JOHNSON CITY – Entries are being sought for the 28th annual “Positive/Negative” National Juried Art Exhibition at East Tennessee State University, which will be held from Feb. 18-March 8, 2013, at ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries.

“Minority Rule” is the theme for the 2013 exhibition, and the deadline for entry is Friday, Dec. 21.

The juror will be acclaimed artist Michael Ray Charles, an African American painter based in Texas and one of the first group of artists featured in “Art21,” the high-profile PBS series on contemporary art.

The theme of “Minority Rule,” according to Charles, “is a concept inspired by evolving forces integral to life in America during what I refer to as the ‘threshold years’ of the 21st century. Cultural norms, traditions and values are in a constant state of negotiation. In an attempt to accommodate non-traditional norms that are shaped by technology, labor, economics and globalization, established customs and beliefs are re-examined, modified, and, in some cases, rendered obsolete.

“As Americans take measure of complexities associated with accommodating non-normative perspectives,” he continued, “they also seek to understand our society’s shared triumphs and failures. This exhibition seeks nuanced artworks that reflect the complexities artists confront today.”

Charles is a graduate of McNeese State University, Lake Charles, La., and holds a master of fine arts degree from the University of Houston. According to his profile on PBS’ “Art21” website, his paintings “investigate racial stereotypes drawn from a history of American advertising, product packaging, billboards, radio jingles and television commercials.” His works are held in numerous distinguished public and private collections, and he currently exhibits at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York and the Cotthem Galleries in both Belgium and Spain.

Artists wishing to learn more may visit www.etsu.edu/cas/art/slocumb/posneg/prospectus.aspx to download the prospectus, or call Slocumb Galleries Director Karlota I. Contreras-Koterbay at (423) 483-3179 or contrera@etsu.edu.