FAQs

Submissions are reviewed and selected using both the Selection Criteria and the Priorities.  

Selection Criteria  

• Artistic merit, as exemplified in samples of past work. Artistic merit can include:  
  • Demonstration of strong technical skills and craft in the execution of past work 
  • An authentic relationship with or connection to the artwork content  
  • Emotionally and intellectually engaging combination of aesthetics, technical skill, and delivery  
    
• Compelling storytelling – the work presents a unique perspective and/or explores complex ideas of cultural/social relevance that invite the viewer to question, discover, and explore new concepts  
• Ability of work to connect with and amplify voices from historically excluded communities  
• Ability to work in a scale and with materials appropriate for the space 
• Alignment of work with TPL's , opens a new windowvision, mission, and work must appeal to a broad, multigenerational audience and may contain a variety of viewpoints and artistic expressions

Priorities  

All applications will be reviewed, and exhibit selections made, using the Selection Criteria. An applicant’s work does not need to meet any of the Priorities listed below to be considered for exhibit. But, as part of the selection process, the panel will prioritize exhibits for artwork that meet one or more of the following: 

• You are a resident of or student in Tacoma  
• Artwork that primarily gives voice to one or more of the following:    
  • Racial equity and social justice 
  • BIPOC communities  
  • Economically or socio-economically marginalized communities 
  • LGBTQIA+ communities
  • People with disabilities 
• Artwork that addresses emergent community needs  
• Artists who are willing to show with 2 – 3 other artists 
• Artists who are interested in public engagement like offering a workshop, an experiential activity, artist talk or demonstration.  

Please complete the Handforth Gallery Artwork Consideration Request Form, opens a new window. You will need to provide your name, contact info, an artist statement, and 7-10 digital images of your artwork.

• Applications are accepted ongoing 
• Decisions are made every 6 or 12 months for the upcoming year 
• Selections are made at least 1 year in advance of the show 

Shows are scheduled 1 – 2 years in advance.  The Handforth Gallery hosts four shows a year.  

Each exhibition runs for 3 months.  Typically, the available exhibit slots are: January – March, April – June, July – September, and October – December.

• The artist is responsible for installation.  
• TPL provides a hanging rail system (134 feet of a hanging rail system) and up to 45 hanging wires/hooks; along with a ladder.  TPL expects a high quality of installation that will endure for the 3-month span and be safe for library patrons.
• Restrictions on the install include no nails or attachments that will damage the walls, no painting or altering walls/surfaces.  Work must be matted or framed or in a comparable format of professional display.
• TPL doesn’t provide pedestals and has limited case display for 3D work. 
• Artist is responsible for returning the space to the original condition.
• Artist is responsible for producing and installing exhibit signage, artwork labels, or any other interpretive signage. Labels and signage must not damage the walls.

• Yes. All sales are facilitated by the artist.  
• Artists can provide their contact information on the artwork labels or signage so that the public can contact them directly regarding sales
• Artist is responsible for collection and reporting taxes on sales of any of their work.  TPL will collect no commission from the sale of any work. 

• TPL is not responsible for damage or loss of any artwork on display  
• Artists are encouraged to insure their artwork 

• These can be scheduled as part of TPL’s regular room reservation process. 
• The artist is responsible for producing any such event including providing materials, food, or other elements they wish to have that are in alignment with TPL’s space use guidelines. 
• TPL will cross promote public programming as part of the TPL event calendar 

Find our latest and upcoming exhibitions here, opens a new window.