Since 2003, The Americas Biennial Exhibition has gathered an international survey of contemporary miniature & small prints showcasing works selected from around the world. From among approximately 5,000 submissions to date, the works of 176 exhibiting artists represent 52 nations and a variety of print mediums, from traditional to digitally informed.

The Americas Biennial Exhibition introduces the public to contemporary prints from around the world. It also serves to support the collection of works within The Americas Biennial Exhibition research archive while making them available for academic research, museums, artists, and print students. Works within the archive will be used to promote a greater awareness of the uniqueness and beauty of the print and print media.

Maximum size in any dimension for submitted miniature works is three and a half inches [3 1/2 inches or 9 cm] and eight inches [8 inches or 20.5 cm] for small works. Works in all print media, both traditional and non-traditional alike, have been eligible, and include editioned, uneditioned, as well as uneditionable works. Only original prints created within two years of the exhibition are considered. In addition to prints and biographical information, the participants also include an Artist's Statement and a Statement of Artistic Process. These documents help to illuminate the ideas and experiences of the artists in relation to their work, and enhance the research potential of the archive.

All works entered are submitted before a committee of jury members for exhibition selection and distinguished jurors invited to participate are established professionals from a diverse selection of art disciplines. The previously scheduled selection committees have included Virginia A. Myers, Peter Feldstein, Dr. Rachel M. Williams, Anita Jung, & Tom Christison, all from the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History, as well as Julie Leonard from the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book and the School of Art & Art History, Islam Aly from the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book and the College of Education, Shannon Kennedy from the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History & Coe College, Doug Allaire from The University of Iowa's College of Education, Léo Lee & Jon Lee from Trinity University, Roberta Weston from Austin Community College's Art History Department, Janine Gwaltney from Austin's Secret Society of Artists, as well as Helen Grunewald, Doug Hall, Kayt Conrad, & Rahat Sodaev all from Kirkwood College's Arts & Humanities Department.

Works selected by the jury are retained by The Americas Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Prints while all work submitted is retained within The Americas Biennial Exhibition Archive. The Americas Biennial Exhibition is initially exhibited at The University of Iowa and thereafter becomes an international traveling exhibition for a period of up to two years. Additionally, outstanding Works of Distinction accepted for submission into The Americas Biennial Exhibition Archive, but not selected for biennial exhibition, have also been recognized.

The Americas Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Prints is a nonprofit, educational, cultural and research-oriented event, and no profits will be sought from its submissions and/or participants. For questions or comments, please contact The Americas Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Prints at: information[at]americasbiennial[dot]org