Sloppy seconds, in this case, isn't so bad.

Lawndale Art Center recently announced submission and exhibition dates for the 2011 edition of "The Big Show." The showcase, which was at one time known as the "East End Show," started in 1984; today, the juried exhibit acts as an art-displaying centerpiece for creative types that live within 100 miles of Houston.

As you can imagine for a yearly tradition that's close to three decades old, the jurors receive a lot of submissions. Last year, for instance, Lawndale sifted through 976 entries by 396 people. Out of those, 114 pieces by 85 artists were graced with gallery space.

And the rejects? Enter "Salon des Refusés," a non-juried show that abides by only one major rule: the entry must be given a big "NO" by Queens Museum of Art curator Larissa Harris, who has been chosen as the guest juror for this summer's "The Big Show."

Gallery 1724, which hosted "Refusés" last year, hands the reigns to Gallery M Squared. If you're wanting a guaranteed spot at M Squared, purposefully enter something lame to "The Big Show" and your piece will most likely be 86'd from inclusion -- though Lawndale could very well snatch up your so-called piece of crap for its exhibit. This is art, after all.

To be considered for Lawndale's shindig, submit up to three pieces and a $25 to $30 entry fee in person at 4912 Main Street on June 15 and 16. Denied works can be picked up on June 20 and 21 and transported to Gallery M Squared, 339 West 19th Street (they'll only accept one work per artist; plus you'll need a rejection letter from Lawndale) from 1 to 5 p.m. June 26 and 5 to 8 p.m. June 27.

"The Big Show" is slated to hang from July 1 through July 31. For more information, check out Lawndale's website.

"Salon des Refusés" will be displayed from July 1 through July 9. Emily Sloan, who can be reached at 713-582-1198 and at [email protected], is organizing the show so hit her up with questions. You can also visit Gallery M Squared's web page.