FAQ
Q. What is required of me to exhibit in a City of San Ramon Gallery?
A. You must submit an application along with work sample images. We do not accept applications on a rolling basis.
While there are no geographical requirements or age restrictions, artists are required to hang/install and take down their own exhibit in San Ramon.
A gallery waiver is also required once accepted and confirmed as an exhibiting artist. Please also make sure you have enough pieces to display and fill the space (see below).
2-dimensional work is required to have wire on the back, in order to be able to be hung on our hanging system. We use the walker display system. To view and learn more about the hanging system visit: https://walkerdisplay.com/
All work must have a label with title, artist, and price (if applicable). Labels must be typed and attached using painters tape as to not damage the tape on the wall. Labels can also be attached to the back of the frame.
There are also gallery fees to exhibit. See next question for pricing details.
Q. What does it cost to exhibit and why are there fees?
A. The gallery fees vary based on specific gallery as they all differ in size. There are gallery fees to assist in cost associated with marketing, gallery equipment and maintenance. There is not an application fee for submitting.
Gallery Fees will be payable online or by check and are as listed...
Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery | $55.00/month
Gallery @ San Ramon Library | $30.00/2 months
Gallery @ Alcosta Senior Center | $30.00/month
Gallery @ City Hall | $30.00/month
Gallery @ Dougherty Station Community Arts Center | $30.00/month
The City also receives 20% of all sales. Artists are not required to have work for sale.
Q. How many pieces do I need?
A. This largely depends on the size of your work. Each gallery space varies in size but typically we see the following:
Gallery @ San Ramon Library | 10-15 pieces | Up to 60 linear feet of display track |
Gallery @ Alcosta Senior & Community Center | 20-25 pieces | Up to 85 linear feet of display track |
Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery | 25-30 pieces | Up to 90 linear feet of display track |
Gallery @ City Hall | 30+ pieces | Up to 115 linear feet of track |
Gallery @ Dougherty Station Community Arts Center | 30+ pieces | Up to 115 linear feet of track |
*It is strongly recommend to visit the galleries before submitting to get a sense for which space will work for you. In the application you will note which galleries you are open to getting selected for.
We cannot select artists that do not have enough work to fill the gallery space.
Q. How are artists selected? Are all artists selected?
A. Staff compile all work samples from applicants to present to the City's Arts Advisory Committee. The Arts Advisory Committee than go through a review and scoring process. Then City staff will look at all schedule and gallery preferences as well as how Artists scored and compile the master calendar/schedule for those artist selected.
Although there are 5 galleries, we receive more applications than we can fit and schedule. Thus, we cannot place all artists that apply.
Q. Can I exhibit with a group/multiple artists?
A. Yes, we accept group shows. Please only submit one application per exhibit.
Q. What if I get selected to exhibit at a gallery space that I do not want to show at?
A. While we do take artist's preferences into account while making the schedule we also look at the rankings and scores on each application. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests pertaining to the gallery space you are placed at. Once the schedule is created, artists do have a window of time to either accept or deny the month/gallery that they have been scheduled at.
Q. If I am selected to exhibit can I sell my work? How?
A. Yes, all artists can sell their artwork if they would like. This is not required. If artists are selling their work they should list prices on their labels/tags. All sales are handled directly through the artist and not the City. The City does not collect fees from art sales. Typically artists will list their contact information on the labels so buyers can contact the artist. It is up to the artist how to accept payment/what forms. It is preferred to not remove the piece of work that sells until the end of the exhibit, or if able the artist can remove a piece and replace it. The artist should keep track of all sales as the City collects 20% of the total sales at the end of the exhibit. The artist will take care of paying The City at the end of the exhibit. If a potential buyer contacts the Arts Coordinator or City Staff, staff will get them in touch with the artist for the sale.
Q. I am interested in exhibiting. What should I do?
A.
Art Gallery Exhibit Applications for 2025has closed.
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If you have questions, please email Recreation Coordinator, Ri Thomas at [email protected]
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If interested in applying to exhibit in 2026, please complete this form and you will be contacted when the next call opens in June.