The Chico Art Center invites photographers to submit work for Narrative, a curated group exhibition that explores the art of visual storytelling. We seek work that, through a single image or cohesive series, communicates a clear or evocative narrative. We welcome all photographic styles and approaches, including documentary, street, conceptual, staged, and experimental.

The exhibition will be promoted online via our website and social media channels. An exhibition catalog will be available via Blurb. Each exhibiting artist receives a free copy.

Selection:

Works will be selected by a Chico Art Center board member and the Gallery Director.

Entry Fee:

$35 for up to 7 images

$25 for Chico Art Center members https://chicoartcenter.com/support/#membership

Promotion and Catalog:

The exhibition will be promoted online via our website and social media channels. An exhibition catalog will be produced and available via Blurb. Each exhibiting artist will receive a free copy.

To Apply:

• Submit to the entry form on (url)
• Submit digital images for review, with a file size between 1MB to 2MB per image. Label each image with consecutive numbers followed by your name, i.e. Number_FirstName_LastName_Title.jpg. The number should correspond with the number on the application form. Please do not watermark your images.
• There is an option to submit a statement with each image.

Eligibility:

This exhibition is open to photographers working in all photographic mediums and styles. Work that has been previously exhibited in a Chico Art Center exhibition is not eligible. We prefer not to accept images created with Artificial Intelligence at the present time, due to the lack of clarity concerning copyright issues and the ongoing litigation associated with them.

Selected Work:

Selected work must be ready to hang/install. No sawtooth hangers. For non-traditional work, please provide installation description/drawings. For questions, contact gallery director, Cameron Kelly at gallerydirectorcac@gmail.com.

If selected, additional materials (expanded statement, resume, etc.) may be included as hard copies with your shipped artwork, for inclusion in the exhibition binder. Selected artists agree to allow the Chico Art Center to use their works in promotional materials, press releases, and online platforms associated with the exhibition.

Important Dates:

Entry deadline: Sunday, June 14, 11:59pm, 2026

Notification by email of selections during the week of June 29

Receive shipped artworks: Tuesday-Friday, July 28-31 

Hand-deliver artwork: Saturday-Sunday, August 8-9

First day of exhibition: Saturday, August 15

Reception: Friday, September 4, 5-7pm

Last day of exhibition: Friday, September 18

In-person artwork pickup: Saturday-Sunday, September 19-20

Delivery & Shipping*

Schedule shipped artwork to arrive between Tuesday and Friday, July 28-31. Specify in shipping instructions that the gallery is open weekdays Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact gallerydirectorcac@gmail.com if special accommodation is needed.

Shipping artwork to and from the exhibition is the responsibility of the artist. All shipped work must be prepaid by the artist, including return labels enclosed with the shipped work. Shipped work will be returned, if not sold, within 30 days of the close of the exhibition. 

*Tip: FedEx offers prepaid shipping labels that are only charged if used. Also, they sell boxes designed to securely pack and ship artwork.

Hand Delivery:

Hand-delivered artwork will be accepted on the weekend of August 8-9 during Art Center hours, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Pick up artwork at the Chico Art Center, if not sold: Saturday-Sunday, September 19-20, during regular art center hours, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special arrangements should be made in advance.

Ship to:  

Chico Art Center

Attn: Cameron Kelly, Narrative

450 Orange Street, Suite 6

Chico, CA  95928

Postage, Packing and Insurance:

Postage, packing and insurance are the responsibility of the artist. The Chico Art Center is not responsible for loss or damage that might occur. Hand–delivery is accepted during gallery hours: Sat–Sun, August 8-9, 10am–4pm. Contact gallerydirectorcac@gmail.com if special accommodation is needed.

Art Sales:

The Chico Art Center encourages artists to list their work for sale. The Art Center facilitates that process. Reporting sales tax to the IRS is the responsibility of the artist. The full price of work sold is paid to the artist with a requested donation back to the Chico Art Center of 30% of the sale price.

GENERAL EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Since its inception in 1956, Chico Art Center’s mission has been to foster and promote the visual arts. Through our exhibitions, the diversity of talent that surrounds us is highlighted and recognized. The gallery director produces 13 exhibitions each year. 

CHICO ART CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chico Art Center (CAC) works in partnership with artists to put on quality, professional exhibitions. CAC will be responsible for installing and promoting the show and hosting a reception for the artists. CAC facilitates sales of artwork shown in the exhibition. CAC reserves the right to use artwork images for promotional materials. CAC has an email list of 1500 members, interested parties, and community VIPs who are electronically notified about exhibitions and events. We also promote exhibits and events on our social media platforms, facebook.com/chicoartcenter and @chico_art_center on instagram. Postcards are available at the front desk and mailed to members (approx. 350). CAC will have sole discretion in selecting works to install as well as layout of all works within the show.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES

Artists will cooperate in publicizing the exhibition by providing images for use on promotional materials and by providing biographical information in a timely fashion (usually within one month before the show).

The CAC does not insure the work exhibited in the gallery, however we do have an alarm system and a docent is on duty during gallery hours. The artist accepts responsibility for all work delivered and a release of liability waiver will be signed by participating artists. Artists may insure their artwork should they desire. 

Artists are encouraged to attend the opening reception and/or virtual artist talk.  Most people who attend the reception enjoy meeting the artists. It is best if artists are prepared to speak about their work at the reception.