For emerging artists in Los Angeles, understanding the varied landscape of art submissions is crucial for showcasing their work. Direct gallery submissions often differ significantly from open calls for entry, each requiring a tailored approach. This guide compares the submission processes and artistic focuses of Artplex Gallery and Artspace Warehouse, alongside the general structure of open calls found on platforms like ArtCall.org, to help artists strategically target venues and manage expectations.

Artplex Gallery: Direct Submission Requirements and Focus

Artplex Gallery in Los Angeles actively seeks emerging and mid-career contemporary artists with fresh ideas and concepts. The gallery's Art Review Board evaluates submissions, emphasizing that only complete applications meeting all requirements will be reviewed. Artists interested in exhibiting their work should submit materials via email, as the gallery explicitly states it does not accept walk-ins or phone calls.

To submit to Artplex Gallery, artists must include:

  • Artist's name, address, phone, email, nationality, and year of birth.
  • Information on how the artist learned about Artplex Gallery.
  • A list of images with pertinent details: title, medium, dimensions, date, and sales price.
  • A paragraph detailing the theme, concept, content, or background of the work.
  • A biography, CV, or resume, including previous, current, or future exhibitions.
  • A list of gallery representations, sales history, and education.
  • Links to other websites where the artist's work can be purchased.
  • An image of the artist.
  • The URL of the artist's website and/or social media pages (Facebook/Instagram).

All submissions should be sent to artplexgallery@gmail.com with the subject line "Artist Submission." The gallery advises patience due to the high volume of submissions, noting that they may hold onto work for future programming and revisit submissions months later. Direct follow-up is discouraged.

Artspace Warehouse: Direct Submission Requirements and Focus

Similar to Artplex Gallery, Artspace Warehouse in Los Angeles is on the lookout for emerging and mid-career international and local contemporary artists who bring fresh ideas and concepts. The gallery's Art Review Board reviews submissions, and only those that are complete and satisfy all stated requirements will be considered. Artspace Warehouse also mandates email submissions, explicitly stating that walk-ins and phone calls are not accepted.

Artists submitting to Artspace Warehouse should prepare an email containing:

  • Artist's name, address, phone, email, nationality, and year of birth.
  • Details on how the artist discovered Artspace Warehouse.
  • A list of images, each accompanied by its title, medium, dimensions, date, and sales price.
  • A paragraph explaining the theme, concept, content, or background of the artwork.
  • A biography, CV, or resume, detailing past, present, and upcoming exhibitions.
  • A list of gallery representations, sales history, and educational background.
  • Links to other platforms where the artist's work is available for purchase.
  • An image of the artist.
  • The URL for the artist's website and/or social media profiles (Facebook/Instagram).

Artspace Warehouse emphasizes the need for patience from submitting artists, as an immediate response should not be expected. The gallery often retains submissions for future programming and may revisit them several months later. Artists are advised against sending additional unsolicited emails or calling the gallery. Unsolicited physical materials sent to their Beverly Boulevard address will become the property of Artspace Warehouse, as they do not have the staff to return them. However, artists may resubmit a new body of work at a later date if relevant.

Open Calls for Entry: The ArtCall.org Model

Open calls for entry, often facilitated by platforms like ArtCall.org, offer a distinct pathway for artists to exhibit their work, differing significantly from direct gallery submissions. These calls typically involve an online portfolio system where artists create an account and upload their artworks. For instance, ArtCall.org requires users to have a portfolio site with at least two artworks uploaded to submit to an online show.

Eligibility for open calls can vary widely. Some calls may be restricted to members only, specific regions (e.g., Massachusetts, Tennessee, Oregon, or within a 15-mile radius of a particular town in Georgia), or require artists to be over 18 years old. The types of art styles accepted are broad, encompassing 2D and 3D works, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber art, photography, and mixed media.

A key difference is the presence of entry fees. While some open calls might be free for artists with paid portfolio plans (e.g., Pro or Pro+ on ArtCall.org), others may charge a fee per entry, such as $10 for artists on a free plan, or a range like $20-$40 for a fiber arts show, or a flat $15 for up to five submissions for a small works exhibition. These fees are generally non-refundable. Open calls often include adjudication processes, with selected artists notified by a specific date, and some even offer cash awards or awards of merit for top works.

Comparing Direct Gallery Submissions vs. Open Calls

The pathways for emerging artists—direct gallery submissions and open calls—present distinct processes and expectations:

  • Submission Method

    Direct gallery submissions to Artplex Gallery and Artspace Warehouse are exclusively via email, requiring a comprehensive package of artist information, artwork details, and supporting documents. In contrast, open calls, such as those on ArtCall.org, typically utilize an online portfolio system where artists upload works and apply through a digital platform.

  • Required Materials

    Both Artplex and Artspace require similar detailed information: artist biography/CV, artist statement, website/social media links, and images formatted as JPEGs (72 dpi, 1920 pixels longest side, labeled with artist name and title) with full artwork details (title, medium, dimensions, date, sales price). Open calls also require artwork images and artist information, but the specific format and extent of supporting documents can vary per call, often integrated into the online application system.

  • Artistic Focus

    Artplex Gallery focuses on emerging and mid-career contemporary artists, while Artspace Warehouse seeks emerging and mid-career international and local contemporary artists with fresh ideas. Open calls, however, can have highly specific themes, mediums (e.g., ceramic art, fiber arts, small works), or general calls for all art styles, offering a broader range of exhibition opportunities.

  • Eligibility and Fees

    Direct gallery submissions to Artplex and Artspace do not mention specific eligibility criteria beyond seeking emerging/mid-career artists, and there are no stated submission fees. Open calls frequently have specific eligibility requirements, such as age, regional residency, or membership status, and often involve non-refundable entry fees that vary per call.

  • Exhibition Structure

    Direct gallery submissions aim for representation and potential solo or group exhibitions within the gallery's ongoing program. Open calls typically lead to juried group exhibitions with defined display periods, often at specific venues like the Dogwood Arts Gallery or the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, and may include awards.

Managing Expectations: Response Times and Follow-Up

A critical aspect for artists navigating submissions is understanding the typical response times and appropriate follow-up protocols. For direct gallery submissions to Artplex Gallery and Artspace Warehouse, patience is paramount. Both galleries explicitly state that artists should not expect an immediate response due to the large volume of submissions they receive.

Artplex Gallery indicates that they may hold onto submissions for future programming and could revisit them months later. Similarly, Artspace Warehouse advises that they often retain work for future consideration and might contact artists several months after submission if their work is a good fit and space becomes available. Both galleries strongly discourage direct follow-up, whether through additional unsolicited emails or phone calls. For Artspace Warehouse, artists are permitted to resubmit a new body of work at a later date if it is relevant.

In contrast, open calls for entry typically provide a clear timeline for notification. For example, some calls specify that selected artists will be notified by a particular date, such as October 30 for a specific exhibition. This structured timeline can offer a more predictable expectation for artists compared to the open-ended review process of direct gallery submissions.

Sources