Call for local Artists

Before applying to be a represented artist in our gallery, please make sure to read each item carefully of what's expected of you and how your art needs to be presented.

• Artist must be 18 years of age to enter into an artist-gallery representation contract. If the Artist is under 18, a parent/legal guardian may sign the contract on behalf of the artist minor.
•  Artist must not be under contract with another commercial gallery within a 50 mile radius or as stipulated by their existing contract. If the artist-gallery contract is expiring within 30 days, the artist may apply to our gallery. An artist that is only showing in an Artist Guild or society, school or Co-op gallery, or museum is allowed to apply without restriction.
  
• Upon representation, the Artist must be willing to provide a biography and a digital photo to the gallery for the promotion of their art
• Upon representation, the Artist must provide the gallery digital copies of  high quality or professionally taken photographs of each of their pieces; both unframed and framed (if applicable). Many artist guilds offer this service or can recommend a photographer that is skilled in taking photographs of art for a nominal fee.
• Artist must have a formula (justification) for the retail price of their art. Most artists that are starting out use the price per square inch method plus the cost of framing (if applicable). Google this method for the formula. There are many videos on YouTube that offer a detailed explanation that might be helpful. Pricing artwork, especially when you're starting out is a common thing artists struggle with. It's best to have a formula and work from there. If you're an established/professional artist that does not use the price per square inch method; auction results, art appraisals, or proof of the last 10 retail sales for similar pieces, same size, and medium can be acceptable to set a retail price of your art. If we decide to represent you, we will discuss this issue in further detail. 
• Artwork must be originals (no prints, giclees, etc.) created in the last 2 years or have the relevance as such or not include a date that exceeds two years on the signature block. We prefer that our artists do not include a date on their signature block.
• Artist should have a minimum of five pieces of art available and created in the last 2 years to be considered for immediate showing. If you don't have at least five pieces of completed art, you may still apply with a clear explanation as to when you'll have at least five pieces completed.
• Your five piece collection should be consistent in nature. Meaning that the five pieces must look like they have been produced by the same artist with a similar style, medium, and presentation. We understand that you may have a stand out piece or paint in a variety of mediums. For example, you may specialize in Acrylic paintings and charcoal drawings. Your five piece collection needs to consist of all Acrylic or all charcoal drawings, not a mixture of both. In the future, your unique piece can be integrated into your collection. However, when a gallery presents a new artist, collectors want to see a consistent style that makes your art unique.

IS YOUR ART COMMERCIAL GALLERY READY?

• Unframed gallery wrapped canvases (1.5"-2" depth) must have the painting continued on the sides. No white, unfinished canvas sides. No painted black on the sides or any other solid color that isn't part of the painting. The whole point of a gallery wrap is that the painting is continued on the top, sides, and bottom of the canvas. If you've already painted the sides black and can't repaint the sides, the canvas must be framed. Staples must be on the back of the wrapped canvas and not on the sides. No exceptions! All art will be inspected upon arrival for quality.
• Art painted on cradleboard with natural wood showing on the sides may be acceptable. Art will be inspected and given an approval or disapproval upon arrival.
• Float framed gallery wrapped canvases must be professionally framed (or the appearance of) without nicks, bad corners, damage, and art must recessed at least 3/8 of an inch. Art must be mounted with equal spacing all the way around the piece. All framed art will be inspected upon arrival for quality. No poly (plastic) frames or readymade frames from Michael’s, Ikea, etc. 
• .5” canvases and art on board must be framed in a frame (no exceptions) that covers the entire canvas side. No .25” depth frame on a .5” canvas. Canvases must be professionally stretched and framed (or the appearance of) with wood or metal frames. No poly (plastic) frames or readymade frames from Michael’s, Ikea, etc. 
• Framing requirements for all non canvas, board, or cradleboard art. All art must be mounted properly with acid free framer’s tape or conservation corners, framed using acid free mats, acid free foamcore backings (no cardboard), conservation glass or acrylic (museum glass or optium museum acrylic preferred) without scratches, and be professionally framed (or the appearance of) with wood or metal frames. Frame style, finish, and color must be appropriate for contemporary art. No poly (plastic) frames or readymade frames from Michael’s or Ikea, etc. All frames must be without nicks, bad corners, damage, or visible glue seeping from corners. All frames will be inspected upon arrival for quality.
• If you paint on a unique surface that hasn't been mentioned, please include an explanation in your application including photographs. All art must be on acid free surfaces to be accepted into our gallery. For example: No painting on cardboard or non-treated newspaper. 
• All art hangers must be wire mounted 1/3 of the way down from the top of the canvas. Example: If the height of the piece is 21 inches, the wire must be mounted 7” down from the top. No eyelet or sawtooth hangers. D-ring hangers with wire are required for our gallery hanging system. Please put wall bumpers on the two bottom corners. We can add hangers and bumpers for $10 per piece of art if you don’t have a way to do it yourself. 
• We understand that framing art properly can be an investment. However, to be shown in a commercial gallery, your art must present well. Collectors want to take your piece home and hang it up. It is an artist myth that collectors want to remove a poor quality frame and pay a framer to frame it to their liking. Ready-made frames from Michaels or Hobby Lobby are fine for school and co-op galleries, but not for a commercial gallery that offers fine art. Plein air frames (closed corner frames of good quality) are often affordable and acceptable in a gallery. Just like any other business, the artist must invest in their product to fetch the best price. How your art is presented to a collector is the equivalent to how a business invests in a logo, marketing materials, office décor, and retail shop signage. Presentation always matters!