ROCKPORT – The Center for Maine Contemporary Art is seeking submissions from visual artists, craft artists, furniture and jewelry makers and other artists and craftspeople for an exhibit of sketchbooks.

“First Traces,” scheduled to be on display from Oct. 31 to Dec. 20 in the Main Gallery of CMCA, will highlight creative processes by exhibiting artists’ first drafts, thoughts and inspirations that may or may not have led to finished artwork. CMCA is using a loose definition of the term “sketchbook” and will accept forms such as maquettes, sketches and digital files. Submissions do not have to be in book form and selected artists will be invited to exhibit completed artwork alongside their “sketches.”

Artists are encouraged to allow visitors to interact with the sketchbooks. Interested artists should indicate on the access level form what amount of access the public should have to each submission.

Artists should submit a CD of images, along with a description of media and appropriate dimensions, an artist statement about the role the submitted work plays in the artist’s process, the access level form, a current resume, and contact information.

Submissions must be postmarked by Aug. 30. Artists will be notified about their submissions by Sept. 15. Send submissions through U.S. Mail to: First Traces, CMCA, P.O. Box 147, Rockport, ME 04856; or through UPS or FedEx to: First Traces, CMCA, 162 Russell Ave., Rockport, ME 04856.

Go to www.cmcanow.org for more information about CMCA.