Application Deadline: April 28, 2025

Ten artists will be chosen in a juried selection process. This is open to all disciplines of art: 2D, 3D, performance based, musical, literary - you name it! If you can make a convincing case for why your home studio would be fascinating for others to see and engage with, we want to hear about it!

New in 2025, we will offer at least one group location, for people who want to apply but who cannot share their home space. So, if you feel you can bring your home studio to a shared studio space, please apply and let us know your situation.

Why apply to be a Featured Artist?

• Build your network and local community

• Increase awareness of your work

• Sell your art without having to be a vendor at an art market

• Inspire someone! Show folks that it’s possible to make amazing things happen in a home studio

• Make new art friends

• Receive a small stipend of $200 as thanks for taking the time to participate and host visitors

How to Apply:

Submit the following materials to info@artcommons.org:

• Description of your artistic medium and experience

• 3-5 work samples (any format that works, please ask if you have questions)

• Description of your home studio - address, confirmation that it is suitable for public visitation. You can partner with another artist and share a studio space. Please reach out with any questions.

• Description of how you would engage visitors to your studio (for example, collect emails for a newsletter, provide an activity for kids/adults, offer a performance/demo)

• Let us know if you can host in your home studio, or if you need a shared group space in order to participate. Your home studio must be located in the Issaquah School District.

• Art Commons will soon be producing arts gatherings and events year-round in our area. We will be seeking teaching artists and roundtable panelists - please let us know if you are interested in being considered for those roles!

Eligibility:

• Artist studios must be located within the Issaquah School District.

• Artists can be emerging or established - in either case, artists need to demonstrate a substantial body of work and a cohesive vision/approach. Please reach out with questions.

• We will require a studio visit for all finalists, before final decisions are made, and all featured artists are responsible for insuring their own work and space.

Criteria:

• Quality: High quality art requires not only technical skill but also a meaningful and unique artistic statement. What is it like to interact with the work? Does it challenge, inspire, or otherwise show us something that we didn’t previously consider about the world?

• Experience: Applicants can be emerging or established artists. We are looking for dedication to the practice, however the artist chooses to demonstrate it.

• Audience Engagement: Art is a powerful and unique way to bind community together. We are looking for the ability to engage participants in studio conversation, demonstration, and connection.

• Diversity: We seek broad representation across artistic mediums, age, gender, racial and cultural background, and experience as an artist. We also aim for geographic diversity across greater Issaquah.

Application Fee:

You know what? We don’t want artists to have to “pay to play.” It doesn’t seem fair. Also, it takes a big effort to mount an event like this, and artists, jurists, and the creative folks that make this happen deserve to be compensated for their time. If you feel able, submit a donation when you send in your application. Choose any amount - it’s up to you, and it will not affect the jury process. It’s more important to us that you share your work and we get to see what you’re up to.