CALL FOR EXHIBITS
2025 Open Call for Exhibits at The Gallery at Graphite Arts Center – Edmonds
The Gallery at Graphite is seeking proposals for high quality art exhibits for our 760 sq ft gallery space in downtown Edmonds. Curators and established art groups (societies, associations, clubs, leagues, etc.) are encouraged to apply with a proposal. The Gallery at Graphite is a program of the non-profit organization Graphite Arts Center.
For any new exhibition Graphite will organize our usual package of promotional materials. This includes: posters for our window, posters for our floor stands, 200 postcards for our use, press release announcing the show and promotion in our monthly e-newsletter. Additional printed materials must be paid for in advance by the exhibit curator/art group. Graphite will host an opening night artist reception.
Offering prize money to artists is not a requirement. If a curator or art group wishes to offer awards, the prize money available will be the responsibility of the curator/art group. At the conclusion of the show Graphite will award an honorary People’s Choice Award, based on votes by gallery visitors
Graphite Arts Center regularly hosts art talks, lectures, demonstrations, etc. We strive to have these events tie in with current gallery exhibits. It is our hope that guest curators or art groups are able to propose an evening of programming in conjunction with their show. These events will be managed jointly by Graphite and the guest curator/art group. Ticket sales for these events will be managed by Graphite and the proceeds will be Graphite’s. Graphite will contribute $100 in support of the speaker/teacher honorarium if appropriate/requested.
For proposals submitted on behalf of an art group, one individual must be identified as the lead contact. Graphite (Gallery Director) will work primarily with one person on the coordination of the show. The exhibit will be managed jointly between Graphite and the guest curator/art group. The proposing curator, or art group representative will be responsible for most of the artist communication.
All show proposals will be considered. Once submitted, you can expect a personal email acknowledging receipt, but no further communication beyond that is guaranteed. We will contact you if we would like to discuss your proposal further.
A competitive proposal will include the following:
- Show title
- Description (theme, focus, purpose, who the artists are, etc.)
- Strong examples of artwork
- Estimate of number of works and sizes
- Estimate of number of artists to be included
- Proposed speaker, demo, or other program to offer as part of the exhibition
If applicable, please include notes for anything special or unusual which may be required for the full realization of the show.
Please consider the following:
- We are seeking to show high quality art.
- Any art, 2D or 3D of any medium will be considered.
- One-person shows will very likely not be considered at this time.
- The artwork shown must be for sale. Exceptions may be considered.
- Sales will be handled by Graphite.
- Commission terms for sales is 35% to Graphite.
- Art must be ready to hang/display/install when it arrives at Graphite.
- Final curation of the show will be approved by Graphite.
- Works are not allowed to be shipped to Graphite, nor will Graphite be responsible for any return shipping.
- There is no deadline to submit a proposal. Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis.
- Graphite staff work part time and are not available 24/7.
TO APPLY, PLEASE EMAIL gallery@artstartnw.org with the following detailed in an attached word document:
- Curator/group statement
- Curator/group resume or history (lack of history should not be a deterrent)
- Show proposal including as much detail as possible
- Images/examples of work
Email subject line should read: Exhibit Proposal – Your Name, Name of Show
i.e. “Exhibit Proposal – Tara Shadduck, Landscapes by New Artists”
or, “Exhibit Proposal – New Art Club of Seattle, Landscapes”
Email body should have a brief introduction and note regarding attachments.
Questions about submitting a proposal? email Tara Shadduck at gallery@artstartnw.org
About The Gallery at Graphite
The Gallery at Graphite is a non-profit gallery space located at Graphite Arts Center in downtown Edmonds, WA. The Gallery is an integral part of Graphite Arts Center. The aim of the gallery is to provide high quality arts experiences for our community. We curate and host group-shows which showcase a variety of talents, genres, and artistic expressions. Currently The Gallery at Graphite is open to the public Fridays 1-5PM, Saturdays 12-4PM and daily 4-8PM with access through Charcoal Restaurant. Graphite is also open the third Thursday of the month for Art Walk Edmonds, 5-8PM. The gallery and arts center averages 2-300 visitors each weekend and over 100 visitors for Art Walk Edmonds. The Gallery is run by the Gallery Director and dedicated volunteers.
About Graphite Arts Center
Graphite Arts Center [Art Start NW] is a non-profit organization and is a registered 501(c)3. The mission of Graphite Arts Center is to be a creative art space where people feel welcomed and inspired. Our vision is to make art accessible.