About Axis Gallery
Axis Gallery is an artist-run space located at 625 S Street in Sacramento, housed in the Verge Center for the Arts Building since 2014. The gallery is 1800 square feet divided into a main gallery space and an East Room gallery. Founded in 1987, our artist cooperative has been in operation for over 35 years building a reputation for exhibiting challenging contemporary work in all media.
Members are emerging and established artists who show regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Gallery provides artists living in the Sacramento region with an opportunity to be a part of an alternative exhibition space. By creating an environment which functions outside the usual commercial sphere, members are free to explore, create, and develop works that are not contingent upon sales. We are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in our selection and presentation of works of art. The artist members are equal partners and support the gallery through sales of artwork, contribution of labor, and monthly dues.
The membership roster comprises 20-23 emerging and established artists in a diverse range of media. Axis artists present two new exhibitions each month that include an opening reception, and often an artist talk, on the second Saturday of each month. Our National Juried Exhibition each August, now in its 19th year, presents approximately 23-45 works from around 1,000 submissions presented by a local hired curator.
Axis Members meet monthly to discuss concepts and ideas in the gallery’s current shows and to manage the logistics of running a gallery. Members self-elect themselves to committees to move forward issues therein. Committees include Finance, Exhibitions, Operations, Competition Show, Website, Marketing, Member Recruitment, and DEI. Committees meet in small groups and forward information to the whole body.

Benefits of Membership
- Learn about all aspects of running a professional gallery from curating, installation-design, installation-skills and installation-evaluation, marketing, openings, publicity and more; all with the support of fellow artists.
- Mentorship and support from a group of colleagues who are professional artists, curators, and/or preparators
- Your work in a new member group show the year you join.
- Inside peek at how to run a national juried art show including selecting a juror, gathering work, installation, reception, printed materials and more.
- Opportunity to have a solo show or curate a show in the Main Gallery and/or the the East Gallery every every 12-24 months as space allows.
- Network with other members and the broader Sacramento art community.
- Opportunities to exhibit with Axis members at other venues.
- Equal votes in gallery operations, opportunities to bring your skills to the gallery.
- Marketing and publicity for each show is handled by the gallery.
- All members are featured on the gallery website (axisgallery.org).

Member Responsibilities
It takes many hands to operate an artist-run gallery. Our members do everything in the running of the gallery; there are many tasks and opportunities!
- Pay dues of $100 per month on a monthly, semi-annually, or annual basis.
- Commit membership through December 31, 2026.
- Host the gallery for 7-12 shifts per year. Shifts are noon to 5pm on Saturday or Sunday. Hosts open/close, setup, clean, process sales, and welcome visitors.
- Attend Second Saturday receptions, participate in critiques, help to expand the reach and influence of the artists in the membership.
- Curate/Instal a show of their choice once every 12-24 months and participate in a “New Member Group Show” in 2025, and occasional Axis Membership group shows.
- Attend monthly member meetings and participate actively on 1-2 committees to ensure the efficiency of the gallery.
- Be respectful and supportive of other members and visitors, promote the gallery and care for its well-being, and be a self starter- lending your skills where they are needed.
- Expand their skills and knowledge of their art practice and presentation skills with the help and support of fellow members.
Axis Membership Committees
- Finance: Maintains financial records and oversees financial health of the organization
- Exhibition: Sets exhibition schedule and ensures equitable rotation of member shows
- Operations: Maintains gallery facilities, helps with installation/deinstallation of shows
- Comp Show: Plans, coordinates and implements our biggest single revenue generator
- Website: Collects new show content and updates the gallery content management system
- Marketing: Manages social media accounts and promotes shows and gallery activities
- Recruitment: Manages the process for recruiting new members and managing orientation
- DEI: Researches, proposes and implements processes and policies to achieve diversity goals
- Other: Committees and subcommittees may be formed or disbanded based on need

Submission Guidelines
If you would like a review of your application materials to ensure you have all items in order please email us at info@axisgallery.org and we will connect you with a current member for a personalized review.
- A letter of interest including an artist’s or curator’s statement that states what the applicant would contribute to the gallery.
- A CV or Resume of art-related professional activities. Please include dates and if you were the Lead artists or if you had a different role in the artwork.
- A portfolio of 10 artworks and/or 5 curated project samples with images at least 1200 pixels to no more than 2000 pixels in either dimension. Title images with your last name and slide number (Smith_01.jpg). Please submit a link to a single PDF or folder of images using your preferred file sharing method. Be sure our members can view the link. Video up to 5 minutes is accepted, please include a link and title in your portfolio.
- An artwork description list including title, date, size, media/materials, description, location if applicable, your role.
- Here is a template to make a copy of if needed. (Go to top left menu> File> Make a Copy)
- Optional link to artist’s website or social media platforms. Please copy and paste the link to ensure we can access it.
Questions? Meet some of our members at a Mixer

In Person Recruitment Meeting: January 14th at 6:30 PM at Axis Gallery at 625 S Street in Sacramento

Online Recruitment Meeting: January 25th at 10am https://lrccd.zoom.us/j/86995508085
If have questions about becoming an Axis member before applying please feel free to contact us and a member will be happy to get on zoom or talk on the phone to answer any of your questions.
Apply

Application will be open from February 1- 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST.
Announcement of selected members is in first week of March 2025.
New Member Assessment Rubric
Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 (Little Evidence) to 5 (Strong Evidence).
Criteria | 1 Point | 2-3 Points | 4-5 Points |
Artists Work (20 points) | |||
Originality of Voice (5 Points) | Approaches work with little personal innovation. | Shows some originality, exploring new ideas or pushing boundaries within the art form. | Highly original, offering new perspectives that challenge or redefine norms in the field or community. |
Technical Skill (5 Points) | Basic understanding of techniques; noticeable gaps in execution. | Competent use of materials/skills; room for improvement in refinement. | Strong technical proficiency; exhibits mastery and command over the tools and techniques. |
Artistic Vision & Expression (5 Points) | Limited clarity or depth in artistic statement or expression. | Clear artistic vision; work and statement are connected, but could be more cohesive or impactful. | Distinct, compelling vision; clear, confident articulation of ideas that resonate strongly in the work. |
Potential for Growth (5 Points) | Little evidence of potential development or future growth. | Shows potential to improve and evolve, but is still in early stages of growth. | Strong potential for continued development; poised to make significant contributions in the future. |
Membership Benefit (20 Points) | |||
Dedication to Arts Community (5 Points) | Minimal engagement with or contribution to the arts community. | Some involvement in community events, collaborations, or networking. | Actively engages with and contributes to the arts community, fostering growth and support for peers. |
Collaborative Potential & Contribution (5 Points) | Limited or no experience working in collaborative settings. | Participates in collaboration but shows room for improvement in group work. | Strong collaborator; adds meaningful value to collective projects and exhibitions. |
Benefit to Membership (5 Points) | Minimal potential to enhance or complement the group. | Can complement others’ work and contribute to the group’s activities. | Brings significant value to the group through diverse contributions, ideas, and perspectives. |
Diversity & Inclusion (5 Points) | Limited diversity in perspective or background. | Brings some diversity in experience, culture, or viewpoint to the group. | Actively enhances the group with diverse perspectives and experiences (e.g., ethnicity, age, ability, career stage). |