Attention Emerging Artists!

 

The Cayuga Museum and the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, NY are seeking proposals from emerging artists for exhibitions that will be held in both the Cayuga Museum and Gallery Julius at the Schweinfurth. It is a unique opportunity for artists to present an exhibition in both a contemporary gallery space and an historic space at the same time.

 

WHEN AND WHERE:

The exhibit will be on display at both the Cayuga Museum and the Schweinfurth Art Center, which are located next to each other. Special consideration will be given to artists whose proposal reflects on the juxtaposition of exhibiting in both locations simultaneously.

 

Two proposals will be selected. Exhibition dates are March 28th – May 16th, 2026 and May 30th – July 11th, 2026. Artists will be informed which date their exhibit is selected for. If there are any conflicts with either of these exhibit dates, please include that in your proposal.

 

ARTWORK SUBMISSION:

We will be accepting submissions of two-dimensional artworks and sculpture (sculpture can only be displayed at the Cayuga Museum) from artists in the central New York area. Artists must be within driving distance of Auburn. Work will not be accepted via mail.  We will not accept submissions of video installations.

                                                           

Artists are asked to submit up to 5 works of art that are representative of their body of work.  Selected artists must have enough work to fill both Gallery Julius at the Schweinfurth and two galleries at the Cayuga Museum. Please see attached floor plans for reference. (Note: The Cayuga Museum is housed in an historic mansion, with non-traditional galleries, and work must be hung from a picture rail.) 

                                   

Due to space limitations, we cannot guarantee all submitted artwork will be included.

If you would like to submit your work for consideration, please fill out the following form no later than Wednesday, January 28, 2026:

                                                                                                                                                           

●     1-3 digital images per work submitted (in PDF format or each image below 1 MB)

(you may submit up to 5 pieces, or series of works, to be considered)

●     Dimensions of your work (each piece)                                                           

●     Title(s) of your work                       

●     An exhibit proposal describing the body of work

                       

SELECTION PROCESS:

A local selection committee will be responsible for selecting the artists/artworks for this project.

The committee seeks to have a well-balanced and diverse series of artists, working in a variety of styles and mediums. All artworks must be finished works and ready to be installed.  

 

The committee will make selections for the series in February.

 

STIPEND:

Selected artists will receive a stipend of $500.  

           

REQUIREMENTS: 

Selected artists will provide either an artist talk or community program during the exhibition’s duration. Art Center and Cayuga staff, in collaboration with the selected artists, will determine the program date to ensure adequate time for marketing and promoting the event.

           

DROP OFF:

Work must be dropped off at the Cayuga Museum and the Schweinfurth at least one week before the show is set to open. Artists must schedule the drop off with the Art Center and Museum staff, allowing time for consultation of layout and installation requirements.

 

PICK UP:

Work must be picked up within a week of the exhibit closing.

 

ART SALES:                                                           

The Schweinfurth Art Center and the Cayuga Museum will receive a 30% commission on all sales resulting from the exhibition.  In the event of a sale, the Art Center and the Museum are not responsible for any additional gallery commissions, or costs of packing and shipping to the new owner. Pieces in the exhibit do not have to be available for sale.