12
Work Must Be Picked Up: Sunday, November 1

Eligible Works

Eligible media include painting, drawing, collage, printmaking and mixed media. Accepted works should be 2-dimensional work or wall-mounted relief work suitable for display in the library’s Community Room, which is used by visitors of all ages.

Work should be appropriate for general audiences.

How to Enter

  1. Fill out the entry form.

  2. Upload up to 3 images of work that fits the exhibition theme. Only 2-dimensional or wall-mounted relief work will be considered.

  • Images should be in JPEG or PNG format. Maximum file size 1MB. Name image files as follows:

    • lastnamefirstname_title.jpg (Example: SmithJohn_DummyLight.jpg)

  • For each work, you will be asked to include:

    • Title

    • Medium

    • Size

    • Date Completed

  • The maximum physical width of artwork, including frame, is 20 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All work must be the original work created by the artist. We reserve the right to decline any work that is substantially different from the submitted images, does not meet size limitations, is not ready to hang, or is not professionally presented.

  • No, submissions must be original works created by human effort and creativity.

  • Only works appropriately prepared for installation will be accepted.

    Work must be labeled with:

    • Artist’s contact information

    • Title of work

    • Medium

    • Price (if applicable)

    All artwork must be delivered wired and “ready to hang.”

    The library utilizes a hanging system and all works must be wired to work with the system. Please contact the Exhibition Manager for more information.

    If special hardware is needed for hanging, it must be included with the artwork upon delivery, along with installation instructions.

    In the event that work is delivered without proper hanging hardware, the artist will be contacted to make corrections. Library staff will not modify artwork for installation. 

  • A panel of jurors will review all submitted artwork and select the pieces that best fit the exhibition theme and available gallery space. Depending on the number of entries received, not all submitted work will be accepted.

  • You can deliver and pick up work at the Howland Public Library during the library’s open hours on August 28-30 2026, Work must be picked up by Sunday, November 1, 2026.

    Works must be hand-delivered during specified delivery and pick-up times. Delivery or pick up of any sold artworks should be arranged by the artists when the work is returned to them at the end of the exhibit. Packaging for artwork may be stored at Howland Public Library and a name label must be put on every piece of packaging to be stored at the library. Instructions for any special handling or re-packing needs must be included.

  • No artwork may be removed by the artist prior to the conclusion of the exhibition. HPL reserves the right to temporarily remove any piece of work for reasons the organization deems necessary.

  • Accepted artworks may be for sale. HPL does not handle art sales or take any commission. Any interested buyers will be directed to contact the artists directly to make arrangements. Delivery or pick up of any sold artworks must be arranged by the artists when the work is returned to them at the end of the exhibit. Artists are welcome to make a donation to the library if they choose.