Group Exhibition Proposals: July 2027 - June 2028
Summit Artspace invites local artists and curators to apply for a group exhibition to be held in either the Forum Gallery, a larger space on our second floor, or the Intersections Gallery, a medium-sized space on the first floor. We welcome artists and organizers with new bodies of work exploring exciting themes in contemporary art to apply. Summit Artspace is interested in highlighting a diverse range of artistic skill sets and backgrounds as well as diverse material and critical exploration.
Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and selected by Summit Artspace staff. Criteria taken into consideration while reviewing applications include media, quality of work, spatial needs, professionalism, and programming related to Summit Artspace's goals for community engagement, especially in relation to themes found in other exhibitions in our schedule. Strong applications will have a concise body of artwork and clear vision.
We strongly encourage interested applicants to come visit Summit Artspace during public hours (Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 5 p.m.) to better understand the gallery spaces available and how exhibitions are presented.
NO FEE TO APPLY!
Deadline for Proposals: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Notification of Acceptance: August 2026
Eligibility: Must be 18+ for consideration. Artists featured in the exhibition must be living in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Stark, Wayne). Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace exhibition.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Summit Artspace believes that a diverse community of artists plays a vital role in representing our collective humanity. We foster an inclusive culture and encourage artists from different cultures, languages, sexual orientations, racial affiliations, and abilities to apply. We strive to provide accessible and accommodating galleries and programming. We are committed to exhibiting, connecting, assisting, and promoting artists without discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.
Logistics: If artists are selected, they will be required to complete an exhibition agreement solidifying details for the exhibition. Artists must adhere to all guidelines provided by staff, including Summit Artspace's consignment agreement, in which 70% of artwork sales are paid to the artist and the organization receives a 30% commission.
Exhibiting artists must work with staff to coordinate install and tear-down of exhibitions as well as provide artwork data for labeling by agreed upon deadlines. Artists must be available in-person for installation. Professional installation can be provided by Summit Artspace, unless the artist(s) should install their own artwork due to special installation requirements. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.
All exhibiting artists are requested to assist in marketing efforts, and Summit Artspace staff will promote exhibitions through digital and print media, press releases, and internal signage. Summit Artspace will provide designed exhibition graphics and didactics, as well as photography for virtual exhibitions.
Display:
· Final installation size of artwork cannot exceed 7' (84") high.
· Any single component of an artwork must not exceed 50 pounds.
· The artist may be responsible for providing necessary hanging devices and/or installing artwork themselves if they are not ready to hang.
· Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals and display monitors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation.
· Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual work basis.
· Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
Questions or concerns? Please email anna@summitartspace.org.
Artists of Rubber City Juried Exhibition 2026
Forum Gallery at Summit Artspace
May 14–July 11, 2026
Juror: TBA
Important Dates:
Deadline to Apply: Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm
Notification of Acceptance: Monday, April 20, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Deliver entries to the Forum Gallery on the 2nd floor of Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Free parking is available in the lot behind Summit Artspace.
Exhibition Opening: Thursday, May 14, 2025, 5 pm – 8 pm. Awards ceremony at 6 pm.
Artwork Pick-Up: Monday, July 13, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. Accepted artworks may not be removed from the show before it closes on July 11. Artist of Rubber City and Summit Artspace will not be responsible for artwork not picked up at the end of the show. Work not picked up will be disposed of at the discretion of the gallery.
Awards 1st place $400, 2nd place $250, 3rd place $150 and $50 to honorable mentions. Juror’s Awards announced in person at the exhibition opening at 6 pm as well as on social media.
Eligibility
The exhibition is open to artists who live, work, or attend school in Summit and surrounding counties. Artists must be age 18 and over. Work must have been completed in the last two years and must be original. No giclees prints or reproductions will be accepted. Artwork accepted in previous years and artwork that has been displayed in any Summit Artspace gallery in the last two years is not eligible. Work completed under direct guidance of an instructor is also is not eligible.
Entry Fee: AoRC Members - $25; Non-Members - $30
Artists may submit two entries for consideration in the show.
Important Guidelines and Information
Jurying Information: Jurying will be done via digital image. Artists may submit up to three high quality digital images (.jpg, .pdf, .tiff. .png) of each submission (to show different angles, details, etc.). The images must accurately represent the finished work and accepted work must be professionally presented for exhibition (see notes below). All jurying is blind. Artist's names cannot be in the file name of digital images. Submissions that include the artist’s name will be disqualified. If artists contact the juror in regards to their piece(s) from the time of submission to the announcement of winners, artists shall be subject to disqualification from this and future exhibitions. Signatures on artwork will be covered for final jurying to ensure blindness of juror.
Size and Weight Limits: Final installation size of 2-D work cannot exceed 4' (48") wide or 7' (84") high. · 3-D work must not exceed 39" in diameter or 7' (84") high, nor may any single component of the work exceed 50 pounds.
Display:
- All wall-hung artwork must be wired with appropriate hardware for its weight; no saw tooth hangers. If wall mounted work absolutely cannot be wired, please indicate in the “Special Installation Requirements” section of the submission form. If there are special installation requirements, the artist must provide necessary hanging devices (i.e. magnets).
- All work must be labelled with the artist's name and contact information when delivered (in any format)
- Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation (if necessary).
- Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
- Submitting diptychs are permitted as a single entry so long as the pieces are clearly defined as a single artwork. Please clearly label the entry as a diptych in the “Special Installation Requirements” and include desired measurements/ layout between components. Combined artwork must meet the other specified restrictions.
- Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual basis.
- Professional installation will be provided by AoRC and Summit Artspace. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork. Artists are encouraged to insure their own work.
Expectations:
30% gallery commission will be collected on all artwork sold during the show. Artwork does not have to be for sale. Summit Artspace will process all artwork sales and compensation to artists. All artists will be required to sign a gallery contract. Upon entering you will be added to the Summit Artspace contact list. We cannot accept artwork that is shipped, nor can we ship artwork.
Questions:
Anna E. Young, anna@summitartspace.org, 330-376-8480 ex. 3
Theodore Maringer, President AoRC, 330-714-7740
Artists of Rubber City Juried Exhibition 2026
Forum Gallery at Summit Artspace
May 14–July 11, 2026
Juror: TBA
Important Dates:
Deadline to Apply: Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm
Notification of Acceptance: Monday, April 20, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Deliver entries to the Forum Gallery on the 2nd floor of Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Free parking is available in the lot behind Summit Artspace.
Exhibition Opening: Thursday, May 14, 2025, 5 pm – 8 pm. Awards ceremony at 6 pm.
Artwork Pick-Up: Monday, July 13, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. Accepted artworks may not be removed from the show before it closes on July 11. Artist of Rubber City and Summit Artspace will not be responsible for artwork not picked up at the end of the show. Work not picked up will be disposed of at the discretion of the gallery.
Awards:
1st place $400, 2nd place $250, 3rd place $150 and $50 to honorable mentions. Juror’s Awards announced in person at the exhibition opening at 6 pm as well as on social media.
Eligibility:
The exhibition is open to artists who live, work, or attend school in Summit and surrounding counties. Artists must be age 18 and over. Work must have been completed in the last two years and must be original. No giclees prints or reproductions will be accepted. Artwork accepted in previous years and artwork that has been displayed in any Summit Artspace gallery in the last two years is not eligible. Work completed under direct guidance of an instructor is also is not eligible.
Entry Fee: AoRC Members - $25; Non-Members - $30
Artists may submit two entries for consideration in the show.
Important Guidelines and Information
Jurying Information: Jurying will be done via digital image. Artists may submit up to three high quality digital images (.jpg, .pdf, .tiff. .png) of each submission (to show different angles, details, etc.). The images must accurately represent the finished work and accepted work must be professionally presented for exhibition (see notes below). All jurying is blind. Artist's names cannot be in the file name of digital images. Submissions that include the artist’s name will be disqualified. If artists contact the juror in regards to their piece(s) from the time of submission to the announcement of winners, artists shall be subject to disqualification from this and future exhibitions. Signatures on artwork will be covered for final jurying to ensure blindness of juror.
Size and Weight Limits: Final installation size of 2-D work cannot exceed 4' (48") wide or 7' (84") high. · 3-D work must not exceed 39" in diameter or 7' (84") high, nor may any single component of the work exceed 50 pounds.
Display:
- All wall-hung artwork must be wired with appropriate hardware for its weight; no saw tooth hangers. If wall mounted work absolutely cannot be wired, please indicate in the “Special Installation Requirements” section of the submission form. If there are special installation requirements, the artist must provide necessary hanging devices (i.e. magnets).
- All work must be labelled with the artist's name and contact information when delivered (in any format)
- Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation (if necessary).
- Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
- Submitting diptychs are permitted as a single entry so long as the pieces are clearly defined as a single artwork. Please clearly label the entry as a diptych in the “Special Installation Requirements” and include desired measurements/ layout between components. Combined artwork must meet the other specified restrictions.
- Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual basis.
- Professional installation will be provided by AoRC and Summit Artspace. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork. Artists are encouraged to insure their own work.
Expectations:
30% gallery commission will be collected on all artwork sold during the show. Artwork does not have to be for sale. Summit Artspace will process all artwork sales and compensation to artists. All artists will be required to sign a gallery contract. Upon entering you will be added to the Summit Artspace contact list. We cannot accept artwork that is shipped, nor can we ship artwork.
Questions:
Anna E. Young, anna@summitartspace.org, 330-376-8480 ex. 3
Theodore Maringer, President AoRC, 330-714-7740
Solo Exhibition Proposals for July 2027 - June 2028
Summit Artspace invites local emerging artists to apply for a solo exhibition to be held in the Horizon Gallery, a smaller sized space on our third floor. We welcome artists with new bodies of work exploring exciting themes in contemporary art to apply. Summit Artspace is interested in highlighting a diverse range of artistic skill sets and backgrounds as well as diverse material and critical exploration.
Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and selected by Summit Artspace staff. Criteria taken into consideration while reviewing applications include media, quality of work, spatial needs, professionalism, and programming related to Summit Artspace's goals for community engagement, especially in relation to themes found in other exhibitions in our schedule. Strong applications will have a concise body of artwork and clear vision.
We strongly encourage interested applicants to come visit Summit Artspace during public hours (Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 5 p.m.) to better understand the gallery spaces available and how exhibitions are presented.
NO FEE TO APPLY!
Deadline for Proposals: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Notification of Acceptance: August 2026
Eligibility:
Must be 18+ for consideration. Artists must be living in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Stark, Wayne). Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace exhibition.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Summit Artspace believes that a diverse community of artists plays a vital role in representing our collective humanity. We foster an inclusive culture and encourage artists from different cultures, languages, sexual orientations, racial affiliations, and abilities to apply. We strive to provide accessible and accommodating galleries and programming. We are committed to exhibiting, connecting, assisting, and promoting artists without discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.
Logistics:
If artists are selected, they will be required to complete an exhibition agreement solidifying details for the exhibition. Artists must adhere to all guidelines provided by staff, including Summit Artspace's consignment agreement, in which 70% of artwork sales are paid to the artist and the organization receives a 30% commission.
Exhibiting artists must work with staff to coordinate install and tear-down of exhibitions as well as provide artwork data for labeling by agreed upon deadlines. Artists must be available in-person for installation. Professional installation can be provided by Summit Artspace, unless the artist(s) should install their own artwork due to special installation requirements. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.
All exhibiting artists are requested to assist in marketing efforts, and Summit Artspace staff will promote exhibitions through digital and print media, press releases, and internal signage. Summit Artspace will provide designed exhibition graphics and didactics, as well as photography for virtual exhibitions.
Display:
· Final installation size of artwork cannot exceed 7' (84") high.
· Any single component of an artwork must not exceed 50 pounds.
· The artist may be responsible for providing necessary hanging devices and/or installing artwork themselves if they are not ready to hang.
· Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals and display monitors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation.
· Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual work basis.
· Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
Questions or concerns? Please email anna@summitartspace.org.