Calling all Artists

Do you love cats and art? Do you want to help Oakland’s most vulnerable cats, while getting your work seen? This is your opportunity!

Join our rotating art gallery!

Artists will receive 85% of proceeds from their art sales, with 15% of sales supporting Cat Town’s nonprofit rescue work.

Exhibition schedule:

  • Jan–Mar: Solo Artist Exhibition

  • Apr–Jun: Solo Artist Exhibition

  • Jul–Sep: Solo Artist Exhibition

  • Oct–Dec: Group Show

Portrait of Coral, by Genevieve Cottraux.

APPLICATION Guidelines

Artwork Requirements

  • Work must be original and ready to hang/display.

  • Subject matter should reflect creativity and compassion; we welcome a wide range of styles but cannot accept artwork with violent, abusive, or graphic themes.

  • Pieces should be priced with accessibility in mind (a range of price points encouraged).

Submission Requirements

  • Artist statement (200–300 words) about your work and practice.

  • 5–10 images of available artwork (include title, size, medium, and price).

  • Short bio (100 words).

How to Apply

  • Email materials in a single PDF or folder link to salvador[@]cattownoakland.org.

  • Rolling deadline — submissions will be kept on file.

Portrait of Rue, by Arielle Lehmer.

Selection Process

Selected artists will be contacted at least 2 months before their exhibition period. Cat Town staff and Board will select gallery exhibitionists using the following criteria:

  • Alignment with Mission — Priority will be given to artwork reflecting compassion, creativity, and community. Artists do not need to depict cats specifically, but work should complement Cat Town’s values.

  • Local Connection — Priority will be given to artists with ties to Oakland or the Bay Area, supporting our local creative community.

  • Accessibility — Because Cat Town welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to our adoption center every week, priority will be given to artwork avoiding themes that may feel alienating or overly graphic.

  • Diversity of Perspectives — Seek to feature artists of varied backgrounds, styles, and experiences to create an inclusive gallery.

  • Professionalism — Priority will be given to artists who can demonstrate their ability to prepare work for display, meet deadlines, and participate in promotional opportunities.

Artwork by Deth P Sun.

Artwork by Angel Nguyen.

Banner image: Artwork by Stephanie Hatch.