FAQ
Q. How do I exhibit my work in one of San Ramon's Galleries?
A. You must submit an application along with work sample images via the Annual Call on CallForEntry.Org in August. Applications are only accepted during that application window via CallForEntry.Org
While there are no geographical requirements or age restrictions, artists are required to hang/install and take down their own exhibit in San Ramon.
Q. What does it cost to exhibit?
A. The exhibition fee is $50.00 per month. Application fees are collected through CallforEntry.org (CaFÉ), where artists submit their applications. There is no cost to apply. There is only a cost to exhibit if selected and the artist chooses to confirm their spot by the appropriate deadline.
This gallery program is not intended to generate a profit for the City. Gallery fees help offset only a portion of the costs associated with administering and presenting exhibits and exhibitions.
Gallery fees are payable online or by check and are as follows:
- Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery: $50.00/month
- Gallery @ San Ramon Library: $50.00/month
- Gallery @ Alcosta Senior Center: $50.00/month
- Gallery @ City Hall: $50.00/month
- Gallery @ Dougherty Station Community Arts Center: $50.00/month
For artwork that is sold during the exhibition, the City retains a 20% commission on the sale price. Artists are not required to offer their artwork for sale.
Q. How many pieces do I need to be able to apply for an exhibit?
A. 10 pieces is the required minimum body of work though the number of pieces needed to adequately fill a space can vary from there. This largely depends on the size of your work. While each gallery space varies in size, typically staff see the following:
Gallery @ San Ramon Library | 10-15 pieces | Up to 60 linear feet of display track |
Gallery @ Alcosta Senior & Community Center | 20-25 pieces | Up to 85 linear feet of display track |
Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery | 25-30 pieces | Up to 90 linear feet of display track |
Gallery @ City Hall | 30+ pieces | Up to 115 linear feet of track |
Gallery @ Dougherty Station Community Arts Center | 30+ pieces | Up to 115 linear feet of track |
*It is strongly recommended to visit the galleries before submitting to get a sense for which space will work for you. In the application you will note which galleries you are open to getting selected for.
We cannot select artists that do not have enough work to fill the gallery space, but do have juried exhibition opportunities that we would recommend for those with a body of work smaller than 10 pieces called Convergence of Creativity in the Fall for ages 16yrs and up and a San Ramon Resident Show for ages Kindergarten through Seniors in the Spring.
Q. How are artists selected? Are all artists selected?
A. Artists apply to the Annual Call that occurs once per year in August via CallForEntry.Org. Staff compile all aaplication information and work samples to present to the City's Arts Advisory Committee. The Arts Advisory Committee conducts a review and ranking process. Then City staff will look at all schedule and gallery preferences as well as how Artists scored and compile the master calendar/schedule for those artist selected.
Although there are 5 galleries, we receive more applications than we can fit and schedule. Thus, we cannot place all artists that apply.
Q. Can I exhibit with a group/multiple artists?
A. Yes, we accept group shows. Please only submit one application per exhibit.
Q. What if I get selected to exhibit at a gallery space that I do not want to show at?
A. While we do take artist's preferences into account while making the schedule we also consider multiple other factors based on the mix recommended forward by the Arts Committee such as the quantity and size of the body of work, appropriateness for certain sites, artist availability, internal events, etc. All scheduled exhibit assignments are final. Once the schedule is created, artists do have a window of time to either accept or deny the assignement that they have been scheduled at.
Q. If I am selected to exhibit can I sell my work? How?
A. Yes, all artists can sell their artwork if they would like. This is not required. If artists are selling their work they should list prices on their labels/tags. All sales are handled directly through the artist and not the City. The City does not collect fees from art sales. Typically artists will list their contact information on the labels so buyers can contact the artist. It is up to the artist how to accept payment/what forms. It is preferred to not remove the piece of work that sells until the end of the exhibit, or if able the artist can remove a piece and replace it. The artist should keep track of all sales as the City collects 20% of the total sales at the end of the exhibit. The artist will take care of paying The City at the end of the exhibit. If a potential buyer contacts the Arts Coordinator or City Staff, staff will get them in touch with the artist for the sale.
Q. How is work hung?
A. Work is hung by the artist via the Walker Display System. For more information regarding the Walker
Display System please visit Walker Display. It is an intuitive, clean, and simple hook and rod system. For this reason, work must be framed and wired. Exception would be heavy duty stretcher bars that are gallery wrapped. Please see the prospectus for hanging standards.
EXHIBITING STANDARDS: 2 DIMENSIONAL
- All sites support 2D shows
- 2D work will be hung via the walker display system. (www.walkerdisplay.com)
- Max weight per rod is 50 pounds
- Max Weight per track span is 150 pounds
- All work is expected to be “Exhibit Ready” for installation
- Cleanly framed and wired with D-Rings
- Frame Exception: Large canvas on heavy-duty stretcher bars may be gallery wrapped
- Pieces should be accompanied with a typed label placed to the lower right of the piece
- Artist’s Name, Work title, Medium, Price (“NFS” if not for sale), Contact email or QR Code
- 2D entries must be cleanly framed and wired with D-ring hangers, and the wire ends taped
- The wire should not be visible when viewing the piece on the wall
- 2D framed pieces should use acrylic/plexiglass covering rather than glass
- Photography should be matted and framed unless printed on metal
- Framing Exception: Paintings on Aquaboard (or similar surfaces) cradled panels with a varnished/finished protective coating may be displayed without acrylic/plexiglass covering
- Work should remain on display for the duration of the show unless replaced
EXHIBITING STANDARDS 3 DIMENSIONAL
- Lindsay Dirkx Brown & Dougherty Station Community Arts Center support 3D shows
- 3D pieces should be in stable condition
- The City has (10) 12" x 12" x 36" white laminate pedestals with 12"x12"x12" acrylic tops
- Pedestals have a 50 pound weight limit
- The City has (2) 36" x 48" white minimalist display tables display table
- No more than 100 pounds should be placed on the display tables accumulatively
- Artists are welcome to provide their own pedestals if they prefer
- Lindsay Dirkx Brown has two cutouts in the wall not protected by plexiglass for 3D work
- Lindsay Dirkx Brown has 2 cutouts in the wall protected by plexiglass to display 3D work
- Dougherty Station utilizes freestanding pedestals and display tables
- Ceramics and other 3 dimensional pieces such as reliefs or textiles may be hung from the Walker Display system provided the artist created a means of hanging them securely from the system
- Please consider the system’s limitations
- 50 pounds per rod
- 150 pounds per span of track
- 3D pieces should be accompanied by a label
- Artists name, work title, medium, price (“NFS” if not for sale), contact email or QR code
- Work should remain on display for the duration of the exhibit unless replaced with another piece
Q. I am interested in exhibiting. What should I do?
A. Complete the google form at the link below and you will be notified via email when the call is released.
Art Gallery Exhibit Applications for 2026 has closed.
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If you have questions, please email Recreation Coordinator, Ri Thomas at rthomas@sanramon.ca.gov
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If interested in applying to exhibit in 2027, please complete this form and you will be contacted when the next call opens in 8/11/26