San Marcos Community Gallery Call for Artists - Fall 2026 Show

The Community Gallery at City Hall invites local artists to submit their work to the gallery’s October 2026 – March 2027 exhibit. Shows in the gallery will be bi-annual and highlight local and regional artists. Open to artists aged 18 and over from Hays, Caldwell, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties. Employees of the City of San Marcos Destination Services Department and City Manager’s Office are ineligible.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY ART GALLERY: Established in 2024, the Community Art Gallery is housed in the lobby of City Hall. It is a space to share art with residents and visitors and to elevate the arts in our community.

APPLICATION: Applicants must submit an artist bio and up to three artworks available for loan for the duration of the exhibition. Entry forms must be filled out online via CaFE and artwork photos received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.

MEDIA AND CONTENT:  All 2-D and 3-D media that can be safely hung on the walls are eligible to be submitted. The only content restrictions are that all work for this family friendly public venue must be apolitical, non-violent and G-rated. No nudity is allowed, even if it is tasteful and artistic.

SELECTION: A three-member jury will select pieces for this exhibit. Space is limited, and inclusion in the show is not guaranteed.

CRITERIA: Selection criteria may include, but is not limited to: Quality or merit of the artwork; cultural diversity of artwork; and reputation of artist.

SIZE OF ENTRIES: Art sized between 8”x10” at the smallest and 24”x36” maximum, with a weight limit of 30 lbs. per artwork.

PREPARATION AND HARDWARE: Pieces must come ready to hang with hardware installed as close to the top as possible to avoid the artwork hanging forward at an angle from the wall.  

LABELING: Attach a secure label to the back of each artwork that includes your name, the title of the work, and the price. 

MONEY MATTERS:  There are no entry fees for the exhibit. Art may either be for sale or marked not for sale (NFS). If the work is not for sale, please include an insurance value on your entry form. The gallery retains no commission for sales; any sales must be conducted directly between the artist and buyer. If sold, artworks must remain on the wall for the duration of the exhibit unless a suitable replacement is approved.

IMPORTANT DATES

Exhibit dates: October 2026 – March 2027

Aug. 12 - 31, 2026: Submission window open

Sept. 1-9, 2026: Applications reviewed, artwork recommended, preliminary selections

Sept. 10, 2026: Artist notification

Saturday Oct. 3, 2026: Art intake from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Open to artists aged 18 and over from Hays, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Travis Counties. Employees of the City of San Marcos Destination Services Department and City Manager’s Office are ineligible.