Call for Entries Deadline: Shared Stories

The Belmont Art Association and Belmont Gallery of Art invite local and regional artists to submit work for our upcoming exhibition, Shared Stories. As a volunteer-run community gallery, the BGA charges no commission on artwork sales, allowing 100% of proceeds to go directly to participating artists.

*Should you a be an art appreciator more than a creator, please forward this email to anyone you think might be interested in submitting an entry for our next show.

Theme Description

Every piece of art tells a story, preserves a memory, or sparks a conversation. This exhibition celebrates the power of visual stories. We invite artists to share the tales, histories, and mythologies that shape their lives. Submissions may explore:

• Personal Themes: Portraits, self-portraits, and autobiographical scenes.
• Cultural Lore: Folktales, myths, history, and community traditions.
• Implicit Journeys: Landscapes or abstract works that evoke a specific memory or the passage of time.
• Found Objects (Objet Trouvé): Assemblage or collage-based art that communicates a visual arc with everyday objects.

Important Dates

• Entry Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026, 9 pm
• Notifications: Week of September 21, 2026
• Drop-off: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1 – 4 pm
• Soft-Opening: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1 – 4 pm
• Opening Reception: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 2 – 4 pm
• Show Closes: Saturday, January 30, 2027
• Artwork Pickup: Week of February 1, 2027

Entry Fee:

BAA Members: $10 for one submission; $20 for two; $25 for up to three pieces

Non-Members: $30 for one submission; $40 for two; $45 for up to three pieces. This includes BAA membership for the remainder of the year.

*Entry fees are non-refundable if submissions are not accepted.

To Pay the Entry Fee:

1. Go to https://belmontart.org/join/ 
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page. 
3. Scroll past the first PayPal button labeled “Pay Now” under the header “Join Us,” which is set up for BAA’s $35 annual dues payments only.
4. Use the second PayPal button labeled “Donate” under the header “Donate/Pay Other Fees.” You will be able to enter the appropriate entry fee amount.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

• Eligible Media: We welcome all types, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, jewelry, video, sculpture, mosaic, assemblage, and more.
• Preparation: All wall-mounted artwork must be delivered with a secure hanging wire on the back. Sawtooth hooks are not compatible with our gallery hanging system and cannot be accepted. Three-dimensional pieces must include appropriate display stands if required.
• Labeling: The back of all artwork must be clearly labeled with the artist’s name and the exact title of the piece.
• Artist Statement: Accepted artists must provide a hardcopy of a single-page (one or two-sided) artist statement at drop-off. This statement should include a short biography and an explanation of how the work relates to the chosen theme. These will be compiled into an exhibition book for visitor reference. 
• Exhibition Terms: The BGA mounts curated shows. Space is limited; pieces are selected based on thematic relevance, variety, and spatial constraints. Accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Since the BGA is volunteer-run, participating artists must sign up for one or two Saturday gallery hosting dates during the show, and where possible assist with publicity, help with the reception, and participate in auxiliary programming, such as technique demonstrations or lectures.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online submission form by 9 pm, Friday, September 18, 2026, available here: Online Entry Form
2. Pay the appropriate entry fee (see information above).
3. Complete the online liability waiver prior to drop-off, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at: Online Liability Waiver