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Open Call:  The Big Softie

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"The Big Softie" is an upcoming group exhibition at Soft Times gallery, where selected artists will exhibit 1-2 works. We're excited to invite artists to dive into the theme of "Soft" – whether it be through a tactile softness driven by materials, softness within a process (i.e. airbrush, double exposure, etc.), or even a conceptual interpretation of softness. Softness can convey emotions like comfort, vulnerability, tenderness, and nostalgia. It can manifest in the gentle curves of design, the plushness of textiles, or the warmth of a smile. Please see submission guidelines below:

  • Dimensions, format, and presentation:

    • Maximum dimension: 30"x30" (2D and 3D works are considered)

    • Digital artworks are not accepted.

    • Prints, including limited edition runs, are not accepted. 

    • Works solely on paper are not accepted; however, paper works that are mounted on a panel or framed are considered.

    • Photography and alternative processes are considered; however, please note that a majority of the selected works for the exhibition will be non-photography formats.

    • Works must be ready to be installed (canvases and frames must have hanging wire; wood panels do not need hanging wire; sawtooth hooks are not accepted; artist must provide installation guidelines for sculptural and installation works)

  • Any subject matter is welcome.

  • Soft Times Gallery splits artwork sales with artists under a 40% to gallery ; 60% to artist consignment agreement.

  • Artists residing in the U.S. may submit - unfortunately we will not be accepting international submissions for this call.

  • There is a $15 administrative submission fee, and each artist may submit up to 3 pieces. The submission fees allow us to allocate resources towards considering each submission and conduct an equitable selection process and artist follow up. 

  • Participation in previous Soft Times Gallery exhibitions does not guarantee selection into this open call. 

 

Key dates:

  • October 23rd, 2023 - Submission form opens on this page

  • December 15th, 2023 - Submission deadline (Form closes at 11:59 PM PT on December 15th - Friday evening)

  • Decisions will be distributed no later than January 5th, 2023

  • Selected artworks must arrive to the gallery no later than January 15th, 2023.

The exhibit will be on view at the gallery in February 2024 for a 3 week exhibit. 

Submission Form

Please complete the submission form + image upload here on this page. 

After clicking "Submit" at the end of the form, you will be routed to a payment page for the $15 submission fee. 

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All pieces in my submission are ready to be installed: canvases and frames have hanging wire; it is on a wood panel (no hanging wire required); does not include sawtooth hooks; installation guidelines will be provided for sculptural and installation works. They are not on paper (paper works must be mounted on a panel or framed). They are NOT digital artworks.
NEXT STEPS: Your submission will not be considered unless all items are received before the submission deadline: Completed responses to this form with images uploaded + $15 submission fee.
TIMING: The exhibit will be displayed at Soft Times Gallery in San Francisco, CA from February 1st-February 22nd, 2024. There will be an opening reception on February 1st, 2024, 6-9PM.
CONTRACT TERM: Following the in-gallery exhibition, artworks will remain in the gallery's possession until June 22nd, 2024 for online sales.
IF YOUR SUBMISSION IS ACCEPTED: You, the artist, will be responsible for shipping the selected artwork(s) so that it arrives before January 15th, 2024.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT: Soft Times Gallery values the contributions of all artists who choose to submit their work to our open call. However, we kindly request that all artists maintain professionalism and respect throughout the submission and selection process. This includes, but is not limited to, respecting the decisions made by our curators and jurors.


Artists who submit their work acknowledge that the selection process is based on various criteria, and not all submissions can be accepted. Participation in a previous Soft Times Gallery exhibition does not guarantee acceptance into this open call. 

 

While we understand that rejection can be disappointing, we expect all participants to refrain from any form of harassment, disrespectful behavior, or unprofessional communication towards our team, curators, or fellow artists. 

 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in creating a respectful and supportive environment for all artists involved in our open call, so that we may continue to facilitate open call opportunities. Open calls are an important and valuable aspect of our programming that allows us to showcase emerging talents to a broader audience.

Thanks for submitting!

This form is no longer accepting submissions as it is past the submission deadline.

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