FAQs

  • WHAT IS EMERGE?

    The EMERGE exhibition is a juried + invitational exhibition with a focus on young, emerging artists either currently in school, recently graduated, or showcasing strong commitment to their artistic practice, if not pursuing traditional schooling.


    This group exhibition will be the only open call we hold each year and is dedicated to featuring a wide range of artistic practices. Participating EMERGE artists can expect generous local and national exposure in addition to standard commercial collection opportunities. 


    All accepted artists will have their artwork featured at Bond Millen Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in the West End district of Richmond, Virginia.



    WHAT DOES "JURIED + INVITATIONAL" MEAN?
    Many works included in the EMERGE exhibition will be selected from the open call submission. In addition, a small number of young artists will be invited to apply if the gallery connects with their practice. We look for emerging and overlooked young artists and art students who will bring something distinct to the exhibition. This results in a range of works from artists in different moments of their careers, and gives an extra boost to an emerging artist's CV.


    WHO JURIES THE SHOW?
    The works are juried by the small staff at Bond Millen Gallery: Rachel Crawford & Ashley Millen. We usually allow current interns & gallery associates to sit in on the process as well!


    WHO CAN SUBMIT TO EMERGE?
    We encourage young artists who are strongly committed to their artistic practice, MFA candidates, and recent MFA graduates (1-3 years) to submit!


    IS THERE A SUBMISSION FEE?
    We know fees can enforce unnecessary barriers to entry in the submission process. Our hope is that young artists will choose to support the EMERGE exhibition with their active participation, just as we hope to support their careers in return. 


    WHAT KIND OF WORK SHOULD I SUBMIT?
    There is no theme to the EMERGE exhibition. We treat each year like a survey, encouraging a range of perspectives, concepts, and applications of the fine arts. We welcome young artists practicing in different media such as painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, craft, etc to apply. 

    Looking for inspiration? To take a look at past years’ EMERGE exhibitions through the page linked above.


    HOW DO I SUBMIT?
    Please submit through the google form linked on the submission page.


    WHEN IS THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE?
    Submissions for EMERGE will close May 4, 2025 at 11:59PM EST.


    IF ACCEPTED, HOW DOES SHIPPING WORK?
    Because we do not charge for the submission process, we ask that you cover the cost of shipment or transport to and from the gallery. In the event that your work is sold, we will reimburse the cost of the return shipping. We ask that all participating artists include a prepaid return shipping label in the package with their shipped piece(s).


    WHERE DO I SHIP MY WORK?
    All work should be shipped to:
    Bond Millen Gallery 
    5601 Cary Street Rd, 
    Richmond, VA 23226


    WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY WORK DELIVERED TO THE GALLERY?
    All participating artists must have their signed and presentation-ready work delivered to Bond Millen Gallery by Thursday, June 5th 2024.


    WHAT DOES "PRESENTATION-READY" MEAN?
    We expect all participating artists to ship their work in the condition it will be shown and potentially sold. If the work needs to be mounted, framed, or hung, all framing should be complete upon arrival. Hardware is recommended, but If you do not have hardware for your framing methods, we can attach hardware during the installation process. All work should be signed (front or back, up to your preference), or include a signed certificate of authenticity, in the event your work is sold to a collector. 

    Looking for assistance preparing your work? Accepted artists will receive support materials, and are more than welcome to reach out with any questions. 


    HOW MUCH DOES THE SHOW COST FOR VISITORS?
    The gallery is always free to visit during normal hours, W-S, 10am to 4pm. If you are interested in a guided tour for students or large groups, please email us at admin@bondmillengallery.com.


    IF I SELL A PIECE, HOW IS THAT SPLIT WITH THE GALLERY?
    All work is split 50/50 between the gallery and the artist, directly funding young artists’ practice while supporting the gallery’s operations and employees.