FAQs – Submissions - Sommer Haus Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions – Submissions

Welcome to the Sommer Haus Gallery Submissions FAQ. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions artists have when applying for solo or group exhibitions.

General Questions

Who can submit artwork?
We welcome submissions from visual artists worldwide, working in 2D mediums such as painting, photography, digital art, mixed media, and printmaking.

Is there a submission fee?

Juried Group Exhibitions: Yes, a non-refundable application fee is required.
Solo Exhibitions: There is no application fee; however, fees apply for exhibition packages once accepted.
Paid Group Exhibitions: here is no application fee; however, fees apply for exhibition packages once accepted.

How do I apply?

When responding to one of our Open Calls follow the links on the call to complete the entry form and pay the entry fee.

For Solo and Paid Group Exhibitions, complete the Exhibition Interest Form on our website and upload sample images of the type of work to be displayed. You should indicate whether you are interested in a solo or group show.

Do all applications get accepted?
Not all submissions are accepted. Our curatorial team carefully reviews each portfolio for artistic quality, professionalism, and fit with our exhibition programming.

Timeline & What to Expect

Step 1 — Application

Complete the online application and select your preferred package and dates.
If approved, we’ll work together to select a launch date then you’ll receive a contract and invoice.

Step 2 — Booking

A deposit secures your date (remaining balance due before launch).
Cancellation and final payment dates will be noted on the artist’s contract.
If the Gallery must cancel, all fees paid will be refunded.

Step 3 — Content Delivery

Submit all materials by the agreed upon content deadline: images, titles, sizes, media, year, pricing/availability, bio, statement, and any add-ons (audio, talk, catalog).
We prepare your preview link.

Step 4 — Review & Approval

Enhanced/Premier/Immersive include one revision round (minor updates).
Final approval triggers your go-live date.

Step 5 — Launch & Promotion

We publish your exhibition and run the included social posts.
Optional: live/recorded artist talk, live reception, ongoing features.

Step 6 — Wrap-Up

Acceptance & Exhibition Process

How will I know if I’m accepted?
You’ll receive an email notification once your portfolio has been reviewed. If accepted, we’ll send you next steps, including package options (for solo shows) or participation details (for group shows).

If accepted, when will my exhibition take place?
Scheduling depends on current programming and calendar availability. We’ll work with you to set dates once your acceptance is confirmed.

What do exhibition packages include? (does not apply to Open Calls
Solo exhibition tiers may include your virtual gallery space, marketing features, optional enhancements such as audio introductions, and more. Details are available on our Solo Exhibition Tiers & Enhancements page or Group Exhibition Tiers & Options.

Artwork & Files

What kind of artwork do you accept?
Currently, we accept 2D works (paintings, photography, digital art, collage, works on paper, etc.). 3D and installation works cannot be accommodated at this time.

Artwork Quality Standards (Artistic Readiness)

We exhibit work that reflects professional gallery standards.

Original work only (no AI-generated, derivative, or infringing content).
Works should appear finished, consistent in quality, and aligned with the gallery’s mission.
Family-friendly: No explicit sexual content, graphic violence/gore, hate symbols, or discriminatory imagery.

Curatorial Discretion: Sommer Haus Gallery may accept or decline any work, request replacements, and determine final presentation/order.

How many artworks should I submit?

For group shows, upload 3–5 works for consideration.
For solo shows, upload 5 representative works.

What file types and sizes do you accept?
Please submit JPEG or PNG files at 72–150 dpi, with the longest side around 2000 pixels. Keep file sizes under 5MB each.

Will my artwork order matter?
On the initial inquiry form no. Once accepted, yes. Artwork generally appears in the order submitted. Please upload your strongest pieces first. Note: final curation and page design remain at the discretion of the Sommer Haus editorial team.

Artist Information

Do I need to submit an artist statement and bio?
Yes. A brief artist bio and statement are required. If you prefer, our editorial team can prepare a professional statement for you for a fee (we’ll still need complete biographical details from you).

Can I update my statement or images later?
Once accepted, materials are considered final and cannot be swapped or replaced. Please submit your best and most complete version.

Sales & Promotion

How will potential buyers purchase my work?
Each exhibition includes a link for purchase inquiries. Interested collectors will be directed to contact you or your designated sales platform. Sommer Haus Gallery does not process direct sales.

Will my exhibition be promoted?
Yes. All accepted exhibitions are featured on our website and highlighted in our social media channels. Additional promotional options may be available depending on your package.

Why a Scrolling Exhibition Style?

Sommer Haus chose the scrolling format to create a more immersive, narrative-driven, and mobile-friendly exhibition experience — one that elevates the art and mirrors the prestige of an in-person show.

The choice to use a one-page, scrolling exhibition format rather than a traditional click-through image gallery is a curatorial and user-experience decision. Here are the main reasons we at Sommer Haus made this choice:

1. Storytelling Flow

A scroll-based page allows the exhibition to feel like a guided journey, where viewers move through the artworks in a deliberate sequence.
This mirrors how you’d walk through a physical gallery: one piece at a time, in an intentional order, instead of jumping around thumbnails.
It supports curatorial vision — the order of works can reinforce mood, theme, or progression.

2. Engagement & Focus

With a scroll, each artwork is presented full and immersive, without competing with other thumbnails on the screen.
Visitors are less distracted and more likely to spend time with each individual piece.
It encourages “slow looking,” which is especially important for fine art.

3. Accessibility & Ease of Use

A single scrolling page works well on all devices — especially mobile, where clicking through tiny thumbnails can be frustrating.
No need for pop-ups or lightbox navigation. The experience is seamless and familiar.

4. Branding & Professionalism

A one-page exhibition feels like a polished portfolio presentation, closer to an editorial spread or online catalog than a standard website gallery.
It aligns Sommer Haus with a more museum-style viewing experience, rather than looking like an e-commerce product grid.

5. Practical Benefits

It’s easier to embed extras: artist statement, introduction audio, links, and purchase/contact buttons in a cohesive way.
It avoids the risk that viewers only click on one or two thumbnails and leave. With scrolling, they naturally encounter the entire exhibition.