“Resilient Blooms: Life in Unexpected Places”, Presented by ArtSpan’s Art-In-Neighborhoods program at Mission Bowling Club

As we approach a decade of curating exhibitions at Mission Bowling Club, ArtSpan is pleased to announce an open call for our upcoming Art-In-Neighborhoods exhibition, “Resilient Blooms: Life in Unexpected Places.” 

We may rest in winter, but creativity endures. Resilient Blooms asks: What flourishes in the hush of colder months—both in nature and in ourselves? The exhibition invites work that explores growth, endurance, nostalgia, and quiet hope of the fall season. From hardy seedlings pushing through frozen soil to the still strength of human reflection in isolation, it welcomes pieces that honor resilience and transformation. These are the subtle moments that light our darkest seasons. Artists are encouraged to consider how life persists despite harsh conditions and what gives us strength when the sun feels distant.

We encourage artists in a variety of artistic mediums to apply, including paintings, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, and video art. Please note, this opportunity is exclusively available to ArtSpan Artist Members. 

Exhibition Dates: November 10, 2025 – April 10, 2026
Venue: Mission Bowling Club, 3176 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

Artist Benefits & Exhibition Info

• 70% commission on all artwork sales.
• All works featured in ArtSpan’s online store and promoted via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and email newsletters (35k+ subscribers across platforms).
• Artist Reception hosted by Mission Bowling Club includes complimentary drinks, light bites for exhibiting artists, and free bowling for all attendees.
• Cross-promotion through MBC’s audience and ArtSpan’s channels.
• Artwork professionally installed by ArtSpan’s team.
• Artists must be current or new ArtSpan Artist Members.
• Submitted work must reflect the theme: Resilient Blooms: Life in Unexpected Places.
  
   

Key Dates & Submission Guidelines

• Call Opens: July 24, 12:01AM PT (17 weeks before opening)
• Submission Deadline: September 29, 11:59PM PT ( 7 weeks before opening)
• Acceptance Notification: Between October 9 - 17
• Artwork Drop-off & Install: November 10, 10AM
• Artist Reception: Tuesday, November 18, 6-8PM (attendance required)
• Exhibition Dates: November 10, 2025 – April 9, 2026
• Deinstall & Pick-up: April 10, 10AM
  
   

Eligibility & Artwork Specs

• Open to current or new ArtSpan Artist Members only
• Up to 5 artists will be selected, each showing 5-7 works
• Acceptable media: 2-D work in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, or digital formats
• Max finished size: 5 × 5 ft (including frame)
• All works must arrive wired and ready to hang (no sawtooth bars, cleats, or loose hardware)
• Artists are responsible for insuring their own work, ArtSpan and the venue do not provide insurance

To Submit: Complete the following questionnaire and submit at least 5 artworks that are ready to hang, according to the instructions provided. We look forward to seeing how your work illuminates winter’s quiet power.

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.

Questions? Email info@artspan.org with the subject line “AIN: Resilient Blooms Inquiry”. 

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.