Spaces for Expression:
Two Galleries Open for Artist-Led Exhibitions
The shows can be either a SOLO Show or a GROUP show.
Each calendar slot is 6 weeks for each gallery.
The rental is CHEAP and you keep ALL the proceeds from sales.
The catch is that you have to staff your gallery for at least 9 hours over 3 days. Easy!
We will still block out the galleries for the Fly Fishing Festival and the Holiday Show each year, and have artists by invitation.
The first openings are in January into February.
See below for more details and precise dates. The galleries will be given on a first come, first served basis.
If interested, please email Ned at Ereade3@gmail.com, with a Cc to Chris at programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Gallery Rental & Exhibition Policy for Artists
1. Rental Rates & Schedule
● Rental Fee: $500 per 6 week exhibition block ($200 for the smaller Edgerton Gallery and/or $300
for the larger Doyle Gallery). Note: there are two galleries for EACH rental number. So Rental #1
can be the Edgerton Gallery for $200 or the Doyle Gallery for $300 - you pick or take BOTH!!!
● Exhibition Periods:
○ Susan Weiss Show: Current until 11.2
○ The holiday season (Nov 4th–Dec. 28th)-reserved for internal gallery shows.
○ Rental #1 (6-week): Show Up Mon. January 4th / Down Mon. February 15th
○ Rental #2 (7-week): Show Up Thurs. February 18th / Down Mon. April 12th
○ Fly Fishing Show: Show Up Mon. May 3rd / Opening Thurs. May 6th / Show Down Mon. June 14th - reserved for internal gallery shows.
○ Rental #3 (6-week): Show Up Thurs. June 17th / Down July 29th-RESERVED
○ Rental #4 (6-week): Show Up Mon. August 2nd / Down Mon. September 13th
○ Rental #5 (6-week): Show Up Thurs. September 16th / Down October 28th
○ Holiday Show: Up Mon. November 1st / Opening Fri. November 5th / Show Down Thurs. December 30th - reserved for internal gallery shows.
2. Staffing, Receptions Approval
● Show Approval: The Art Committee must approve all shows.
● Operating Hours: Open and staffed by renters at least 3 days per week and 9 hours per week.
(can be increased based on artist availability).
● Receptions & Licensing: Artists plan and fund opening receptions (finger foods, snacks, beer/wine/seltzer/soft drinks). If alcohol is served, The Common pulls a liquor license ($25 fee) and staff pours drinks ($25/hr).
● Programming: Artists are encouraged to host 1–2 days of additional events (talks, demos, slide shows, workshops).
3. Shared Space & Facility Rules
● Space Usage: The Common uses Watkins House first-floor spaces for event rentals occasionally and during off-hours when artists are not staffing galleries. The Common notifies artists in advance of conflicts.
● Facilities Provided: Clean, well-lit spaces, wire hanging system, heat/AC, restroom, metal sandwich board along Rt. 7A (24 x 36), and two wooden easels.
● Building Rules: No smoking anywhere on campus. Do not touch the thermostat; report issues to Facilities Manager Sandra Wood (info@arlingtoncommon.org). Lock up and turn off lights daily.
Leave space broom clean after take-down. You may store packing materials on the 3rd floor.
4. Marketing & Artwork Guidelines
● Promotions: The Common provides press releases (1.5 months in advance), newsletter features and Facebook/Instagram posts. Artists handle postcards, posters, and personal social media. Send details to Program Manager Chris Carpenter (programming@arlingtoncommon.org).
● Hanging Work: 2D art must have back wires for adjustable cable hooks. Sculptors supply
pedestals/tables. Use blue painter’s tape only (no Command Strips, fun-tack, or double-stick tape).
● Sales: 100% of sales go to artists (responsible for sales tax via cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, or Square, over provided Wi-Fi). Buyers may take sold items immediately if replaced.
● Insurance: The Common does not take responsibility for insuring artwork. If so desired, artists can get an insurance rider covering their art in the Watkins House