Arts & Culture

Faculty, Staff Invited to Participate in This Year’s ‘On My Own Time’ Celebration

Tuesday, April 1, 2025, By News Staff

The University is pleased to announce its participation in “On My Own Time”—a celebration of local visual arts that highlights the often-unsung artists who create art on their own time.

This year is the 52nd anniversary of this program, organized by CNY Arts, and faculty and staff are invited to showcase their talents along with other employers and businesses in the region.

All eligible artwork submitted will be displayed on campus at Bird Library in a special exhibition titled “On My Own Time–Celebrating the Artistic Talents of Syracuse University Faculty and Staff.” The exhibition will run from May 30-June 12 during library hours.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to support their colleagues by visiting the exhibition and casting a ballot for their favorite piece to win the People’s Choice Award. Also, during the on-campus exhibition, a selection panel of adjudicators—including a CNY Arts representative—will select pieces for an “On My Own Time Grand Finale” exhibition. The finale is a five-week exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art from Oct. 4-Nov. 9 and will include a reception for artists, University colleagues, family and friends on Oct. 9. Tickets to the finale are available starting in September at onmyowntime.org.

Eligibility for Participation

All active full-time and part-time faculty and staff are eligible to submit artwork for adjudication. Fine arts faculty and professional artists are eligible to submit works outside of their discipline.

Criteria for Submission of Artists’ Work

  • All artwork submitted must be original creations. Copies of published work or craft kits will not be accepted.
  • All artwork must have been completed within three years of entry.
  • Artwork must be finished and display-ready, to include mounting hardware (if applicable). Please submit display instructions or materials as necessary.
  • Each faculty or staff member may submit up to three pieces for the exhibition.

Submission categories include:

  • Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)
  • Metalwork
  • Drawing (pen, pencil, ink, charcoal)
  • Jewelry
  • Collage/assemblage
  • Printmaking
  • Computer art
  • Photography (color or black-and-white)
  • Woodwork
  • Glasswork
  • Sculpture
  • Mixed media
  • Ceramics
  • Fiber art

Registration and Submission Instructions

All artists must register with their intent to participate by May 9 by completing a registration form. Artwork submissions must be delivered to Human Resources by May 28 or directly to Bird Library on May 29. Additional details will be shared upon registration. Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting artwork on schedule.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to assist with the exhibit at Bird Library, email OMOT@syr.edu.