2025 CALL FOR ART

Artists, you've come to the right place!

Thank you for your interest in participating in Essex Art Center's fifth annual Salon Show.

The Salon Show is a yearly exhibition that fills Essex Art Center’s walls with work by artists from Lawrence, New England, and beyond. We celebrate the breadth of talent in our community, and some work is for sale. This year's show will take place July 12 -  September 13, 2025. The opening reception will coincide with Fiesta en la calle, the Center’s yearly free block party on Saturday, July 12 from 11:00AM - 4:00PM.

We hope you will submit your best work! A good rule of thumb for choosing which piece(s) to offer is that if you're excited about it, the jury and collectors likely will be too. If you choose to have your work up for sale, proceeds will be split 50/50 between the Center and the artist who sells their work. Each sale allows Essex Art Center to expand our programming, offer more discounts, and provide greater access to meaningful art experiences!

What you need to know + do:

Artist must submit two pieces in order to guarantee that at least one will be included in the Salon Show. The deadline is Thursday, May 1st at midnight. Please fill out the submission form below. If you choose to sell your work, you will need to fill out a W9 and upload it with your submission form.

we are limiting the number of large pieces we accept this year. Please consider the size and cost of what you submit. Works priced under $250 tend to sell best. We aim to present a high-quality exhibition and ask that you submit your best work. A good rule of thumb is if you're excited about your work, the jury and potential buyers will likely be excited about it, too. 

Your artwork must be ready for hanging (Framed or wired). If your artwork or frame is warped, damaged or scratched, we will not accept your work.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline to submit: May 1

Artists notified the week of May 12

If your artwork is chosen, it must be delivered to Essex Art Center, located at 56 Island Street in Lawrence, MA, on one of the following dates:

Thursday, June 5, 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Friday, June 6, 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Saturday, June 7, 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Salon Show + Art Sale Opens: July 12

Salon Show + Art Sale Closes:  September 13

Artist Pick Up: Week of September 15

FAQ

  • Yes, all ages are encouraged to submit.

  • All mediums will be considered.

  • No. But keep in mind that it's difficult for us to accommodate any work beyond 48" in height or width.

  • All 2D work must be dropped off "ready to hang," i.e. framed or on canvas/panel with a hanging mechanism (D-rings or wire) on the back. Picture hanging wire is preferred. Essex Art Center will not be able to frame or install hardware onsite.

  • Yes, artists split with proceeds 50/50 with Essex Art Center.

  • No, if you want to share your work with the community but not sell it, that’s okay, too.

  • Place your work against a neutral white or grey background. Make sure that there are no shadows and that the light is uniform throughout the work. Make sure nothing is obscuring your piece. You can learn more here.