Abstraction

This exhibition explores abstraction as a mode of visual thinking. From non-representational form to works that depart from observed reality, abstraction has long served as a site of experimentation, resistance, and reinvention. Artists are invited to submit work that engages abstraction formally, materially, or conceptually—through color, gesture, structure, pattern, process, or reduction. All media are welcome, and interpretations may range from subtle to overt, intuitive to systematic.

Juror: Kim Eagles-Smith; owner director, Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery

Artwork Requirements (abbreviated):

• Open to San Francisco Bay Area artists.
• Artwork must relate to the theme.
• Open to all visual arts media including sculpture and video.
• Apply through CallForEntry.org.

This exhibition explores abstraction as a mode of visual thinking. From non-representational form to works that depart from observed reality, abstraction has long served as a site of experimentation, resistance, and reinvention. Artists are invited to submit work that engages abstraction formally, materially, or conceptually—through color, gesture, structure, pattern, process, or reduction. All media are welcome, and interpretations may range from subtle to overt, intuitive to systematic.

Juror: Kim Eagles-Smith; owner director, Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery

Application fee: $40 for up to 3 entries. Discount provided to AWD Artist Members. Join today!

Exhibit Schedule:

• April 3–May 22, 2026 
• March 1: Entries due via CallForEntry.org before 11:59pm PST
• March 5–6: Notification by email
• March 25–28, 11–4pm: Deliver artwork
• April 10, May 8: Receptions
• May 27–30: Pick up artwork

• Open to San Francisco Bay Area artists only (artist must live within 100 miles from San Rafael, California).
  • Refunds will not be given to applicants who don’t qualify.
• Artwork must relate to the theme.
• Open to all visual arts media including sculpture. Video artists must include dimensions of equipment in submission and supply all equipment—including headphones—for the exhibition. Projections and speakers are prohibited.
• Original artwork only. No giclées or reproductions.
• Images of explicit sexual content or violence will not be considered.
• Size limit: artwork must not exceed 72” including frame, stand, and all materials.
• Submissions must not have previously exhibited in the AWD 1337 Gallery.
• Apply through CallForEntry.org. AWD will not accept hardcopy, email, or disk submissions.

Online Entry:

AWD uses callforentry.org (CaFÉ) to process art submissions to juried exhibits. Complete the following steps to submit your art entries:

1. Go to www.callforentry.org
2. Create a free profile login
3. Upload work samples* in “My Portfolio” on your home profile dashboard.
4. Search for the call in “Apply to Calls” on your home profile dashboard

*First-timers: adding images to “My Portfolio” does not submit them to the “Call.” Add the work samples from your Portfolio to the Call as you apply.

The CaFÉ website provides all the assistance needed to prepare your submissions and apply. If you have trouble sizing your image(s), use the links provided below for help. Before you start, we recommend reviewing the CAFÉ HELP page.

• 3D / sculptural entries: Since you can only submit one image per entry, we suggest submitting one image that includes two views.
• Free online image software for editing images of your artwork:  pixlr.com/editor; online-image-editor.com
• Use the most current internet browser. Check the CaFÉ help page or this link: browsehappy.com.

• Open to San Francisco Bay Area artists only (artist must live within 100 miles from San Rafael, California).
  • Refunds will not be given to applicants who don’t qualify.

Delivery of Invited Work: 

• Work(s) must be hand delivered to Art Works Downtown 1337 Fourth St., San Rafael between the hours stated, above, under Exhibit Schedule.
• Artist must complete and sign the Consignment Contract during delivery. If a representative of the artist delivers, the artist must call ahead to give the representative’s name.
• All work must be ready to install. Wall-based artwork must be securely wired. Please include clear directions and proper hardware for special installations needs.
• We do not accept substitutes for the artwork approved by the juror.
• Include your artist statement and resume for the exhibit binder. We do not print these materials for you.
• Be patient, other artists will deliver and pick up simultaneously. You may need to wait for staff to process other artists. Paid parking can be found on the surrounding streets and in two garages—one block away—on C Street. 

Pick Up:

Artists who do not retrieve their work will be charged a storage fee of $5.00 per day. Works remaining after 30 days will become property of Art Works Downtown. Please note that other artists will deliver and pick up during the same hours. You may need to wait for staff to process other artists. Paid parking can be found on the surrounding streets and in two garages—one block away—on C Street.

Sales: 

Art Works Downtown (AWD) expects a 40% donation upon sale. AWD processes sales as follows. All checks and credit card sales will be made payable to Art Works Downtown. AWD then reports the sales tax and passes the net sale to the artist. The artist is responsible for donating 40% of the net sale total to AWD. It is not the artist’s responsibility to report sales tax. All sold artworks will remain on display until the end of the exhibition. Patrons retrieve their artwork when the exhibit ends. Sales will be paid to artists as soon as possible after the exhibit ends.