Athenaeum Solo or Group Show 2025-2026

The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia exhibits visual arts created solely by artists living or working in the region and strives to present visitors with a wide variety of excellent art and unique experiences. In addition to the shows curated by the Gallery Director, the Athenaeum Gallery invites artists and curators to submit show proposals. Artists who live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia may submit a proposal for a solo show. A group of artists who live or work in the area may submit a proposal for a group show. A curator, living or working anywhere, may submit a proposal for a show featuring works by artists living or working in this area.

Proposals will be evaluated by Athenaeum Gallery Director, Twig Murray. Selection criteria include what the artist is trying to achieve or communicate through the work, what makes it unique or interesting, whether the work is technically excellent, and whether the works or the artist have been on display in this area recently. All visual media is welcome, but every work must be wall-mounted and less than 9 inches deep. Painting, drawing, collage, etc. must be framed or fully finished, wired, and ready to hang on picture hooks. Sculpture must be less than 9 inches deep and lighter than 30 pounds. No floor mounted or free-standing work will be considered, and work that requires electricity will not be considered.

The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 40% commission on works sold and will issue a check for 60% of the sales price to the artist no longer than thirty days after the show has closed. All works in the show will be insured by the Athenaeum Gallery for 100% of the retail price during the run of the show. Artists are responsible for getting their work delivered to the gallery and having unsold works picked up at the close of the show. Entry fee is $40.00 and applications require 6-12 images.