Cross Section: Members Showcase

Presented by ArtSpan's Art-In-Neighborhoods at Mission Bowling Club

ArtSpan invites members to submit work for our 2026 Members Showcase—a curated group exhibition surveying the breadth of our artist community. Celebrating ten years of exhibitions at Mission Bowling Club, this call seeks large to small work that thrive in low light: pieces capturing the energy of the bowling lounge and urban gathering space.

This showcase pulls a true cross-section of our membership—from long-standing members to newcomers, across all mediums and approaches to making. Artworks will be evaluated based on quality and clarity of application materials, visual documentation, artistic vision and distinctive style, and professional conduct within the ArtSpan community. 

A new opportunity included in this call is a Solo Spotlight. After two years supporting Mission-based artists in this venue, we're broadening the eligible artists. Submit once and be considered for both exhibition opportunities:

1. The Group Showcase: Five artists will display 5–7 works each in the Bowling Gallery featuring medium to large work. 
2. The Solo Spotlight: One artist will receive a dedicated solo exhibition in the Dining Gallery featuring small to medium sized work.

For years, members have shared that narrow thematic calls can feel prohibitive. Cross Section responds directly to that feedback, creating space to highlight the diverse perspectives, practices, and creative voices that define our community. All applicants are automatically considered for both opportunities—no separate application required.

Submission Requirements

• Media: 2-D work (Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, digital).
• Date of Creation: Must be created in or after 2020 (clearly post-pandemic).
• Documentation: Images must be professionally photographed, high-resolution, and clean. Do not submit older documentation. We want the newest work you are most proud of, including series that have never been presented publicly.
• Cohesion: Submit 5 to 10 works that form a cohesive visual argument for a group show and submit 10 to 15 works that form a cohesive visual argument for the solo show.
• Group Show Dimensions: Minimum 12×12 inches; Maximum 48×48 inches (finished size including frame).
• Solo Show Dimensions: Minimum 6×6 inches; Maximum 32×32 inches (finished size including frame).

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Dates: April 6, 2026 – Nov, 9 2026 
• Venue: Mission Bowling Club (3176 17th Street, San Francisco, CA)
• Commission: Artists retain 70% of sales; ArtSpan retains 30%.
• Benefits: 
  • Works featured in ArtSpan’s online store and promoted to our 35k+ subscribers.
  • Professional installation by the ArtSpan team.
  • ArtLover + Artist Reception including complimentary drinks (for exhibiting artists), light bites, and free bowling (for attendees).
  • Cross-promotion through Mission Bowling Club’s audience in person and online.

      

Eligibility & Specs

• Membership: Open exclusively to current or new ArtSpan Artist Members.
• Ready to Hang: All works must arrive professionally wrapped and wired with D-rings. No sawtooth bars, cleats, or loose hardware. Professionally framed or finished painted edges preferred. 
• Insurance: Artists are responsible for insuring their own work. ArtSpan and the venue do not provide insurance.
• Professionalism: Artist are expected to be on time with documentation requests, contracts and be upfront with communication and punctuality. 

Key Dates

• Call Opens: January 14, 2026, (12:00 PM PT)
• Submission Deadline: Feb 23, 2026 (11:59 PM PT)
• Notification: Week of March 10, 2026
• Artwork Drop Off: April 6, 2026 (10 AM)
• Reception: May 12, 2026 (5:30-8 PM) Attendance Expected
• Artwork Pickup: November 9, 2026 (10AM)

How to Submit

1. Prepare 5–15 images of cohesive, professionally photographed work (6”–48”).
2. Ensure your ArtSpan membership is current.
3. Complete the questionnaire on Submittable.

> Questions? Email info@artspan.org with the subject line “AIN: Cross-Section: Members Showcase”

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

2026 SF Open Studios Call-for-Art

ArtSpan Artists are each invited to submit one artwork to potentially represent the 2026 SF Open Studios program. 

ArtSpan will select 6 total artworks—each by different artists—to be widely used as part of ArtSpan’s expansive promotion of SF Open Studios. One work, the “top winner,” will be selected as the cover of the SF Open Studios Guide and face of the SF Open Studios program. An additional five works will be selected to serve as section dividers within our SF Open Studios Guide. All works will be featured in ArtSpan’s multimedia marketing campaign prominently as print and digital materials distributed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. 

THEME: NO THEME

No theme, no constraints, no overthinking. Like San Francisco itself—multifaceted and defiantly expressive—this year’s SF Open Studios call rejects a single narrative in favor of many. The city is rooted in a spirit of counter-culture, experimentation, and the freedom to be one’s unadulterated true self; its artists, like its citizens, do not fit into a singular box. ArtSpan artists are invited to submit the work they feel strongest about right now—work that most clearly and boldly represents their practice and creative spirit. Without a prompt to interpret or a box to fit into, the focus is simple: quality, authenticity, and intention. Show us the work you stand behind. If it feels resolved, intentional, and true to your voice, we want to see it.

What We’re Looking For

Because we will use this artwork as the basis for promotional materials, text is often overlaid on the artwork as a part of the design. 

• Artwork has areas of very light or very dark parts (helps when laying text on top)
• Does not have prominent letters or numbers
• Has elements which can stand alone and apart from the composition as a whole

Winning pieces are traditionally used on billboards, posters, digital ads, and postcards, with accompanying text  >>See 2025 Examples Here<<

DETAILS

Entry Deadline: Monday, March 30 @ 11:59PM

Artist Notifications: April 2026 For Questions: email sfopenstudios@artspan.org

• 1 Top Winner and 5 Finalists will be selected, for a total of six awards
• The Top Winner’s artwork will be featured as the 2026 SF Open Studios Guide Cover
• The Top Winner will receive a $1,000 artist stipend and complimentary 2026 Premier registration
• Finalists will be featured throughout the Guide and as page dividers between weekend sections
• 5 Finalists will be awarded $250 each, as well as complimentary 2026 Premier registration
• ALL will be prominently featured in additional programmatic promotional materials, collateral, and relevant public relations and marketing efforts
• If at the time of submission reviews you are not yet an active ArtSpan Artist Member, your submission will automatically be declined

Finalists and top Winner are selected by ArtSpan staff and board with input from the SF Open Studios designer Jeremy Joven of JOVEN CREATIVE.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• You must be a current ArtSpan Artist Member to apply      
• Limit of one entry per artist 
• If selected, you must participate in 2026 SF Open Studios
• All entries must be original and created within the past 5 years (no older than 2021)
• Submissions from artists who have not been awarded as a winner or finalist within the last 5 years, will be prioritized
• Collaborations are accepted
• Work must not have been used for print material purposes (other than to promote the work of artist)
• All selected artworks must be available for the SF Open Studios Exhibition from September 18-27, 2026
• All selected artworks must be available for sale
• You must be the owner and creator of the submitted work
• Entries representing all media will be accepted, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, furniture, glass, new media.
• Artwork statement—150 max words describing what inspired the piece. Note that these words may be used in print and various public platforms.
• By submitting to this call-for-entry you agree that your image may be respectfully modified or reconfigured for use across multiple platforms, including digitally, in print and online. Art may be altered for use in various orientations (vertical, horizontal, or square), and portions may be used as graphic accents.
• All entry image files for the initial entry should be submitted in JPEG format. Maximum 5MB.
• All image files must be titled with artist’s last name and first name (ex: SmithJane.jpg)
• If selected, artists must provide a high-resolution image appropriate for print: 300 dpi image at least 8 inches wide in CMYK. Artists will be responsible for additional photography that may be required to meet print quality standards.

ABOUT SF OPEN STUDIOS & THE GUIDE

A beloved annual tradition since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide San Francisco Open Studios offers residents and tourists the free opportunity to engage directly with artists actively contributing to the region’s unique creative culture and vibrancy. Learn more about SF Open Studios at artspan.org/visitsfopenstudios

Premier Registration in SF Open Studios includes:

• Artist Listing in the Printed Guide widely distributed to households and businesses in the SF Bay Area
• Eligibility to participate in the SF Open Studios Exhibition* *Selected artists are required to have their winning artwork on display at the SFOS Exhibition, and have the option to display an additional piece within the exhibition that fits within a 20” x 20” hanging space.
• Eligibility to be considered for the AMPLIFY: Juror's Choice Awards with recognition in the SF Open Studios Exhibition
• Inclusion in the Online Guide & Map
• Access to Venues Seeking Artists list to connect with spaces in San Francisco open to hosting SF Open Studio artists for select weekends
• Eligibility to purchase discounted advertising space in the Printed Guide
• Branded Media Kit to help promote your participation

The SF Open Studios Printed Guide is the definitive publication of the SF Open Studios season—a 150+ page, full-color glossy magazine spotlighting the artists shaping San Francisco’s creative landscape. With approximately 10,000 copies distributed starting September 2026, the Guide is mailed and placed in high-traffic cultural and commercial spaces across the Bay Area.

Collected and referenced throughout the season and beyond, the Guide reaches thousands of engaged art buyers, collectors, curators, and arts professionals. Featuring your work—especially on the cover—signals distinction and places your art front and center with the audiences, making prominent placement within the Guide a powerful marker of distinction and exposure.

• • •

SAMPLE RELEASE OF ARTWORK (for selected artists)

By submitting this form and digital artwork image(s) (“Artwork”), I hereby grant ArtSpan, SF Open Studios, and the ArtSpan board, employees, contractors, and assigns (collectively, “ArtSpan”) a perpetual, unlimited, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to use, display, and reproduce the Artwork and any corresponding identifying information or written material created, installed or produced in connection with this Agreement for ArtSpan’s promotion of 2026 SF Open Studios, as well as for any other purpose, in all forms and media and in all manners, in whole or in part, and to authorize the making, display and distribution of reproductions and derivative works of the Artwork in ArtSpan’s sole discretion. I agree that I will not be entitled to any compensation or royalty payment from ArtSpan for such uses, reproductions or derivative works.

I warrant that I created the Artwork submitted and that I am the sole copyright owner and, subject to the perpetual and irrevocable license granted to ArtSpan under this Agreement, shall retain the copyright to the Artwork. I agree to indemnify and hold ArtSpan harmless from any claims, losses, and liabilities (including attorney fees, court costs, and all other litigation expenses) arising out of any copyright infringement or other intellectual property rights claims in connection with ArtSpan’s use of the Artwork. I also agree that I will not make any claims against ArtSpan arising out of its selection and use of the Artwork.

I acknowledge that should ArtSpan select my Artwork as 2026 SF Open Studios Art Winner or Finalist, I will make the original artwork available for additional digital photography and that ArtSpan may modify, crop or edit the Artwork, including any written material, in its sole discretion. I waive any right to inspect or approve ArtSpan publications or reproductions of the Artwork, including any written material that may be created in connection therewith.

I am 18 years of age or older and have the authority to enter into this license and release, and am fully familiar with its contents; or I am a parent or legal guardian submitting on behalf of a minor or dependent adult and have full authority to authorize this license and release, and agree to assume any liabilities therein.