Our Process

  • New artists are required to complete and return the above Artist Application, along with (5) photos that are representative of their work in the medium of their choice. Each medium will require a separate jury process in order to be exhibited.
  • Items may be submitted to the Executive Director in person during gallery business hours, or by mail at: 
  • If accepted, artists will receive a welcome email and paperwork for submitting pricing and inventory details, as well as copies of our artist contract and exhibit schedules.
  • If rejected, we encourage you to try again! Our dedicated staff and artist community are here to help and support your artistic endeavors to the best of our ability, and will work with you to achieve our professional gallery standard. 
  • Drop-off and setup of your display must be scheduled by appointment during the designated period, unless other arrangements are made with AITL Staff.
    • Your completed inventory, signed Artist contract, and all display fees must be submitted and paid in full prior to artwork delivery and setup for each season
  • During the exhibit, artists can expect monthly sales updates, featured artist posts on our social media pages, as well as a bio and link to any online portfolios through our website. We strive to curate additional workshops and events that keep our gallery buzzing, increase foot traffic, and guarantee exposure for your work! 
  • Pick-up times at exhibit close are scheduled by appointment and must be within the designated period.
  • Payments for artwork sold are processed and sent 1-2 weeks after the designated pick-up period. Payments will not be released until all pieces have been properly collected and accounted for. Checks may be picked up in person, sent by mail, or delivered through direct deposit. 

Our Pricing

​Summer View & Winter View Exhibits

Display Fee - $150.00
  • Due upon artwork delivery
  • Allows each artist 2 wall sections at 4' x 8' on either our rolling displays or perimeter wall spaces
  • 3D mediums are allowed 2 cases or pedestal displays
  • Exhibit space may be limited at the discretion of AITL Staff

Gallery Commission - 35%
  • New artists must complete their first season at the full rate
  • Artists may volunteer for up to 40 hours per season in order to earn a reduced minimum commission rate of 15%
    • Rates are prorated by total hours completed by season end and may be applied to the next or a future exhibit
    • Volunteer hours must be completed with Art in the Loft directly, or with another AITL approved arts facility 
  • Artists may also reduce their commission rates to a minimum of 15% by participating in our Member & Sponsor programs. Ask us how!  

Juried Art Exhibits

Display fee - $35.00 for first entry
                        $10.00 for each additional entry up to 3
  • Due upon Artwork Submission to cover competition entry
  • Fees are non-refundable after the jury process has been completed. Late submissions will not be accepted. 
  • This is a nation wide competition. Acceptance or rejection of your submitted work is at the discretion of the selected juror or jury panel. We wish you the best of luck! 

Gallery Commission - 35% flat rate

Four Seasonal Exhibits

Young Artist Exhibit (April - May)
This is a month long exhibition featuring the work of students K-12 from multiple schools throughout our region. AITL staff works closely with professional arts educators to select and develop this unique celebration of their students hard work from over the course of each school year. We aim to inspire and encourage students by allowing them the opportunity to see their work elevated and displayed in a professional gallery setting. Pieces are typically not offered for sale. 

Summer View (June - September)
Our Summer View exhibit runs for four months, and features 35 to 40 local or Michigan-based artists on average. With our lake front views, Alpena is a beautiful tourist destination in the Summer months, making this a highly lucrative time for many of our artists! Cruise ships, summer cabins, and multiple festivals beckon folks to our area and ensure that your work will be seen, enjoyed, and (we hope) purchased! Workshops and private events by AITL also bolster efforts to support artists.

Juried Art Exhibit (October)
Each year, we hold an arts competition that is juried by an esteemed individual or group relevant to that year's selected theme. This is a nation-wide call for art that encourages artists to think outside of the box and explore their mediums in unique and creative ways. Submissions are open mid-Summer through early Fall. Prizes and awards are presented at our Artist reception, and work is displayed for the following month and in conjunction with the AITL Annual Gala Fundraiser.

Winter View (November - March)
Our Winter View exhibit runs for four months and features 30 to 35 local or Michigan-based artists on average. This exhibit opens just in time for Black Friday and holiday shopping, offering patrons the perfect opportunity to find unique, heartfelt gifts for everyone on their list! Holiday parties and events keep the gallery busy and eyes on our artists all winter long.