Chicago has one of the most diverse and dynamic gallery ecosystems in the country â from established River North spaces to experimental artistârun venues in Pilsen, Bridgeport, and Logan Square. Whether youâre an emerging artist or preparing for your first professional submission, this guide walks you through how Chicago galleries review work, what they expect, and how to present yourself professionally.
đźď¸ 1. Understand the Types of Galleries in Chicago
Before submitting, itâs essential to know which type of gallery fits your work. Chicagoâs art scene includes:
- Commercial galleries â Represent artists, sell work, and curate exhibitions.
- Artistârun spaces â Communityâdriven, experimental, often open to emerging artists.
- Nonprofit galleries â Missionâbased, often focused on education or community.
- Popâup and project spaces â Shortâterm exhibitions, flexible formats.
Each type has different expectations, submission processes, and curatorial priorities.
đ§ 2. Research Galleries Before You Submit
Galleries want artists who understand their identity and audience. Before reaching out:
- Visit the gallery in person
- Review their past exhibitions
- Look at the artists they represent
- Follow them on Instagram
- Read their submission guidelines (if available)
Ask yourself:
Does my work fit their curatorial style? If the answer is no, donât submit â it wastes your time and theirs.
đď¸ 3. Prepare a Professional Portfolio
Your portfolio is the first impression. It should be clean, simple, and easy to navigate.
Include:
- 10â15 strong images of recent work
- Titles, medium, dimensions, year
- Artist statement (short, clear, not academic)
- Artist bio (3â5 sentences)
- CV (exhibitions, education, residencies, awards)
- Website or Instagram
Avoid:
- Too many images
- Unfinished work
- Distracting backgrounds
- Oversized files
Your portfolio should feel like a curated exhibition, not a storage folder.
đ§ 4. Write a Clean, Professional Submission Email
Galleries receive hundreds of emails. Keep yours short, respectful, and direct.
What to include:
- Who you are
- Why youâre reaching out
- Why your work fits their gallery
- Link to your portfolio
- 3â5 small image attachments (optional)
What NOT to include:
- Long personal stories
- Large attachments
- Demands for representation
- âCold callâ mass emails
Galleries appreciate professionalism and clarity.
đ§âđ¨ 5. Follow Each Galleryâs Submission Policy
Some Chicago galleries have open submissions. Others accept submissions only during specific windows. Many do not accept unsolicited submissions at all.
Common submission formats:
- Online forms
- Email submissions
- Portfolio reviews
- Open calls
- Juried exhibitions
If a gallery says âno unsolicited submissions,â respect it. Submitting anyway hurts your reputation.
đď¸ 6. Start With ArtistâRun and Community Spaces
Chicagoâs artistârun spaces are some of the most welcoming places for emerging artists.
Examples include:
- Pilsen artist collectives
- Bridgeport project spaces
- Logan Square experimental venues
- Rogers Park community galleries
These spaces often host:
- Open calls
- Group shows
- Themed exhibitions
- Affordable submission fees
- Communityâdriven curation
Theyâre the perfect place to build your exhibition history.
đźď¸ 7. Build Relationships â Donât Just Submit
Chicagoâs art scene is built on community. Youâll have more success if you:
- Attend openings
- Meet curators and gallery staff
- Talk to other artists
- Volunteer at events
- Support local exhibitions
Galleries are far more likely to consider artists theyâve met and whose work theyâve seen in person.
đ 8. Apply to Chicago Open Calls & Juried Exhibitions
These are excellent entry points for emerging artists.
Look for open calls from:
- Hyde Park Art Center
- Chicago Artists Coalition
- Zhou B Art Center
- ACRE
- Local universities
- Neighborhood art festivals
These opportunities help you build your CV and get your work in front of curators.
đ§ 9. Be Patient, Professional, and Persistent
Rejection is normal â even for established artists. Galleries may not respond, and thatâs okay.
What matters:
- Keep making work
- Keep improving your portfolio
- Keep showing up
- Keep applying
Professionalism and consistency go a long way in Chicagoâs art community.
â Final Thoughts
Submitting your work to Chicago galleries is a process of preparation, research, and relationshipâbuilding. With a strong portfolio, a clear understanding of the gallery landscape, and a professional approach, youâll be wellâpositioned to find the right spaces for your work.
This guide is your foundation â the rest is persistence and practice.