Sonoma State University

Exhibition Criteria and Proposals

The University Library schedules exhibits throughout the year in the University Library Gallery and other locations throughout the Library. The University Library Art Committee solicits and reviews exhibit proposals and makes recommendations to the Library Dean. The library typically hosts exhibits for the duration of the semester. The Art Committee selects exhibits based on the criteria listed below and recommends the best gallery space or location for exhibits based on media, theme, and availability.

Benefits of Exhibiting in the Sonoma State University Library

  • Our gallery spaces are open to the public whenever the building is open (see Library hours). We have over 100,000 visitors every year.
  • We do not charge for use of our gallery spaces, and in some cases we may be able to provide installation support.
  • Our gallery spaces are well-maintained, and are freshly painted before each exhibit.
  • We have vitrines, pedestals, and other tools for exhibiting three-dimensional art, and provide wall lettering and a guest book for every exhibit.
  • We market every exhibit across and outside campus through a variety of methods, at no cost to the artist(s).
  • We may elect to host an art reception for an exhibit, contingent on the recommendation of the Art Committee and the approval of the Dean.

Exhibit Criteria

Exhibits are selected based on their alignment with the

Exhibits are scheduled for the duration of the semester in order to better incorporate the works and themes into academic courses, co-curricular activities, and other University Library events.

Exhibit Proposals

Proposals for exhibits in the library are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed twice a year in the fall and spring, and additionally as needed. The Art Committee is charged with reviewing all proposals, recommending proposals to the Dean, and recommending schedules for exhibits. Exhibits are scheduled either for the duration of the fall semester or for most of the spring semester, concluding in mid-to-late April to accommodate the annual student art exhibit.

To give your proposal the best chance to be accepted, we recommend the following:

  • Review our criteria and the University and Library mission.
  • Submit proposals at least one year prior to the desired exhibition date. We generally schedule exhibits 12 to 18 months in advance.
  • Be flexible about the desired space. 
  • Make sure your art is exhibit-ready. The library does not have a budget for framing artwork.
  • Talk to us! We love working with artists, and we will help you determine if your exhibit is right for our space.

We also welcome recommendations for exhibits from people other than the artists themselves. If you would like to propose an exhibit, please contact Kaitlin Springmier.