Gallery GUIDELINES
Salem Arts Association offers great opportunities for artist members to share their artwork with the community in our galleries and retail shop. We have nearly six galleries for exhibitions. Our curated boutique shop features a variety of quality hand-made arts, crafts, and housewares. Periodically we will offer off-site opportunities at other venues and pop-up shows. Selected exhibitions are also open to non-member artists. We're a popular location for the community and visitors to shop, be inspired, and enjoy the creations of local talented artists.
Calls For Art
Each year Salem Arts features a wonderful season of exhibitions. All artist members are encourages to submit their artwork for display. Selected exhibitions are also open to non-member artists. Each exhibit offers a theme to inspire creativity and make each visit a unique experience for our community and visitors to Salem. We invite you to review our Call for Art listings and bring your creativity to Salem Arts.
Each artist entering work will need to agree to our Artist Agreement to display work.
Ongoing gallery exhibitions will be on display for one to two-month periods. Take-in will typically be held the weekend preceding the new exhibition start date.
Use the links in each call for art to provide your artwork information.
Please contact Gallery@SalemArts.org with questions.
Submitting Your Artwork
Read the following information carefully. Our artwork entry process and forms have changed for 2024.
Call for Art Process:
This year we are switching to an Online Artwork Entry Form in order to streamline our take-in process. You will now fill out an online entry form instead of the paper forms we used previously, and we will provide you with the labels for the back of your artwork when you drop off your art. Everything else will remain the same. We understand that for various reasons, some people will not be able to fill out the online form. Bring your artwork to take-in and we will be able to enter your information you on site.
Fill out the online entry form (Click the "Artwork Entry Form" button found in the specific exhibition Call for Art) to provide your information and artwork details before take-in day. If you are not able to fill out the online form before take-in, that is OK! We will be able to fill out forms for you during take-in. However, be prepared for a longer process if you are not able to submit your information in advance.
- You will need to provide the following information for up to three (3) items.
- Your name, as you wish it to appear on your artwork label.
- Contact information including your full address, email, and phone number.
- Your three initials (first, middle, last name). We use this as your inventory ID.
- Membership Status (be sure to check that your membership status is current for the exhibition period).
- Artwork information including title, medium, dimensions, and price (or value if not for sale)
- Bring your artwork and payment to the Salem Arts Association between 12:00 and 4:00 pm on take-in day. Whether you register your work prior to take-in day or not, all artwork must still be brought in during the scheduled take-in time.
- We will verify your membership, collect any payment and provide you with labels for your artwork during your take in time.
The Artwork Entry Form is available in each exhibition Call For Art details page.
Criteria:
Exhibitions are open to current Salem Arts member artists who may submit work in any medium for the juror’s consideration. Salem Arts encourages artists to submit artworks that adhere to our themes. Work created at any time is eligible for display. Selected exhibits are open to non-member artists, check call for art for details.
Entry Fees:
- Current Salem Arts members fee is $10.00 per item submission.
- First Item FREE for "Masters Circle" Artist Members
- Non-members may submit work for selected open call exhibits for a fee of $15.00 per item.
- All artists may submit up to three items per exhibit.
Exhibition Jurying:
Exhibit Chairpersons and Salem Arts Gallery Committee will curate this exhibit. Criteria will be based on execution quality and space available. Every effort will be made to include as many submissions as possible. Decisions of the Salem Arts Association Gallery Committee are final.
Salem Arts invites guest jurors to choose awards at most exhibitions. We'll select community arts and business leaders to review exhibitions and choose their favorites to receive recognition including best in Show, Second/Third prizes, and Honorable Mention awards.
Rules & Regulations:
Please be sure to read the Salem Arts Association Artist Agreement and ensure you accept the agreement on your online member profile page. Non-members must also agree to our agreement provided at the gallery.
Artwork Presentation Must adhere to our framing guidelines for acceptance.
Volunteer Requirements:
Exhibiting Salem Arts member artists are required to volunteer 3+ hours per month when your artwork is on display in the gallery or the gallery shop. Please sign up for a gallery host time slot or make arrangements for alternate volunteer opportunities.
Click here for volunteer information and sign up
Selling Your Artwork
We encourage artists to submit work for sale. It's a great opportunity to make some money and be proud when a patron gives your creations a new home. Exhibition artwork is not required to be for sale. You can choose to submit work that is for exhibition only.
Sales will be handled by the Salem Arts Gallery Shop Volunteers. A Commission of 35% of the selling price is required of Salem Arts Association member artists and will be subtracted from the price before payment. Payment of 65% of the selling price will be issued to the artist by check, generally during the month following the month of the sale (generally within 60 days).
If your membership expires while your work is on display it will be subject to the non-member sale commission rate of 50%
Non-members participating in exhibitions are subject to a commission of 50% of the selling price that will be subtracted from the price before payment. Payment of 50% of the selling price will be issued to non-member artists by check, generally during the month following the month of the sale (within 60 days).
Each Salem Arts member submitting work this season will need to agree to our Artist Agreement in their member profile to display work.
Tax Forms:
Salem Arts Association is required by law to submit 1099’s to the IRS from artists with sales, awards, or other payments for amounts totaling $600 or greater during a calendar year. A 1099 will only be sent to the IRS if the total payment to an artist equals or exceeds $600.
To facilitate this, we require completed W-9 forms prior to giving out award and/or sales payments. Artists are asked to complete a W-9 form, or validate that current W-9 form information is accurate, when submitting work for sale. W-9 forms will be kept on file for three years. Artists are required to inform Salem Arts Association of any changes to address or other related tax form information.
Selling artists can check with your tax advisor for advice regarding claiming commissions as tax-deductible donations to the extent allowable by law.
Download the form using the link below and deliver in person, mail to Salem Arts Association at 159 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970, or email to finance@salemarts.org
Volunteer Requirements
Salem Arts Association is an all-volunteer operation. We are your gallery and we can't keep the doors open without the help of you, our members.
Exhibiting Salem Arts member artists are required to volunteer 3+ hours per month when your artwork is on display in the gallery or the gallery shop. Please sign up for a gallery host time slot or make arrangements for alternate volunteer opportunities.
We understand that special circumstances can make volunteering difficult. Please notify us at shop@salemarts.org if you are unable to volunteer due to health concerns or other personal reasons. Artwork may remain on display if you are approved to have volunteer requirements waived.
Join as an Artist Member Today!
Membership allows artists to stay up to date on exhibition announcements, pay discounted exhibition fees, and be eligible for member only exhibitions and events.
Need to update or renew your membership? Renew online!
Join OnlineQuestions and Suggestions
Please email Shop@SalemArts.org (retail questions) or Gallery@SalemArts.org (exhibit questions).
This is your gallery, so help us make it the best it can be!
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© 2007 - 2025, Salem Arts Association is a 501(c)(3 )non-profit organization
159 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970