Call Description

Calling all SF Bay Area artists to submit works that challenge and redefine traditional notions of portraiture. We welcome critical contemporary perspectives on selfhood and representation, including those that respond to our shared sociopolitical climate. Artists of all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to use their creative voices to illuminate new ways of connecting personal narratives to the broader collective experience.

Juror: Emilee Enders, Curator of Exhibitions and Programs, Bedford Gallery

Exhibit Calendar:

June 19: Entries due via CallForEntry.org at 11:59 Mountain time (9:59pm Pacific time). We are not available for questions about applications on the due date, please plan ahead.
June 26–27: Notification by email. Separate emails announce “invited” and “not invited” submissions.
July 24–26, 12–6 pm: Deliver accepted entries, artist statement, and signed contract.
Aug 1–Sept 20: Exhibition dates.
Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6 pm: Public visiting hours.
Aug 8, 5–8 pm: Opening reception and 2nd Friday Art Walk
Sept 12, 5–8 pm: Second reception and 2nd Friday Art Walk
Sept 25–27, 12–6 pm: Artwork pick up

Application Requirements

Artwork Requirements:

• San Francisco Bay Area artists only (artist must live within 100 miles from San Rafael, California).
  • Refunds will not be given to applicants who don’t qualify.
• Open to most subject matter including abstraction.
• Open to all visual arts media including sculpture. Video artists must include dimensions of equipment in submission and supply all equipment—including headphones—for the exhibition. Projections are prohibited.
• Original artwork only. No giclées or reproductions.
• Images of explicit sexual content or violence will not be considered.
• Size limit: artwork must not exceed 72” including frame, stand, and all materials.
• Submissions must not have previously exhibited in the AWD 1337 Gallery.
• Apply through CallForEntry.org. AWD will not accept hardcopy, email, or disk submissions.

Application fee: $40 for up to 3 entries. Discount provided to AWD Artist Members, join today!

Online Entry: AWD uses callforentry.org (CaFÉ) to process art submissions to juried exhibits. Complete the following steps to submit your art entries:

1. Go to www.callforentry.org
2. Create a free profile login
3. Upload work samples* in “My Portfolio” on your home profile dashboard.
4. Search for the call Chromatic Bloom at Art Works Downtown in “Apply to calls” on your home profile dashboard
   1. *First-timers: notice adding images to “My Portfolio” does not submit them to the “Call.” Add the work samples from your portfolio to the call when you apply.

The CaFÉ website provides all the assistance needed to prepare your submissions and apply. If you have trouble sizing your image(s), use the links provided below for help. Before you start, we recommend reviewing the CAFÉ HELP page. We also recommend reviewing our CAFÉ Tips and Tricks by going to artworksdowntown.org > Artists tab > Calls for Entry > Tips and Tricks. AWD does not provide technical assistance for submissions.

Additional info:
• 3D/sculptural entries: Since you can only submit one image per entry, we suggest submitting one image with two views.
• Free online image software:  pixlr.com/editor; online-image-editor.com
• Using the most current internet browser. Check the CaFÉ help page or this link: browsehappy.com.

Delivery of Invited Work: 

• Work(s) must be hand delivered to Art Works Downtown 1337 Fourth St., San Rafael between the hours stated, above, under Exhibit Calendar.
• Artist must complete and sign the Consignment Contract before or during delivery. If a representative of the artist delivers, the artist must call ahead to give the representative’s name.
• All work must be ready to install. Wall-based artwork must be securely wired. Please include clear directions and proper hardware for special installations needs.
• We do not accept substitutes for the artwork approved by the juror.
• Deliver your artist statement and resume for the exhibit binder. We do not print these materials for you.
• Please note that other artists will deliver and pick up simultaneously. You may need to wait for staff to process other artists. Paid parking can be found on the surrounding streets and in two garages—one block away—on C Street.

Pick Up: Artists who do not retrieve their work will be charged a storage fee of $5.00 per day. Works remaining after 30 days will become property of Art Works Downtown. Please note that other artists will deliver and pick up during the same hours. You may need to wait for staff to process other artists. Paid parking can be found on the surrounding streets and in two garages—one block away—on C Street.

Sales: Art Works Downtown (AWD) expects a 40% donation upon sale. AWD processes sales as follows. All checks and credit card sales will be made payable to Art Works Downtown. AWD then reports the sales tax and passes the net sale to the artist. The artist is responsible for donating 40% of the net sale total to AWD. It is not the artist’s responsibility to report sales tax. All sold artworks will remain on display until the end of the exhibition. Patrons retrieve their artwork when the exhibit ends. Sales will be paid to artists as soon as possible after the exhibit ends.

Eligibility Criteria

Refer to Application Requirements