Portraits at Art Works Downtown

Calling all SF Bay Area artists to submit works that challenge and redefine traditional notions of portraiture. We welcome critical contemporary perspectives on selfhood and representation, including those that respond to our shared sociopolitical climate. Artists of all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to use their creative voices to illuminate new ways of connecting personal narratives to the broader collective experience.

Eligibility is limited to San Francisco Bay Area artists only (artist must live within 100 miles from San Rafael, California). The exhibition is open to most subject matter including abstraction and all visual arts media including sculpture. Original artwork only—no giclées or reproductions. Artwork must not exceed 72" including frame, stand, and all materials. Submissions must not have previously exhibited in the AWD 1337 Gallery. Images of explicit sexual content or violence will not be considered. Video artists must include dimensions of equipment in submission and supply all equipment—including headphones—for the exhibition. Projections are prohibited.

Entry fee is $40 for up to 3 entries. Submit 1–3 work samples (images and/or videos) through CallForEntry.org by June 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Notification by email will be sent June 26–27. Accepted work must be hand-delivered July 24–26, 12–6 pm to Art Works Downtown, 1337 Fourth St., San Rafael. The exhibition runs August 1–September 20, with public visiting hours Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6 pm. Opening reception is August 8, 5–8 pm, and a second reception is September 12, 5–8 pm. Artwork pickup is September 25–27, 12–6 pm. Artists who do not retrieve their work will be charged a storage fee of $5.00 per day. Works remaining after 30 days will become property of Art Works Downtown. Upon sale, Art Works Downtown expects a 40% donation.