Apply to Exhibit
The Art Works Downtown Exhibits Program highlights artists who are committed to their artistic practice, promotes IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility), encourages artistic expression, and aims to build community and engage the public. AWD invites artists, curators, art organizations, and art groups who live 100 miles from San Rafael CA, to apply to and propose exhibits. We hope you will apply and share your creativity!
Call for Entries
The themes of the exhibits offer continuity and boundaries, but also aim to invite a wide variety of interpretations. If you’re not sure if you’re artwork qualifies, it probably does. This is a great way to build your resume, experience, meet artists, and get exposure to art professionals such as gallery owners. Receive announcements by joining the newsletter and artist opportunities email list.
AWD Members' Holiday Salon 2026
Entries Due: November 6
Apply Today
Join us for this year’s salon-style AWD Member Showcase at Art Works Downtown—opening in time for the holiday gift-giving season and remaining on view through San Francisco Art Week and Marin Art Day in January.
This special exhibition celebrates the creativity of Art Works Downtown members, with artwork displayed throughout the Founders’ Gallery, Donors’ Gallery, and Artist’s Wall at Art Works Downtown in downtown San Rafael.
This year, participating artists will receive even more visibility. The exhibition will be prominently featured during Marin Art Day at Art Works Downtown on Sunday, January 17, as part of San Francisco Art Week.
Visitors will be invited to experience the Member Showcase alongside 35+ open artist studios, exhibitions, artist talks and programming, food and wine, and special activities throughout the Art Works Downtown art center. Marin Art Day offers participating artists an additional opportunity to connect with collectors, arts audiences, and the broader San Francisco Bay Area creative community.
Show your work. Reach new audiences. Be part of one of AWD’s most vibrant exhibitions of the year.
This is an AWD Members-only exhibition. Only current AWD members are eligible to participate.
To become a member you can go to: https://www.artworksdowntown.org/awd-artist-membership#payment
Application Requirements
One original artwork per artist. Do not submit the same piece as previous years. ● 2D, wall-display artwork must be 24” or smaller including frame and all materials in any direction. (no fudging please)
3D sculptures must have a footprint of 16” or smaller, width must be 18” or smaller, height must be 24’ or shorter; including all materials.
Video must include all equipment and headphones and fit within 24”.
Artwork must be dry, wired, framed, or ready for installation. Unfinished work, wet-paintings, or damaged frames will not be accepted.
Artist must (legibly) label the back or bottom of the artwork with artist’s name.
Artist must be deliver and pick up during the scheduled dates.
Artist’s membership must be current to exhibit. This is an AWD members-only exhibition. To become a member go to: https://www.artworksdowntown.org/awd-artist-membership#payment
Important Dates:
November 6: Deadline
November 14, 18, 19, & 20, 11am–5pm: Deliver artwork, sign contract.
November 27–January 18, 2026: Exhibition dates
December 11, 5–8 pm: Opening reception and 2nd Friday Art Walk
January 8, 5–8 pm: Second reception and 2nd Friday Art Walk
December 24–January 1, 2025: Closed for the Holidays
January 20–23, 11am–5pm: pick up artwork
Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm: Public visiting hours.
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The application process is provided through CallforEntry.org, which requires artists to open a free account. Applicants must pay an entry fee—discounted for AWD members—to submit entries.
Internet browser:
To ensure credit card security, Call for Entry.org requires clients to use updated internet browsers (such as Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer). Before you begin using www.callforentry.org , make sure your browser is up-to-date by going to this website: http://browsehappy.com. If you're version is not current make sure to update the software. If you are constrained by hardware limitations (example: old Mac's can't upgrade to new Safari), simply download a different, and current, browser. We recommend Firefox.Image File format:
http://browsehappy.comJPEG only, dimensions: No smaller than 1200 pixels on the longest side, resolution: 72 ppi/dpi, Size: 5 MB maximum. Make sure your images follow these parameters. If you are uploading an image and the process is taking a long time (longer than 5-10 minutes), probably wrong. Unfortunately the CAFÉ message does not tell you this, it only says that it is loading and make take a while.
Learn more about CAFÉ.org image file requirements: www.callforentry.org/uploading-images-audio-and-video-files/
Free online image softwares to resize your image: pixlr.com/editor
Applying for a call:
Uploading images to your “Portfolio” and applying to a call for entries are two different processes. When you apply for an exhibition you will need to choose entries from your Portfolio by checking little boxes next to the images. If you only have three images in your Portfolio, you must check the box for each entry to submit that entry.
Make sure to “PREVIEW” before checking out. Once you click “CHECK OUT” you can NOT change or correct your application.
Checking Out, Payment and Coupon Codes:
When you have looked at your application “PREVIEW” and you see all of your entry images, click “CHECK OUT.” This will begin the payment process. Follow the prompts to pay for your entries. Only credit cards are accepted. If you are an AWD Artist Member you can use your coupon code to receive an entry fee discount. Simply follow the prompts until it asks you for the Coupon Code (you will not see this right away). Then enter the code and proceed.
Philosophical Understanding:
We understand that the online application process can be frustrating and hope you will overcome technology to participate in our exhibitions. While the CAFÉ.org service isn't perfect, it is a very helpful service for AWD and artists alike. As you apply through this process, we encourage you to take a deep breath, think logically (not emotionally) and take your time to thoroughly read the prompts and consider the buttons. If you are digitally challenged, you may want to find someone who is comfortable with the digital realm. Offer them a cup of coffee, fresh baked bread or small payment for their time. Remember to give yourself time and be patient and calm.
Call for Curatorial & Exhibition Proposals
Accepted on a Rolling Basis
Art Works Downtown welcomes proposals for exhibitions in Gallery 1337, our primary exhibition space in downtown San Rafael.
We invite emerging and established curators, independent curators, artists, and collaborative teams to propose solo or group exhibitions. We seek projects with a clear vision, strong artistic quality, professionalism, originality, and a compelling concept suited to the gallery and our public audience.
As a community-driven arts organization, Art Works Downtown recognizes the creative and organizational work required to produce a strong exhibition. Selected projects receive financial, promotional, and organizational support to help bring compelling ideas to life.
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Exhibition Dates: Ongoing opportunities
Application Fee: No cost
Gallery: Gallery 1337, Art Works Downtown
Public Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm
Submit proposals to: Elisabeth@artworksdowntown.org
No phone calls, please.
Due to the volume of submissions, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. If your proposal is a strong fit for an upcoming opportunity, a member of our team will contact you directly to discuss next steps. We are unable to provide individual critiques or feedback.
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Proposals should be clear, concise, professional, and developed enough for us to understand both the artistic vision and practical needs of the exhibition.
Please include:
Exhibition title
Curatorial or exhibition statement describing the concept, themes, and goals
Curator and/or artist bio and résumé/CV
Participating artists, if identified, with brief bios and portfolio links
Representative artwork images with artist, title, medium, dimensions, date, and price when applicable
Proposed number and type of artworks
Installation concept and any special technical or equipment needs
Preferred dates and timeline
Public programming ideas, if applicable
Audience, outreach, or partnership ideas
Preliminary budget and intended use of any requested stipend
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Proposals are reviewed based on:
Strength and originality of concept
Quality of artwork
Professionalism and completeness
Feasibility of the exhibition plan
Appropriate scale and quantity of work
Ability to engage a broad public audience
Inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility, and representation
Potential for meaningful public programs or community engagement
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Art Works Downtown primarily exhibits original artwork
Signed and numbered limited editions are permitted
Un-editioned reproductions and print-to-order works are generally not accepted
Explicit sexual content or graphic violence is not eligible
Artists should generally reside within 100 miles of San Rafael, unless otherwise approved
Video and new-media work are welcome; most equipment must be provided by the artist or curator
Audio works must generally use headphones
Projection-based work may be limited due to ambient light
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At least 50% of exhibited artwork should be available for sale
Art Works Downtown processes sales and applicable sales tax
40% of the retail price supports Art Works Downtown; 60% is paid to the artist, unless otherwise agreed in writing
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Selected proposals may receive:
Up to $5,000 in curatorial or exhibition support
Use of Gallery 1337
Exhibition planning and production support
Advertising and promotional support
Gallery staffing during public hours
Two exhibition receptions
Support for related public programs
We look forward to discovering thoughtful, ambitious exhibition ideas and working with artists and curators to bring exceptional visual art experiences to downtown San Rafael.
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EcoArt: Envisioning Strategies and Solutions by Deanna Pindell in collaboration with Women Eco Artists Dialogue
Hope Is a Discipline by Marc Mayer
SHIFT curated by Tapestry Weavers West
ZENPOP curated by Marialidia Marcotulli
/ker/ curated by Sergio De La Torre and Fernanda Partida Ochoa
Ordinary and Technological Mediations curated by Victoria Heilweil
Restless Garden curated by Lauren Bartone
Veer curated by Theodora Mauro and Tracy Wheeler
The Art of Rock Legends curated by Bruce Burtch
Jeremy Morgan curated by Linda Samuels
Thank You! Art Works Downtown recognizes your effort and applauds your art practice. Thank you for considering our venue as an opportunity to further your practice and share your artwork with the public.
