2025 SMFA Art Sale - Call for Art

Description

Welcome to the 2025 SMFA Art Sale Call for Art!The SMFA Art Sale has been the leading contemporary art sale in New England since its creation in 1978.  Offering works across all mediums, the sale showcases a diverse selection of talented students, alumni, faculty, and friends of SMFA. Each year, the SMFA Art Sale makes an impact beyond celebrating the creativity of our community; it also raises critical funds to support financial aid. Through the generous donations from artists LIKE YOU, the revenue raised by the sale helps to ensure that creative voices from all lived experiences and backgrounds have access to SMFA at Tufts’ unique interdisciplinary educational program.IMPORTANT DATESArtwork Submission Dates: Monday, September 1 - Tuesday, September 30Shrink-wrap Drop-in: Monday, November 3 (12-6pm) and Tuesday, November 4 (12-5pm)Artwork Drop-Off: Saturday, November 15 (10-6pm) and Monday, November 17 (10am-5pm)Collector Preview Days: Monday, November 24, Tuesday, November 25, Monday, December 1, Tuesday, December 2Alumni and Artists Preview Party: Thursday, December 4Public Sale: Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 7Notification of Sold Artwork: Wednesday, December 10Artwork Pick-Up: Wednesday, Friday, December 12, 10-6 pm and Saturday, December 13, 10-5pm2025 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTSSubmission Limits: We are asking artists to adhere to the following submission limits by medium, unless individually approved. 
Artists may submit up to five pieces in total, with the following limits:No more than two (2) wall hung worksNo more than three (3) 3D/sculptural worksFor jewelry submissions, please create one submission for each price point.Size Restrictions:Due to storage constraints, we will not be able to accept large scale pieces that exceed 48 inches in height or width unless individually approved. 
Please ensure that all wall hung works are dropped off ready to hang.

Frequently Asked Questions 

When are you accepting submissions? 
SMFA Art Sale submissions will be accepted from September 1st-30th, 2025.
Is there a fee for submission?
No. Registration for the SMFA Art Sale is free for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.
What mediums will be accepted?
2D (Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media)
3D (Glass, Clay, Wood, Metal, Sculpture, Jewelry, Fiber, Leather, Mixed Media)
How many pieces may I submit for consideration?
Artists may submit up to five pieces in total, with the following limits: no more than two (2) wall hung works, no more than three (3) 3D/sculptural works.
For jewelry submissions, please create one submission for each price point.
Are there any size restrictions?
Due to storage constraints, we will not be able to accept large scale pieces that exceed 48 inches in height or width unless individually approved.
Will there be a digital catalog or collection of works?
Yes, this year we will be working with Artwork Archive to create a digital exhibition.
Does my artwork need to be framed? 
No, artwork does not need to be framed. However, if you are submitting framed/wall hung art, please make all efforts to have the work "ready to hang," i.e. framed or on canvas/panel with a hanging mechanism (D-rings or wire) on the back. Picture hanging wire is preferred.
Will SMFA provide shrink wrapping?
Yes, SMFA will be providing two shrink-wrapping pop-ups, timing TBD. Shrink-wrapping will be provided free of charge to current students and SMFA alumni, but artists must bring their own backing materials.
Do accepted artists receive a portion of the artwork sale?
The SMFA Art Sale is the school’s largest fundraising event, which benefits student scholarships and academic programs. While we encourage everyone to consider giving 100% of their proceeds to the school so that we can create opportunities for talented emerging artists to experience all that SMFA at Tufts has to offer, artists are responsible for setting their own donation percentage.
Are there any fees artists should know about?
No.
How will images of my artwork(s) be used? 
Artwork will be used to promote the SMFA Art Sale and affiliated events. Participating artists grant the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts perpetual, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use, without limitation, any artwork or related image to promote the school and associated events and programs.
When do I drop off my artwork? 
ARTISTS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO DELIVER ARTWORKS Saturday, November 15 (10-6pm) or Monday, November 17 (10am-5pm).
Can I ship my work to you?
At this time, we are not encouraging artists to ship their work. Please reach out to smfaartsale@tufts.edu to discuss options.
When will I be notified if my artwork sold? 
All artists will be notified of the sale of their artwork by Wednesday, December 11, 2025.
 More Questions?  
For information or questions on artwork submissions, contact us at smfaartsale@tufts.edu. Due to the increased number of inquiries we receive this time of year, we recommend reaching out by email rather than phone.