Submission Disclaimer
The Clear Lake Arts Center does not accept walk-in artist inquiries or unsolicited portfolio reviews. To ensure a fair and consistent review process for all artists, artwork presented without a formal submission will not be evaluated for consideration.
Requests for immediate feedback, acceptance decisions, or judgments regarding artwork made outside of the official submission process will not receive further review or discussion. Artists seeking opportunities will be directed to complete the formal submission process through the Clear Lake Arts Center website.
Following the established submission procedures helps maintain an organized, equitable, and professional review process for all applicants.
Artwork Review & Submission Guidelines
To ensure a fair and consistent review process, all submitted artwork is evaluated using a standardized scoring system. Please review the following information before submitting your work.
Artwork Evaluation Criteria
Submitted artwork is reviewed by a panel using a point-based evaluation system. Each category is scored individually, and the combined score determines whether the work meets the standards for display.
Artwork is evaluated on the following criteria in a 1 through 5 point system:
Elements of Design – The overall balance, organization, and visual flow of the artwork.
Technical Skill – Demonstrated proficiency and control of the chosen medium.
Originality – Creativity, innovation, and the uniqueness of the concept or execution.
Presentation – Professional presentation of the artwork and overall display readiness.
Artists whose work does not meet the acceptance criteria may request their scoring results after the review process has concluded. Evaluation scores are intended as constructive feedback and may be used to help strengthen future submissions.
Acceptance Process
Each artwork receives a cumulative score based on the evaluation criteria. Works that meet or exceed the minimum acceptance score will go through a finalization of acceptance
Please note that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee acceptance. Overall representation of artist / artists may also be considered during the final selection process.
Submission Requirements
To be considered for review, all submissions must comply with the following requirements:
Submit all requested materials before the requested deadline.
Follow all specifications. Complete all application fields accurately and thoroughly.
Include a concise, well-written artist biography and artist statement that is free of spelling and grammatical errors in 3rd person.
Failure to follow submission requirements may result in disqualification from review and display, regardless of artistic merit.
The Clear Lake Arts Center is committed to maintaining a professional, equitable, and inclusive review process for all artists. Careful attention to these guidelines helps ensure every submission receives fair consideration.