Exhibition Guidelines

The Stamford Art Association welcomes artists at all stages of their careers to participate in our exhibitions. Our shows provide opportunities for artists to share their work with the community while supporting our mission of Making Art Accessible to All.

Artists submitting work to an SAA exhibition agree to the following guidelines:

Exhibition Content

Submitted artwork should reflect the theme or stated requirements of the exhibition. SAA reserves the right to decline work that does not meet the exhibition criteria, or that is determined to be inappropriate for the show.

Artwork containing content that promotes discrimination, hatred, or harm toward individuals or groups based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected identities will not be accepted.

Eligibility & Originality

Artists must submit original work created by the artist. Artwork previously exhibited at the Stamford Art Association gallery or in an SAA-sponsored exhibition is not eligible for submission unless specifically permitted (such as the Faber Birren Show and Ferguson Library exhibitions).

For photography, prints, and editioned works (including lithographs, etchings, and computer-generated artwork), limited editions must be signed and numbered by the artist.

Size & Display Requirements

Due to the historic townhouse layout of the SAA gallery, including limited wall space, stairways, and accessibility considerations:

  • Framed artwork exceeding 48 x 60 inches or weighing more than 100 pounds cannot be accepted.

  • Wall-mounted artwork must be properly framed and securely wired for museum-style hanging.

  • Artwork that cannot be safely installed or appropriately displayed may be declined.

Artists are responsible for ensuring that submitted work is exhibition-ready.

Entry Fees

Exhibition entry fees are:

SAA Members

  • $20 for the first artwork

  • $15 for each additional artwork

Non-Members

  • $25 for the first artwork

  • $20 for each additional artwork

Entry fees are non-refundable.

Awards

Awards may be presented at the discretion of the exhibition juror. Awards may include:

  • Best of Show

  • First, Second, and Third Place Awards

  • Up to three Honorable Mentions

The juror’s decisions are final.

Sales & Commission

All artwork sales are processed through the Stamford Art Association.

For general exhibitions:

  • SAA retains a 25% commission on artwork sales.

  • The remaining 75% is paid to the artist.

  • Applicable Connecticut sales tax is collected and submitted by SAA.

Please note that solo exhibitions may follow a separate contracted commission structure.

Artwork Handling & Liability

The Stamford Art Association takes every reasonable precaution to handle artwork with care. However, SAA cannot be held responsible for loss, theft, or damage to artwork submitted for exhibition.

By submitting artwork, artists acknowledge and accept this condition.

Artwork Delivery & Pickup

Artists are responsible for delivering and retrieving artwork according to the published receiving and pickup schedules.

If an emergency prevents an artist from meeting scheduled dates, the gallery manager must be notified as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be considered.

Accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition unless an exception has been approved by SAA (for example, student artists needing work for college portfolio reviews).

Artwork left at the gallery beyond the scheduled pickup period may be subject to storage fees.

Photography & Publicity

By entering an exhibition, artists grant the Stamford Art Association permission to photograph artwork and use artist information for promotional, educational, archival, and publicity purposes, including website, newsletters, social media, and other communications.

Agreement

Submission of artwork constitutes agreement to these Exhibition Guidelines and confirms that the artist accepts the conditions outlined above.