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:
- The Group Showcase: Five artists will display 5–7 works each in the Bowling Gallery featuring medium to large work.
- 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
- Prepare 5–15 images of cohesive, professionally photographed work (6”–48”).
- Ensure your ArtSpan membership is current.
- 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