THERE ARE SOME WHO FEEL, WITH CREDIBLE ARGUMENTS, THAT ANY ADVANCE HYPE OF THE HYGIENIC ART SHOW — THE SALON DES INDEPENDANTS — SHOULD BE ONLY APPEAR IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, or at least in bold.

We can’t go that far — at least not all the way — but the annual midwinter show opening Saturday New London’s Hygienic Arts, featuring its open submission and “one piece per artist/no judge/no jury/no censorship” policies, IS a big deal. With the numerous tangential Hygienic events and a downtown-wide effort by clubs and restaurants to be part of the fun, the art show draws from all over the region.

This year, Salon Des Independants XLV is dedicated to longtime New London artist Barkley L. Hendricks, whose efforts almost a half-century ago were part of the collective that created the Hygienic. The late Hendricks was of course an internationally known and revered painter and photographer whose works provocatively and thoughtfully explored themes of race, identity, fashion and culture.

There will be Hendricksian work represented on-site — which means YOU can have your work displayed in the same exhibit as a genius. Art drop-off is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the doors open to the public at 8 p.m. The show runs through Feb. 10.

Hygienic Art XLV Salon Des Independants, opening 8 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art, 79 Bank St., New London; art drop-off 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; show on view through Feb. 10; gallery hours noon-7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.; free; hygienic.org, (860) 443-8001.