Call to Artists: Arts Barn City Shop

Housed in a reconstructed Victorian-era style stable, the City of Gaithersburg's Arts Barn is home to performing and visual art programming. Examples of programing include gallery exhibits, artist City Shop, artisan markets, art classes for adults and children, workshops, film, dance, music, theater, comedy, and magic. The Arts Barn is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.

ABOUT THE CITY SHOP

The City of Gaithersburg Arts Barn City Shop is a local artisan storefront that sells a wide range of mediums from selected artist. The City Shop creates an opportunity for Gaithersburg and surrounding communities' residents to buy one of a kind, handmade items made by local artists. This call to artists is to apply for the City Shop to sell an ongoing inventory of individual artist's artwork from September 2026 to June 2027. This application is open to artists who reside in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia).

The final artist selection will be processed using the following criteria:

• Quality of work
• Diversity of medium
• Range of prices accessible to the public
• Consideration of fine art as well as crafts
• Consideration of a variety of media

ELIGIBILITY

The call is open to all artists in the DMV area. Artists who have not participated in past Arts Barn events or other City of Gaithersburg programming are encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• There is a $35 non-refundable application fee to apply for the Arts Barn City Shop.This fee must be paid before completing this application. If the $35 fee is not paid, the artist will not be considered for the City Shop position. Space is limited and not all applicants may be accepted as artists to sell their artwork in the City Shop.
• If you have not yet paid your $35 application fee, click here: RecXpress Application Fee
• Only applications with a RecXpress receipt number will be accepted.
• Accepted artists will receive a contract from the City of Gaithersburg for the 2027 Fiscal Year stating the City will take a 30% commission on any of the artwork sold as City Shop inventory.
• All artwork must be original and created by the artist. Artwork created through Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not permitted.
• The City of Gaithersburg is not responsible for damage or loss for any items on facility premises. Artist should insure or self-insure their work and equipment.
• All selected artists will need to provide a W-9 and fill out the City of Gaithersburg Vendor Registration Form.

MARKETING

The City of Gaithersburg will promote the City Shop on the City website and Arts Barn social media, but participating artists are urged to advertise on their respective websites, social media, and email to broaden the audience reach.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, please email the Arts Barn City Shop email: [email protected]

The City reserves the right to refuse any application.

The City reserves the right to amend or cancel the application, including the schedule as needed. The City reserves the right to cancel, postpone, delay or amend the call, as needed.