Small Signals: Color, Pattern + Texture

An Art-In-Neighborhoods Group Exhibition at Mission Bowling Club

ArtSpan invites Artist Members to submit small-format artwork for Small Signals: Color, Pattern + Texture, a sales-focused group exhibition at Mission Bowling Club, Dinning Room Gallery. The show brings together original work in clear, approachable formats and price ranges for collectors ready to take art home.

Small Signals explores how color, pattern, and texture shape the way we experience an artwork. Submissions may be realistic, abstract, or move between the two. Artists might focus on a specific color, unexpected color combinations, repeated forms, layered materials, tactile surfaces, or closely observed details.

The exhibition welcomes a broad range of subjects and approaches. Work does not need to depict San Francisco or respond to a particular place. A realistic painting, an abstract composition, a photograph, a patterned textile work, or a layered mixed-media piece may all fit the exhibition.

The small, standardized formats create an easy-to-shop presentation while giving artists room to focus on a single subject, rhythm, surface, or moment. Clear size and price options help collectors compare works, make a confident choice, and live with original art.

Artwork Requirements

Original 2-D artwork, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, collage, digital art, fiber, and mixed media.
Finished artwork, including its frame, must measure either 6 × 6 inches or 12 × 12 inches.
For 6 × 6-inch works, select a $200 or $300 retail price.
For 12 × 12-inch works, select a $400 or $500 retail price. No other price points will be accepted.
All submitted artwork must be available for the full exhibition period.
Submit 5–10 artworks that relate to one another through color, pattern, texture, material, or subject.
Work must arrive professionally finished and ready to hang with D-rings and wire.
Sawtooth hangers, cleats, exposed screws, and loose hanging hardware cannot be accommodated.
Submission images must be clear, high-resolution, color-accurate, and professionally presented.

Artists are encouraged to submit multiple works that could be installed together in grids, pairs, or rhythmic groupings. Selection will consider both the strength of individual works and how the pieces may create visual relationships across the exhibition.

Sales and Artist Benefits

Artists receive 70% of artwork sales; ArtSpan retains 30%.
All sales are processed through ArtSpan.
Selected artwork will be featured in ArtSpan’s online store.
The exhibition will be promoted through ArtSpan and Mission Bowling Club’s online and in-person audiences.
ArtSpan will professionally curate and install the exhibition.
Mission Bowling Club will host an artist reception, pending final date confirmation, with refreshments for exhibiting artists and free bowling for attendees.
Artists may opt in to a possible Mission Bowling Club pop-up vending opportunity. Date, format, and participation terms are to be confirmed.

Exhibition Details

Call for art opens: 12:01AM on Sept 25, 2026

Call for art closes: 11:59PM on Oct 26, 2026

Venue: Mission Bowling Club, 3176 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

Exhibition period: November 2026–April 2027.

Artwork drop-off: Nov 9 2026, 10AM.

Artist reception (TBC): Nov 14, 2026 2–5 PM; Selected artists are expected to attend if confirmed.

Artwork pickup (TBC): April 2027.

Eligibility

This opportunity is exclusively available to current or new ArtSpan Artist Members.
Artists must maintain an active membership throughout the exhibition.
Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.
Submitted artwork must be original and created by the applicant.
Selected artists must respond promptly to documentation, agreement, delivery, and promotional requests.

Selection Criteria

Thoughtful use of color, pattern, texture, or surface.
Strength and originality of the artwork.
Cohesion among the submitted pieces.
Quality and accuracy of the submission materials.
Suitability for the standardized sizes and price points.
Sales potential within the Mission Bowling Club environment.
Professional presentation and readiness to exhibit.

How to Submit

Please submit:

Contact information and current ArtSpan Artist Profile.
Artist website and social-media information.
A brief artist statement.
A short explanation of how the submitted work explores color, pattern, texture, or surface. Work may be realistic, abstract, or a combination of both.
Five to seven images of available artwork.
For each artwork: title, year, medium, finished dimensions, and retail price.
Confirmation that each piece is ready to hang with D-rings and wire.
Confirmation that you can deliver and collect the work on the required dates.
Confirmation that you can attend the artist reception.
Indicate whether you would like to opt in to a possible Mission Bowling Club pop-up vending opportunity; date, format, and participation terms are to be confirmed.

File Naming

Name each image using the following format:

LastName_Title.jpg

Example: Rivera_BlueGrid.jpg

Submission Question

Briefly describe how your submitted works explore color, pattern, texture, or surface. Your work may be realistic, abstract, or a combination of both.

Limit: 500 words

About the Art-In-Neighborhoods: The Art-In-Neighborhoods program strives to create visibility and accessibility for local arts in San Francisco by connecting communities with local artists and activating vacant spaces with vibrant, locally-made artwork. We partner with local businesses and building owners to bring pop-up art exhibitions and art events to dormant storefronts, empty spaces for lease, and businesses seeking fresh and local artwork for their walls. Local artists who are ArtSpan members are given the opportunity to display, promote, and sell their artwork in these diverse venues. The Art-in-Neighborhoods program allows otherwise unused properties/spaces to become creative arenas for celebrating local arts.

About Mission Bowling Club: Mission Bowling Club, founded in 2012 to combine the fun of family bowling with the ambiance and technique-driven approach one expects from San Francisco’s bars & restaurants. The spacious and airy warehouse that houses MBC provides a bright, family-friendly destination for a weekend afternoon excursion and, after dark, MBC is known as a great date night as well as a perfect place to blow off steam with friends. With a full restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and elevated comfort food, Mission Bowling Club is an ideal location for company outings, holiday parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings. MBC is a woman and black-owned business with strong representation by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in its staff and leadership roles

Questions?

Email info@artspan.org with the subject line “AIN: Small Signals.”

ArtSpan