By applying and filling out the call for entries form does that mean I am automatically accepted into an art show? No. By applying, you will join a group of other artists with relevant artwork who will be considered to be in a show.
If I don't get in a show, will I get a refund? No. The cost of the entry fee is a nonrefundable fee that covers the administrative duties of our staff to organize the submissions and contact the artists.
When will I be notified if I am accepted? Please be patient. We sometimes adjust the dates in later for the close of the entries, and email all artists within a week of the close. If we do not hear back from the accepted artists within a formidable time, we will attempt to reach them again by email or phone.
When will the opening reception be for the show I just submitted to? We now schedule shows further in advance and after we have the amount of acceptable entries. Our goal is to combine themes into collective shows for work that will compliment well. Our goal is to now give two months notice, which should be adequate time to frame and ship.
I have been emailing and phoning with questions but nobody has gotten back to me. Why? Probably because your question can be answered on our FAQ's page or on the website. It's important to be respectful of our staff's time. We deal with hundreds of artists each month and if everyone emails us and calls us with questions that are on the website, then our staff cannot get necessary tasks done. Please research your question before contacting us.
I have been accepted but can't send my art. Do I have to send it to you? No, you don't have to, but we would love to showcase it. But we understand that it may not be feasible for you to get your artwork to our gallery for the opening reception. We will still post a link on our website. Let us know though so we don't have to hound you. If you still would like to be in the show, we can print a 16x20 copy for you for a charge.
Can I come to the reception? Of course! It is an open show and we welcome all art lovers and art collectors. Encourage your friends to come and make an investment in art.
Do you accept Artist Books for this exhibition? Our usual response is: if it can hang on a wall, we will consider it. We can make an exception for artist books as long as the artist understands that it will be displayed for guests to see and touch and that will be probable damage to the display. We will, gladly sell artist's books in our reprint area.
Framing What kind of frame should I use? We strongly recommend that you frame your artwork in simple black frames. We will accept all types of frames but do prefer black aluminum frames as they are more durable, sleek and simple.
Do I need to mount my photographs or digital work? Yes, always!!! Mount your photographed prints! An unmounted print can bubble in the frame and looks extremely unprofessional. Canvas art just needs to be stretched.
What kind of materials should I use?Always use archival materials in making and presenting your artwork to preserve your art for future generations to enjoy. For those using glass, remember that this is California and our clients are used to plexiglass, plus it ships better.
What kind of hanging wire should I use?Use stainless steel braided picture wire. It works best for smooth hanging and deters rusting.Does not use saw tooth hangers.
Should I sign my artwork?Signing your artwork is your choice as the artist. We do think it adds value to your work. Make sure whatever you are signing with is archival and that you sign it in a way that does not detract from the artwork. We do not recommend watermarking your work in place of a signature. Watermarks are only good when submitting your images for judging.
Do I have to frame my artwork?Your artwork must be able to hang on the wall. Unframed canvas pieces are acceptable as long as they are ready to hang. Frame moldings are artist's choice and may be with or without a mat and or glass/plexi.
What happens if I cannot afford to send my artwork?If you have been accepted and cannot afford to prepare your artwork for the exhibit then please notify us. You will still be featured on the website.
How do I price my artwork?Price is artist's choice and should include your time and materials. Don't forget to factor in commission. Please find the link at the bottom of this page that explains how to price your artwork.
Shipping & Dropping Off
Will you let me know when my artwork arrives? No. We have too many shipments to be able to notify you. Your shipping carrier should be able to track a package for you.
What shipping methods should I use to ship to your gallery? Most people don't know this little secret: you don't need to be a huge shipper to have an account with a major shipping company such as Fedex, UPS, DHL or the US Postal Service. You can sign up online and print barcoded shipping labels online while you ship. You must include a return label and put it inside your box
What happens if I do not provide the correct return shipping label with my artwork? We will consider your artwork a donation to the gallery. YOUR RETURN LABEL MUST HAVE A BARCODE ON IT. Your label is not correct if it does not have a barcode on it. If you have a label with just your account or credit card number on it that means it has not been processed and it will not be picked up by your shipping company. DO NOT SEND the labels that you fill out by hand and ask for your credit card. Please see the images to the right.
How should I package my artwork for shipping? We highly recommend that you invest in good packing materials for your artwork to ship in. Proper packaging is a wise investment especially if you will be sending your pieces back and forth to galleries.
What shipping materials do you recommend? A clam shell box with a convoluted foam insert is THE BEST and makes packaging easy for you and your gallery owner. You can find examples of these Uline.com If you are not going to package this way then we recommend wrapping your artwork in foam or bubble wrap without tape.
Should I write anything on the box? Yes! Help us out and write your name and the name of your artwork large and clear on the sides of the box as well as the size of the box and the weight of the box. See an example of a smart artist to the right.
How do I get my artwork back if it does not sell? You must include a prepaid shipping label if you want your artwork back. It is free to open up an account and print out a prepaid/barcoded shipping label. No cash only accounts or credit card numbers on shipping labels please. If the label does not have a barcode on it, it will not work. We prefer UPS but will accept any of the major shipping companies. If we do not receive a prepaid return label and your artwork does not sell we will consider your artwork a donation to the gallery.
What should I avoid when packaging my artwork?
Say it with me, "tape is evil and is not my friend!" Do not use tape to hold together the bubble wrap or foam that is supposed to be protecting your artwork. It can stick to your art and ruin it. Tape not only makes your package impossible to open, it makes it twice as hard to try and reuse the packing material to send back your artwork safely. Invest in the few extra inches of foam or bubbles to properly cover your work or live large and go for the bubble wrap bag!
Don't use styrofoampopcorn!!!! It's not only bad for the environment but it can single handedly drive the hardworking people putting the gallery show together absolutely BONKERS!!!
What should I know if I am shipping out of of Country?
Please allow time for your shipment to pass through customs. If it is selected to be checked it will delay the entrance into the U.S. You also need to specify on the shipping documents that all charges are applied to you as the shipper. If it is not specified and we receive an invoice we will then send you and invoice for double the amount.
What if my artwork arrives damaged? By sending us your artwork and agreeing to be a part of the exhibit you also agree to the following if your artwork arrives damaged. We will do our best to repair the damage or hide it but we cannot email you pictures of the damage. If the damage cannot be repaired or if it looks too damaged to hang then we will store it to be returned or picked up as scheduled with the rest of the artwork. If the damage alters the price at all we can negotiate with the buyer and get your permission before the final sale.
How should I properly drop off my artwork? More than likely your artwork won't be ready to hang right when you walk in so protect your work with proper packaging that is labeled as yours. For example, a bubble wrapped bag with your name and artwork written on it. Same rule applies for you lucky locals. If you do not pick up your artwork at the designated time we will consider your artwork a donation to the gallery.
For more in depth information we recommend going to the following pages:
