Important Dates:
Applications Open: June 16th, 2025
Submission Deadline: 11:59 pm on August 22nd, 2025
Artist Notified By: 11:59 pm on September 12th, 2025
Where To Apply:
https://form.jotform.com/251336146953156
There is no application fee.
Rumriver Art Center is inviting regional artists to apply for solo, duo, or group shows in either of our two galleries. We are a community art center, and our core philosophy is ‘process over product,’ and exhibiting a wide variety of artistic practices and disciplines, no matter the technical skill level or how long they have been creating art. Exhibition proposals may be submitted online until 11:59 pm on August 22nd, 2025. It is FREE to apply.
About Our Galleries
Rumriver Art Center is the home to two different gallery spaces, the Jan Johansen Gallery and the 21 Step Gallery. We have two new exhibitions every 4 – 5 weeks. Three of these exhibitions are Call for Entries, where we feature artworks from multiple artists at one time. In November and December we hold our annual Holiday Show and Shop art market which is in both gallery spaces.
The Jan Johansen Gallery can show both 2D and 3D artwork. This gallery is about 23’ x 17’ and has 9’ tall ceilings, is located on our first floor, and is wheelchair accessible.
The 21 Step Gallery is located on our second floor and can ONLY display 2D work as it is a multipurpose room. This space has 10 foot tall ceilings and approximately 41 feet of wall space. Being that we are located in a historical building, there is unfortunately no elevator to this space. Stairs are the only way to access this gallery.
To view schematics of the spaces: https://rumriverart.com/gallery-show-inquiries/
Eligibility:
- You may apply as a solo artist or as a representative of a duo/group of artists.
- All mediums can apply, with the exception of digital/virtual art forms that require technological support to be displayed, unless personally provided by the artist.
- You do not need to be a ‘professional’ artist to apply. Most folks have their first-ever solo exhibition here! We are a community art center and our core philosophy is ‘process over product’ and exhibit a wide variety of artistic practices and disciplines no matter the skill level or how long they have been creating art. No prior solo show experience is required to apply.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility please contact Madison Nelmark at madison@rumriverart.com
Required Application Materials – Due August 22nd by 11:59 pm:
You must complete all required information on the application form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Click on the link to apply: https://form.jotform.com/251336146953156
- Name, address, and phone number.
- An artist statement/bio (Maximum 1000 words)
- Written proposal of show. This includes the general theme/idea, medium of work shown, special installation needs, etc.
- 5 images of sample artwork
- Applications must be submitted electronically to be accepted.
Photo Guidelines:
5 images of sample artwork – Due August 22nd by 11:59 pm (part of the application form)
- You will upload the image(s) of your artwork in your application form. You MUST name each image file with your last name and first initial, entry number, and artwork title. (Example: BotticelliS_01_Venus, BotticelliS_02_Primavera)
- Please submit images as a JPEG or PNG file.
- Please submit well lit images featuring only the artwork.
Sales:
We require some of your art to be for sale. Rumriver Art Center takes a 35% cut of purchased artwork. Rumriver Art Center will take a 35% commission on the sale price of any artwork sold during the show. Please price your pieces accordingly.
Judging:
Rumriver Art Center examines the overall cohesion of the submitted artworks, adherence to the proposed exhibition concept, presentation, and compliance to the application guidelines.
Liability:
All reasonable care will be taken with artwork. Rumriver Art Center staff and volunteers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to artwork including frames and mountings, no matter how damage/loss is caused. All entries submitted are subject to this condition. Rumriver Art Center has an excellent record in the care and handling of works of art. We suggest that artists insure work privately if they feel the need for such protection.
Permissions:
- It is FREE to apply for the Call for Exhibition. If an artist is given a gallery show at Rumriver Art Center, a non-refundable $50 fee is due upon the signing of their gallery contract.
- Rumriver Art Center will NOT accept shipped artwork or ship artwork back to participating artist(s); all artworks must be dropped off and picked up in-person.
- If you are given a gallery show, and the work submitted on this application differs greatly from the work that will appear in your show, we have the right to find another artist to exhibit in your place.
- You may NOT remove your artwork from the gallery earlier than the designated pick-up time.
- If contributing artists exceed expectations, the Rumriver Art Center reserves the right to close submission acceptance early.
About Rumriver Art Center
The mission of Rumriver Art Center is to make a difference through art by being a welcoming and inspiring environment for artists of all ages to explore their creative potential through our classes, collaborations, and partnerships in the North Metro.
The art center opened its doors in 2009 as a small 500 square foot studio in the historic Old Milk Factory nestled along the Rum River. Now spanning over 5,000 square feet, the art center features two galleries, an art cafe, ceramics studio, community art library, a large multi-purpose studio, and several private artist studios. With the addition of a second location in Fridley, opening in the fall of 2025, Rumriver Art Center continues to grow.
Every year Rumriver Art Center reaches over 12,000 students of different ages, ethnicities, abilities, and economic backgrounds offering the opportunity to grow artistically and creatively while building confidence and social skills. The art center offers a wide variety of educational opportunities such as art summer camps, multi-week homeschool courses, virtual classes, library classes, and a Vitality Arts program for adults ages 55+.
Rumriver Art Center continuously strives to create an environment where artists can immerse themselves in the art making process; encouraging growth, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the power of art.
Call 763-323-8830 or email Madison Nelmark at madison@rumriverart.com with any questions.
Rumriver Art Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.