calls for art

Call for Art: Small but Mighty 2025 

Hosted by the Dayton Society of Artists

Small but Mighty is the Dayton Society of Artists 2025 small works exhibition. This show celebrates the power of small-scale artworks, demonstrating that art does not need to be large in size to make a significant impact. The call for art is open to DSA members in good standing and is open to all mediums, techniques, and styles.

This year, the exhibition will run from November 14 to December 12, 2025. Concurrently, the DSA Project Space will feature a solo exhibition by Kate Santucci.

Location: DSA Gallery, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403

CALENDAR FOR EXHIBITION

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: Wednesday Nov. 5th, 11:59pm

• Art drop off: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 4:00-7:00pm, and Friday November 7, 2025, 12:00-4:00pm

• Exhibition runs: November 14 – December 12, 2025

• Opening reception: Friday, November 14, 2025, 6:00-9:00pm

• Art pick up: Saturday, Dec 13 12:00-5:00pm

All artwork left beyond the pick-up dates will be subject to a storage fee.

ENTRY FEE & COMMISSION

There is no entry fee for this exhibition. The DSA will be retaining a 30% commission on sold artwork. Please price your work accordingly, or mark it as “NFS” (Not For Sale) and list the insurance value of the work. Art available for sale will be given to purchaser at time of purchase due to the holidays. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Eligibility: Submissions may only be made by DSA members in good standing. Membership must be active through the duration of the exhibition.

• Entries: Member artists may choose up to 3 pieces to show in the gallery. Due to gallery size, only 60 members will be accepted.

• Dimensions: All 2D artwork must be no larger than 12” x 12” (including all framing, matting, etc.). All 3D artwork must be no larger than 12" x 12" x 12"

• Presentation: Artwork must be professionally presented. 2D work must be ready to hang and wired on the back. Use of D-rings for wiring is highly recommended. Sawtooth hangers, magnets, command strips or other means of hanging will not be accepted. Works on paper must be framed. 3D artworks must be pedestal based and sturdy to sit on the pedestal without need for additional display hardware (or if any additional display hardware, cases, etc. is needed it must be provided by the artist). The DSA reserves the right to reject any work that does not meet these presentation standards.

• Labeling: Artwork must be labelled on the back with the artist's name, title, medium, contact phone or email, and price.

• Originality: Artwork must not have been exhibited before at the DSA.

• Duration: Artwork may not be picked up before the close of the show.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

It is the understanding of the artist that the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and its sponsors do not assume the responsibility for loss or damage to the artwork. Reasonable safety and security precautions are in place to ensure the safety of the artworks. DSA recommends that artists provides their own personal property insurance. Once form is submitted electronically or by paper copy, the artist, artist heirs, successors, and assigns, shall indemnify and hold the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and appointed officers, volunteers, employees harmless from any and all claims, costs, and liabilities for any artwork damage, personal injury, death, or other property damage which is the result of handling and displaying the artwork at the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA). Our partners' employees or contractors are likewise held harmless from any and all claims from the artist, heirs, successor or assigns from any artwork damage, personal injury, death, or other property damage, and related costs and liabilities, which is the result of handling and displaying the artwork.

Gallery Discretion: The DSA reserves the right to reject any submitted artwork at its discretion. This may include, but is not limited to, work that fails to meet eligibility or presentation requirements, is not accurately represented in the submission, is deemed unsafe or unstable, or is otherwise considered unsuitable for the exhibition. 

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE

Submitting artwork indicates that you agree with the conditions of entry and exhibit as outlined in these guidelines. The DSA may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.

CONTACT

For any questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, please contact the DSA at director@daytondsa.org.