---
title: Playful
description: >-
  Juried group exhibition at Arc Gallery, San Francisco, on the theme of
  playfulness; $250 award to three works.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/90a28f24-3079-4d08-9045-45be6529b8f2'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-10-11'
updatedAt: '2026-10-11'
programType: Exhibition
organization: Arc Studios & Gallery
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/arc-studios-gallery'
deadline: '2027-03-29'
entryFee: 35 USD
location: 'Arc Gallery, San Francisco, CA, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  $250 check, juror's award ribbon, recognition certificate, and show catalog
  inclusion for three works selected by the juror
disciplines:
  - sculpture
  - painting
  - drawing
  - photo
  - printmaking
  - ceramics
  - assemblage
  - collage
  - mixed media
  - fiber art
  - artist book
  - multiple media
---

# Playful

**Hosted by:** Arc Studios & Gallery

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Arc Gallery, San Francisco, CA, United States | **Deadline:** March 29, 2027 | **Entry fee:** $35

## About This Program

> "Playfulness"

"I am for the art of the underwear and the art of taxicabs. I am for the art of ice cream cones dropped on concrete." --Claes Oldenburg

Arc Gallery is seeking artwork that embodies the playful spirit. "Playful" refers to light-hearted, lively, spontaneous behavior that is full of fun, amusement and wit. In art, playfulness can be expressed through bright colors, playful elements, whimsical typography, funny imagery and sly innuendo. We are looking for works that engage in creative play, and in grown-up mischief. We welcome interactive works that invite audience participation, works that capture elements of street art or spontaneous street photography, and works that express child-like wonder and game-play. Engage the viewer with your sense of humor and sharp observations.

### CATEGORIES ACCEPTED

Sculpture, painting, drawing, photo, printmaking, ceramics, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, multiple media

This exhibition cannot accept jewelry, video, film, performance art, works requiring an external electrical source and installation.

### VENUE

Arc Gallery, 1246 Folsom St, San Francisco 94103

### JUROR

Juror: Jennifer Farris, Owner, Studio Gallery

After years of corporate striving, Jennifer Farris found her true vocation when she opened STUDIO Gallery with her husband, artist Rab Terry. To her delight, the gallery, which shows work from artists from the San Francisco Bay Area, has been going strong for over two decades.

### AWARD

A $250 check, juror's award ribbon, recognition certificate, and the show catalog will be awarded to three works selected by the juror, that express the most imaginative interpretation of the theme.

### CATALOG

All artwork selected, both gallery and online, will be included in the exhibition catalog. Catalogs will be available for purchase online.

### ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE

- 2-Dimensional Work: Height 60 inches, Width 40 inches - including frame
- 3-Dimensional Work: Must fit pedestal sized 16 inches x 16 inches or take up no more than 4 feet of gallery floor space.

### ARTWORK PRESENTATION

Artwork must arrive ready to hang and be presented professionally. Framed artwork must use wood frames in black, white, or natural wood finishes, or metal frames in black, grey, white or natural metals finishes. No color mats. No glass, plexi only. Artists accepted into the gallery will be asked to send a photograph of the back of the work to ensure it is wired correctly for hanging.

### ARTIST STATEMENT

Provide a statement about how your work relates to the title of the show.

### IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS

Submit JPG images at 300 dpi resolution and your image must be at least 1200 pixels on the longest side. High-resolution images are requested for catalog production and printed publicity of accepted works. You may upload up to three additional detail views per piece.

### SALES OF ART

60% of the sale will go to the artists, 40% of the sale will go to Arc. Items sold must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show. Arc will mail a check to the artist for any sold artwork within six weeks after the close of the show.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** sculpture, painting, drawing, photo, printmaking, ceramics, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, multiple media
- **Note:** Artists residing in the United States.

### Additional Requirements

- 1-3 images per entry
- Maximum 2 entries per artist
- JPG images at 300 dpi, at least 1200 pixels on the longest side
- Up to 3 additional detail views per piece
- Artist statement relating the work to the show's title

## Compensation & Benefits

$250 check, juror's award ribbon, recognition certificate, and show catalog inclusion for three works selected by the juror

**Includes:** Prize

A $250 check, juror's award ribbon, recognition certificate, and the show catalog will be awarded to three works selected by the juror, that express the most imaginative interpretation of the theme.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** October 11, 2026
- **Deadline:** March 29, 2027
- **Program Start:** June 19, 2027
- **Program End:** July 17, 2027

## Contact

**Email:** arcexhibit@gmail.com

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://app.entrythingy.com/arc-sf/playful