ABOUT EXHIBITIONS AT THE FITTON CENTER

Fitton Center for Creative Arts, a community arts center in Hamilton, Ohio, offers exhibitions, performances, classes, rentals and more to thousands of participants monthly.

The Fitton Center’s galleries present professional exhibitions to the public free of charge. With some local focus, broad partnerships and national reach, our welcoming gallery programs let you connect to people and the stories we share through visual art. Diverse programming engages the community through gallery openings, guided field trips, event rentals, and original art to purchase and take home. All exhibition openings are followed by Fitton Center ticketed performance events and are typically attended by over 250 people.

Exhibitions in our professional series change four times a year. Multiple gallery rooms allow one or two solo artists to be featured concurrently with a group or traveling show.  A group show might consist of selected individual artists curated by the Fitton Center or it might present members of a guild, a partnering gallery or exhibitions by guest curators.  We value exhibitions with collaborative and interactive elements.

A SPECIAL NOTE TO LENS-BASED ARTISTS: The Fitton Center is a participating venue in FotoFocus Biennials. Your proposal may serve as a general representation of your work to be considered for the 2028 Biennial with the Biennial theme yet to be announced. For more information about the Fitton Center's current 2026 Biennial exhibition, visit 

https://www.fotofocus.org/fotofocus-exhibition/milestones-finding-our-way/

If you have questions while preparing your proposal, email Cathy Mayhugh, Director of Exhibitions at cathy@fittoncenter.org

 Find more about the Fitton Center at https://www.fittoncenter.org/

THE GALLERIES

The Anne Ruder Bever Galleries at the Fitton Center feature hardwood floors, light cool gray painted walls, beautiful wood grid drop ceilings, contemporary museum LED track lighting and ceiling suspension load up to 200 pounds in some areas. Display walls are backed with 3/4 inch plywood to support weighty works. Four gallery rooms on two floors consist of a total of 2,600 square feet of space. A corridor gallery can be used to extend wall display space as needed.

Thousands of visitors experience the galleries monthly during artist receptions, field trips, rental and performance series events and while attending classes and other community-related activities.

art credit: Tarah Trueblood

TIMELINE & SELECTION PROCESS 

TIMELINE

• Deadline for proposals is Sunday November 8, 2026 at 11:59pm. 
• Selected artists from this proposal review will be scheduled during the July 2027 - June 2028 programming year or beyond.
• Early submissions are welcome!
• The Fitton Center will make every effort to notify proposing artists of committee decisions by February 2027.
• Committee decisions may be finalized over the course of several meetings.
• Artists will be notified of final decisions through email.

SELECTION PROCESS

• All fine art and craft media will be considered. 
• Proposals are selected based on originality, quality of the work and how it contributes to the diversity of style, media and content for the year.
• Selections are made by a committee of experienced artists, academics and others with knowledge and enthusiasm for the visual arts and the community. 

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

• A $35 non-refundable fee is required at the time of proposal submission. Make online payment at the end of the Online Submission Form.
• Complete the online submission form that follows, including file uploads of Artist Statement (150-word limit), Install Specs (150-word limit), CV or Resume, 10 artwork JPEGS, Image List (two-page limit).
• Propose work that has been created within the past ten years.  Artwork created between the proposal review and a scheduled exhibition should not deviate dramatically from selected proposal without timely discussion with curator.
• Unless submitting as an established artist group of three artists or more or the guest curator of a preexisting show , ARTISTS MUST SUBMIT INDIVIDUALLY.  (An exception is made when proposed artwork is collaboratively produced by 2 or more artists.)
• All fine art and fine craft media will be considered.  
• If the art you propose is created utilizing AI in any form, reach out to Cathy Mayhugh prior to beginning your proposal.  It is important that the Fitton Center understand the details of your use of AI and whether or not it is appropriate in relation to our developing AI policies.
• Multi-media artists are generally asked to provide their own equipment and to create plans that do not burden Fitton Center staff with complicated opening/closing procedures.  
• Delivery of artwork to and from the Fitton Center and subsequent costs are the responsibility of the artist.
• Installation artists must be able to install their proposed work within three 8-hour days - weekdays preferred.
   

AWARDS AND SUPPORT

• Artists invited into solo and group exhibitions will receive a modest honorarium (based on funds available in the exhibition series annual budget determined in spring 2027)
• If current sponsorship holds, artists living over two hours away from the Fitton Center may also receive at least one complimentary night's stay at a local hotel to support reception attendance or travel during installation.
• Fitton Center gallery staff and interns will install artwork unless on-site assembly requires the presence of the artist. Fitton Center staff will design, produce and install signage associated with exhibitions.
• Exhibiting artists have the opportunity to offer artwork for sale and will receive 70% of the listed retail price for each artwork sold.
• Artists will have the opportunity to engage with the community during a free public reception, typically attended by over 250 guests.
   

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Create, format and rename the files that you are required to upload when submitting your proposal.  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY because not following instructions may disqualify you from consideration.

TIP: You will find the process works best using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone. 

• Create a code name based on the first 3 letters of your last name followed by the first 3 letters of your first name. Example: John Smith = SMIJOH. Please capitalize all letters. This Code Name will help artists to remain anonymous to jurors and will be used in your file names, document titles and headers.
• Create a Concept Summary.  This single sentence (up to 25 words) summarizes the form, subject matter and meaning of your art.  You will type this sentence into the online form in the Proposal Specifications section.
• Create an Artist Statement.  Your Artist Statement describes the art or project you propose to exhibit and the meaning and concepts behind your work in general. Use Microsoft Word or a PDF file for this document. Leave your name and other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors. An Artist Statement over 150 words will disqualify your proposal from the review. The header at the top of the page of text should read CODE NAME Artist Statement (Example: John Smith = SMIJOH Artist Statement) Also rename this Word or PDF file CODE NAME Artist Statement.
• Create Install Specs.  Your Install Specs (Specifications) describe the process, methods and equipment required to install your art in the gallery and whether or not you need/prefer to be onsite during installation. (i.e. does your art require pedestals or cases? Is it framed or unframed? How is it attached to the wall?  Does it require suspension from the ceiling or electricity? Does it include sound or video equipment?) Use Microsoft Word or create a PDF for this document. The header at the top of the page of text should read CODE NAME Install Specs. (Example John Smith = SMIJOH Install Specs.) Also rename this Word or PDF file CODE NAME Install Specs. Please leave all other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors. Install Specs over 150 words will disqualify your proposal from the review.
• Prepare your JPEGs.  Identify each JPEG with a file name that includes your CODE NAME, underscore, and the number of the image.  Example SMIJOH_01. Please submit 10 full view artwork JPEGS at 2 to 3MB each of a consistent body of work (required) and up to 5 additional detail, alternate view, installation JPEGS, video or sound files (optional) 
• Create an Image List.  Limit this document to two pages. Head the document CODE NAME Image List. (Example: SMIJOH Image List) and also rename this Word or PDF file CODE NAME Image list. Please leave all other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors. All required JPEG (10) and any additional/optional file names (up to 5) should be included on your image list. Include for each image: JPEG file name (example SMIJOH_01), title of artwork, media details, dimensions (HxWxD in inches), year of completion.  To help the committee understand your artwork, please be specific when listing media details.  For example, if your work is a print, list the printmaking method used.  If your work is mixed media, list all media used, etc.
• check your availability - you are asked to provide the dates your artwork is currently available from July 2027 through December 2028

• Your Artist Statement describes the art or project you propose to exhibit and concepts behind your work in general.
• Use Microsoft Word or a PDF for this document.
• Head the text in the document and create a file name for this document as follows: CODE NAME Artist Statement (Example SMIJOH Artist Statement).  Please leave all other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors.
• A statement over 150 words will disqualify your proposal from the review.

Example formatting of this document:

SMIJOH Artist Statement (the header of the statement)

My artwork utilizes mixed media and self portraiture in an interplay identity and cultural commentary... etc. (up to 150 words)

• Your Install Specs (Specifications) describe the process, methods and equipment required to install your art in the gallery and whether or not you need/prefer to be onsite during installation. (i.e. does your art require pedestals or cases? Is it framed or unframed? If framed, describe frame style/color.  How is it attached to the wall? Does it require suspension from the ceiling or electricity? Does it include sound or video equipment?)
• Use Microsoft Word or a PDF for this document.
• Head the document and create a file name for this document as follows: CODENAME Install Specs. (Example SMIJOH Install Specs) Please leave all other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors.
• Installation Specs over 150 words will disqualify your proposal from the review.

Example formatting of this document:

SMIJOH Install Specs

Most works are presented under non-glare UV resistent plexi in light wood tone frames with white mat and standard wiring.  A few large works on paper are unframed and may be installed with provided magnets or pins depending on the gallery's preference... etc. (up to 150 words)

• Identify each JPEG with a file name that includes your CODENAME, underscore, and the number of the image as follows: SMIJOH_01
• Please submit 10 full view artwork JPEGS at 2 to 3MB each of a consistent body of work (required) and up to 5 additional detail (closeup), alternate view or installation view JPEGS, video or sound files (optional) 

• Detail images or alternate view file names should correspond to the image number of the artwork they represent.  For example, if you submit a detail or alternate view for the Artwork JPEG SMIJOH_03, the detail's file name should be SMIJOH_03_detail, the alternate view file name should be SMIJOH_03_view2

• Limit this document to no more than two pages.
• Head the document and create a file name for the document as follows: CODE NAME Image List.  Example: SMIJOH Image List.  Please leave all other contact info off of this document to remain anonymous to jurors.
• All required JPEG (10) and any additional/optional file names (up to 5) should be included on your image list.
• Include for each image: JPEG file name, title of artwork, media details, dimensions (HxWxD in inches), year of completion.  Please be specific when listing materials used in making your art. 
• Make sure your listed dimensions are in the following order -  H (height) x W (width) x D (depth). 

Example formatting of this document:

SMIJOH Image List (header of document)

SMIJOH_1, Self Portrait, charcoal and oil pastel on paper, 24Hx18W, 2026

SMIJOH_1_detail, Self Portrait, charcoal and oil pastel on paper, 24Hx18W, 2026

SMIJOH_2, ... etc.

A $35 non-refundable entry fee is required to complete your proposal.

You will be directed to make your payment online though our ticketing software after submitting your proposal.  Payment must be made within 24 hours of your online proposal submission or your proposal will be eliminated from review.

Note: The exhibitions committee determines the appropriateness of all works for Fitton Center programming and audience, and reserves the right to refuse work that differs substantially from that proposed.  All work is insured to a reasonable extent while on the Fitton Center premises.  We cannot be responsible for artwork while in transit.  Preparation of art for display and delivery and/or shipment of artwork to and from the Fitton Center and subsequent costs are the responsibility of the artist.  Artists receive 70% of their listed retail price when an arworks is sold from our gallery.

I agree to the conditions outlined in this submission form.  If accepted for exhibition, images of my artwork may be reproduced and/or used for promotional and educational purposes in print materials and online including after the close of my exhibition at the Fitton Center.