International Paper’s Riverdale Mill is partnering with ArtsRevive to celebrate the mill’s 50th anniversary with a juried art show that is currently accepting submissions. The show, Celebrating the Art of Paper, will be accepting submissions from artists statewide through August.

To highlight the mill’s specialty, only works on/of paper will be accepted.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to work with Riverdale Mill,” said Martha Lockett, ArtsRevive executive director. “They have been a vital part of this community.”

To enter, artists must be current or former residents of Alabama, all works must be original of the submitting artist and must be made predominately of paper to be accepted. Other than the use of paper, there are no other required themes.

“Anything that paper is the backdrop for. It’s all got be around paper,” Lockett said. “We thought it would be an interesting way to celebrate the paper company.”

International Paper Mill currently employees about 750 people and 70 percent of the plant’s workforce lives in Dallas County. The mill produces a little under 2,000 tons of paper each day.

For two submissions, a non-refundable fee of $35 per artist must be paid. The artist may submit two more pieces if desired for $5 per submission. Artists will be notified of their submission status by Sept. 11. and works will be collected from Sept. 17-18 at ArtsRevive. The show will open to the public on Oct. 1 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Carneal Cultural Arts Building, located at the intersection of Water Avenue and Church Street. Not all submissions will be accepted. But if accepted, the artist has a chance to win cash prizes.

Best in show is awarded $500; first place, $300; second place, $200; and $100 for third place.

Jamie Adams, Judson College’s division chair of fine arts, will be the show’s jurer.

“We’re tickled to have him here, and he’s excited about being here,” Lockett said. “He’s really excited about judging. Jamie was the perfect fit.”

Adams is recognized nationally with works in private and public collections such as The Amity Art Foundation, Erie Art Museum, the University of Alabama and many others.

Adams has a background with works on paper, printmaking and ceramics. Besides working at a nearby college, Adams has juried shows for the Selma Art Guild, ArtsRevive and participates with the Black Belt Treasures in Camden.

Lockett believes the art show is important because it is one way the mill is reaching out to connect with its community.

“I don’t have the numbers, but I would bet its one of the largest employers in the county. It’s vital to the economy,” Lockett said.

For more information about the show or submitting art, contact Lockett at marthatlockett@att.net.