Calling All
Artists!

Thank you for your interest and extended showing at the Clear Lake Arts Center.

Before submitting your work, we encourage you to review our current exhibitions and consigned gallery to gain a better understanding of the artists and artwork featured in our galleries. If you believe your work aligns with the mission and exhibition programming of the Clear Lake Arts Center, please review the submission requirements below and submit your materials.

At this time, our Hanson Solo Exhibition Gallery schedule is fully booked through 2027. All submitted portfolios will be added to our artist consideration list for future opportunities. As a small nonprofit arts organization, response times may vary, and we appreciate your patience as we review submissions.

Front Consigned Gallery display is open for the remainder of 2026. Instructions on the application process are below.

We welcome artists to stay connected with us and to submit updated portfolios or new work as it becomes available. Thank you for considering the Clear Lake Arts Center as a venue for sharing your creative work.

For New Artists

Please refer to our website “Call for Artists” if you have not shown with us before to submit your work: https://clearlakeartscenter.org/artist-call/

1. Strong work example images.
2. A short artist bio.

3. An artist statement.

4. Professional Headshot (Optional)

Submission Disclaimer

The Clear Lake Arts Center does not accept walk-in artist inquiries or unsolicited portfolio reviews. To ensure a fair and consistent review process for all artists, artwork presented without a formal submission and scheduled appointment will not be evaluated for consideration.

Requests for immediate feedback, acceptance decisions, or judgments regarding artwork made outside of the official submission process will not receive further review or discussion. Artists seeking opportunities will be directed to complete the formal submission process through the Clear Lake Arts Center website.

Following the established submission procedures helps maintain an organized, equitable, and professional review process for all applicants.

Acceptance

If your work is accepted, you will be invited to schedule a consultation appointment with the Clear Lake Arts Center Gallery Manager. Artwork will not be accepted by other representatives without prior instruction and approval between the Gallery Manager, artist, and the designated representative.

The consultation appointment is not a drop-off appointment. During this meeting, we will review the Artist Agreement, discuss exhibition or consigned display logistics, and establish agreed-upon dates for artwork delivery and removal. Artwork drop-off will take place on the scheduled delivery date determined during the consultation.

Artists should bring their artwork for review or present a portfolio that includes accurate dimensions, titles, and details for each piece. To promote accessibility, inclusion, and diverse artistic representation, the Clear Lake Arts Center generally accepts between five and ten works per artist for display.

All artwork must be signed by the artist. In addition, all two-dimensional works must be properly prepared for consigned display or exhibition with proper fittings and with a secure hanging wire attached to the back of the piece prior to the scheduled delivery date.

Virtual Inventory Lists Now Accepted

To improve record-keeping accuracy and artwork condition reporting, the Clear Lake Arts Center now accepts virtual inventory lists. Artists are encouraged to submit their inventory digitally and may include images of each artwork whenever possible. Photographs help ensure accurate documentation, condition tracking, and identification of artwork throughout the display process.

The virtual innovatory list option will be found via our website: https://clearlakeartscenter.org/artist-call/inventory/

This option will be password protected and given after consultation.

Inventory lists will also be accepted via email to Manager@clearlakeartscenter.org in the following forms:

1. A Google, Excel spreadsheet, or a Word document with the following columns – Photo of Work, Title, Media, Size, Date, Price for purpose of art label cards and Inventory.

We are committed to making this process accessible for all artists. For artists who have previously consigned with us or who prefer a paper-based option, physical inventory forms remain available. These forms may be completed by hand and submitted directly to Arts Center staff upon drop off.

2026 Artist Agreement Update 

The Clear Lake Arts Center has updated its Artist Agreement for 2026. The revised agreement includes updated consignment terms, disclaimers, policies, and other important information related to consigning and selling artwork through the Arts Center.

Artists currently exhibiting or consigning work with the Clear Lake Arts Center who do not have a current 2026 Artist Agreement on file will be contacted individually and asked to complete the updated paperwork. A signed and current agreement may be required before artwork can be exhibited, sold, or accepted.

Artwork Review & Submission Guidelines

To ensure a fair and consistent review process, all submitted artwork is evaluated using a standardized scoring system. Please review the following information before submitting your work.

Artwork Evaluation Criteria

Submitted artwork is reviewed by the Gallery Manager and or a panel using a point-based evaluation system. Each category is scored individually, and the combined score determines whether the work meets the standards for display.

Artwork is evaluated on the following criteria in a 1 through 5 point system:

• Elements of Design – The overall balance, organization, and visual flow of the artwork.
• Technical Skill – Demonstrated proficiency and control of the chosen medium.
• Originality – Creativity, innovation, and the uniqueness of the concept or execution.
• Presentation – Professional presentation of the artwork, including clean framing, appropriate wiring for hanging, and overall display readiness.

Artists whose work does not meet the acceptance criteria may request their scoring results after the review process has concluded. Evaluation scores are intended as constructive feedback and may be used to help strengthen future submissions. 

Acceptance Process

Each artwork receives a cumulative score based on the evaluation criteria. Works that meet or exceed the minimum acceptance score may be selected for consigned display.

Please note that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee acceptance. Exhibition space, curatorial goals, media balance, and overall representation of artists may also be considered during the final selection process.

Submission Requirements

To be considered for review, all submissions must comply with the following requirements:

Submit all requested materials before the requested deadline.

• Follow all image specifications, including file format, resolution, and file size requirements.Complete all application fields accurately and thoroughly.
• Include a concise, well-written artist biography and artist statement that is free of spelling and grammatical errors in 3rd person.
• Ensure all artwork is display-ready upon acceptance. Two-dimensional work must be properly wired for hanging, and all pieces should be clean, stable, and professionally presented with a signature.

Failure to follow submission requirements may result in disqualification from review and display, regardless of artistic merit.

The Clear Lake Arts Center is committed to maintaining a professional, equitable, and inclusive review process for all artists. Careful attention to these guidelines helps ensure every submission receives fair consideration.

Returning Artists & Established Relationships

Artists who have established a professional working relationship with the Clear Lake Arts Center may not be required to complete the full submission review process for future consigned display opportunities. However, all artwork remains subject to curatorial review or denial and may be evaluated using the Center’s point-based scoring system to ensure consistency, quality, and fairness across all exhibitions.

The Clear Lake Arts Center reserves the right to request updated portfolios, artist information, or additional documentation at any time, regardless of previous display history.

For questions or clarifications please contact Faith Lawler, Gallery Manager at manager@clearlakeartscenter.org or 641-357-1998