2026 Submission Guidelines

Media

Two-dimensional works in a variety of media, styles, and techniques are acceptable, excluding giclées. Overly delicate, large, or heavy hanging works may be accepted at the discretion of the Exhibitions Committee chair. A limited number of small-scale sculptures that can be displayed on a mantle may be accepted as part of the body of works exhibited. Images submitted should be representative of the proposed exhibit (size, medium, subject matter, etc.).

Gallery Space

The Arts Club of Washington features two formal galleries for exhibition use. The curator, in conjunction with the Exhibitions Committee, will determine in which gallery to display each exhibition. Two or three artists per month are generally accepted, although this is subject to change.

Curator

The club invites a panel of several independent art professionals to make selections for the year and to curate the exhibits. Curators are often associated with the National Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collection, Kreeger Museum, and other area museums and galleries.

Artist's Submissions 

• JPG images of 4 works of 2D art. File names/numbers must correspond with a numbered image list.

• A numbered image list including the Artist Name, Title, Medium, Year, Dimensions and Price.

• A brief Artist's Bio.

• Incomplete entries will not be considered.

Terms for Exhibit

• Individual works cannot be priced for more than $10,000 unless otherwise approved by the Exhibition Committee.

• Individual works may be designated as “not for sale” (NFS) at the discretion of the artist, but cannot exceed 25% of the total exhibition, unless otherwise approved by the Exhibition Committee.

• Transportation for delivery, unpacking, packing, and pick-up of works is the responsibility of the artist or their representative. The artist or their agent must be present in order to accept deliveries from third-party shippers. The Club will arrange for pickup times at the conclusion of the exhibition in which the artist can retrieve their work. In the event that the artwork remains unclaimed for 10 days after the close of the exhibition, the club will no longer be responsible or liable for the artwork.

• Works exhibited are subject to approval by the Exhibition Committee.

• Installation of the works of art is the responsibility of the Arts Club Exhibition Committee.

• Display is restricted to gallery walls. No room installations will be accepted.

• All wall-displayed works must be suitably framed to be hung from the rod hanging-rail system provided. This requires a secure hanging wire across the back of each work. No nails, screws, or other fasteners are allowed on the gallery’s plaster walls.

• There is a 45 lb. weight limit for each hanging piece.

• Painting of the gallery walls is not permitted.

• All work hung must remain in the Arts Club for the duration of the exhibit. No pieces can be moved or exchanged without the consent of the Exhibition Committee.

• The Arts Club will produce an Exhibit Handout, including Artist’s Bio and Statement as well as a price list. Other exhibit didactics — posters, pamphlets, catalogs, cards, etc. are subject to approval by the Exhibition Committee and must not be displayed without prior consent. 

• Overly delicate works will be hung at the discretion of the Exhibition Committee.

Delivery of Artwork 

• All artwork must be dry to the touch upon delivery. Anything wet will be eliminated from the exhibition. 

• All work must have a secure hanging wire across the back and work must be securely fastened in the frame. Work with faulty framing and/or wiring will be eliminated from the exhibition. 

• ALL work must be delivered on the agreed upon delivery date and time. 

Advertising and Publicity 

The Arts Club has a structured program of advertising and marketing for exhibitions. The Club’s announcement contains a reservation signup link and is broadly distributed to members and press. 

Artists must notify the Arts Club, specifically the Gallery Administrator, if they intend to create an announcement of their own using their contact list for the First Friday reception, and any additional receptions to be held at the club. This announcement must inform attendees to make reservations only through the Arts Club website. Attendees NOT registered with the club will be turned away at the door per DC fire codes. 

Sales

The Arts Club of Washington will receive a 40% commission on all sales (25% for ACW members). All sales must go through the Exhibitions Committee. Individual works may be designated as not for sale (NFS) at the discretion of the artist, but must not exceed 25% of the exhibition’s works, unless otherwise approved by the committee. Payments to the artist will be made no later than 30 days after close of the exhibition. 

Exhibit Dates

Exhibits are on view for approximately a month. Art drop-off and pick-up date is the Sunday prior to the public opening reception held on the first Friday of the month. National holidays that fall on the first Friday or last Sunday may alter this schedule.