Call for Proposals
Lowell Arts offers free public exhibitions designed to showcase artists' work in a professional setting while providing West Michigan residents access to exciting, innovative, and exceptional artwork. Each exhibition runs for approximately 5-7 weeks.
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We welcome exhibition proposals from artists, curators, artist groups, and instructors for 2025, 2026, and 2027. We have 6-8 exhibition slots available between Fall 2025 to Fall 2027.
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Our versatile gallery space accommodates 80-100 pieces and can be configured for either a single exhibition or multiple smaller shows.
We accept proposals from:
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Individual artists (to be paired with others in a combined show)
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Small groups of up to 10 artists
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Large groups of 11 or more artists
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Artist groups may be paired with other groups depending on the exhibition schedule. All proposals should specify the anticipated number of pieces and their approximate sizes.
Deadline
March 15, 2025
How to Submit a Proposal
Submit your proposal through our online form below, including required image samples. For group submissions (two or more artists), one representative should complete the form on behalf of the group.
Proposal Fees (Non-refundable):
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Individual Artist: $45
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Groups of 2-10 artists: $70
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Groups of 11+ artists: $90
Payment Options:
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Website (see payment form below)
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Check (mailed or dropped off at Lowell Arts)
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Credit card by phone: (616) 897-8545
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All fees must be received by the exhibition proposal deadline.
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Eligibility Requirements
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Artists must be 18 years or older
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Artwork must be original and created in 2021 or later
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Work must not have been previously exhibited at Lowell Arts
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Selected artists must maintain a current Lowell Arts membership ($45 annually)*
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*Special arrangements may be available for larger group proposals - please contact us for details.
Exhibition Requirements
Acceptable Artwork Types
Lowell Arts accepts only original artwork for exhibition. Commercial reproductions, including giclée prints, are not acceptable. For traditional print media, photography, and digital art, pieces must be from limited editions. As a community-focused, family-friendly gallery, all artwork must be appropriate for viewers of all ages. The Lowell Arts Gallery Committee reserves final approval rights for all exhibited work.
Delivery and Size Requirements
While there are no specific size restrictions, all artwork must be easily manageable by two people and fit through standard doorways. Artists may hand-deliver their work or ship it to the gallery. Those choosing to ship their artwork must include a prepaid return shipping label, as all packing and shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist. Shipped artwork will be returned in its original packing materials at the conclusion of the exhibition. Please note that all pieces must remain on display for the entire duration of the exhibition.
Gallery Services
Lowell Arts provides professional installation services for all exhibitions, including exhibition space setup and artwork labels. A limited number of pedestals are also available for three-dimensional works.
Display Preparation
All artwork must arrive ready for immediate display, with pieces completely dry and fully assembled. For wall-mounted works, proper preparation is essential: each piece must be fitted with secure hanging wire and either appropriately framed, mounted, or presented on fabric-wrapped canvas (which requires no additional framing). Three-dimensional works intended for wall display must include adequate hanging hardware or systems.
Safety and Handling Requirements
For safety and presentation quality, we cannot accept frames with exposed glass edges or pieces using sawtooth hangers. Additionally, we reserve the right to decline any works that are unsuitably prepared, hazardous, unstable, or extremely fragile, as these may pose risks during handling and display.
Marketing and Promotion
Lowell Arts actively promotes all exhibitions through multiple channels, including customized press releases, regional web outlet announcements, and featured content on our website and social media platforms.
Artwork Documentation
For proper documentation and promotion, artists must provide a complete inventory list with the following details for each piece: Artist Name, Title of Work, Medium, Size, and Price.
Sales and Commission
All artwork should be available for sale during the exhibition. While exceptions may be considered upon request, Lowell Arts retains a 30% commission on all works sold during the exhibition period.
Liability and Insurance
Lowell Arts takes every precaution to protect exhibited artwork. However, artists release Lowell Arts, its staff, and volunteers from any liability for damage, loss, or theft while artwork is on the premises. This includes any damage that may occur during regular handling of work during installation and exhibition. Artists who desire additional protection should arrange coverage through their personal insurance agents.
Terms and Conditions
All artwork must arrive ready to install and meet Lowell Arts' entry conditions. Work that does not meet these requirements will not be included in the exhibition. By submitting work, artists grant Lowell Arts permission to use images of their artwork for publicity purposes. Any artwork not retrieved during designated pickup times will be considered abandoned and become the property of Lowell Arts.
