DAM hosts a yearly open call for artists to apply to be DAM’s next Featured Artist. Selected artists present a solo exhibition on the Featured Artist Wall, a 15’w x 7’h display area is prominently located at the gallery’s Forest Ave. entrance. DAM’s Featured Artist Wall showcases early-career artists who are new to exhibiting their work, with scheduling that coincides with our annual exhibition calendar. This spotlight provides a great opportunity for up-and-coming artists to showcase a body of work and connect with local collectors.

An emerging artist is an individual in the early stages of their professional career who demonstrates exceptional promise and commitment to their creative practice. These artists are actively building their presence within the arts through group exhibitions, community engagement, or self-initiated projects. 

ELIGIBILITY

• Artists living and working in Wayne County, Oakland County, or Macomb County
• Artists who are in the first 5–10 years of actively pursuing a professional career in the arts
• Artists who do not have gallery representation and are not similarly represented by an organization
• Artists who demonstrate a consistent, professional commitment to their practice through exhibitions, residencies, or community projects
• Ability to exhibit a cohesive body of work, either through a collection of existing work or the creation of new work for an exhibition

WHO SHOULD NOT APPLY

• Artists who have an established (locally, regionally, or nationally) career
• Artists who are representation by an art gallery or similar organization
• Artists who have shown at DAM more than 3 times (not including marketplace events Art for the Holidays or Summer Block Party)
• Artists whose primary work is not visual arts
• Artists who have been featured as a DAM Featured Artist within the last five years.
• Artists whose work does not align with DAM’s mission to connect artists, collectors, and communities
• Artists who are unable to meet the Featured Artist artwork price point of $500 max per work
• Hobbyists or individuals not actively pursuing a professional career in the arts

The Featured Artist space is designed to highlight a single artist’s work, and serves as a separate exhibition space from our main gallery. In addition to highlighting the work of an emerging artist, the Featured Artist space encourages new art collectors to discover high quality, affordably priced artwork. Work in this space will not be priced above $500, and DAM will advise artists on what price point will encourage the most sales based on our current art sales trends.

Below are key details about how DAM works with Featured Artists:

• Artwork.The Featured Artist space accommodates 2D works and small 3D pieces.
• Space Specifications. Primary Featured Artist wall measures approximately 15 ft. wide x 7 ft. high. Secondary wall measures 8 ft. wide x 8 ft. high. Pedestals and shelving of various sizes are available for use.
• Pricing. All artwork must be priced at or below $500, and artists are encouraged to include a range of price points to appeal to a variety of buyers.
• Installation Details. All works must be wired and ready to hang upon delivery. All work will be handled and installed by DAM’s professional art installer.
• Pre-Show Deliverables. Artists must submit the following before dropping off work:
  • A brief artist bio.
  • A brief statement about the featured works.
  • High-quality photos of all works for promotional use and the gallery website.
  • A completed consignment form. 

CELEBRATING OUR FEATURED ARTISTS!

Lucia Calderon Arrieta, 2020

Elton Monroy Durran, 2020

Tony Rave, 2020

Bana Kabalan, 2020

John DeBoer, 2019

Caroline Del Giudice, 2019

Jennifer Sakarian, 2019

Deborah Kashdan, 2019

Darin Darby, 2019

Lucia Calderon Arrieta, 2019