Rules of Integrity and Show Guidelines

The Guild of Charlotte Artists is committed to fostering professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect among its members, exhibition venues, and patrons. Participation in Guild-sponsored exhibitions signifies an agreement to abide by these guidelines and to uphold the highest ethical standards in representing both oneself and the Guild.

Exhibition Eligibility

1. Artwork must be original in concept, composition and execution, and not in any copyright infringement.

2. Art must have been completed in the last 3 years, and may not have been previously shown in a Guild show. Any previously shown work submitted to a new show will be excluded from participation and entry fee will not be refunded.

3. Work done in ANY class and/or under the guidance of an instructor is not eligible for entry.

4. Any subject restrictions for work will be noted on a show by show basis, as required by the venue. Works of subjects deemed unacceptable for a venue will be rejected.

5. Membership in the Guild is required to submit to a show. Membership may be purchased at the time of entry to any show and is on a rolling annual basis. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

6. There shall be a non-refundable entry fee for all shows that will be paid during the submission process for that show.

7. The number of works allowed to be entered will be specified on the individual show registration form.

Artwork Presentation

1. Artists are responsible for delivering and retrieving their artwork during the designated times. Artwork may not be removed before the close of the exhibition.

2. It is required that works be securely wired and ready to hang with D-rings fastened 1/3 of the way down. NO sawtooth hangers will be accepted. Please refer to the tutorial video on the Guild website if clarification is needed.

3. Art on canvas less than 1 3/8” in depth MUST BE framed. If the canvas is 1 ⅜” or deeper, the Art may be submitted unframed with the condition that the canvas is gallery wrapped and the sides must be painted to complement the painting.

4. The Guild reserves the right to reject work that does not meet presentation standards.

5. The size limitations for a show will be specified on an individual show’s submission form. Any work not complying with size limitations will be excluded from the show and the entry fee will not be refunded.

6. No assembly will be performed by any Guild installers or volunteers, especially as related to 3D pieces. Artwork must be delivered fully assembled and stable. Any special installation requirements must be performed by the artist according to the installation schedule as communicated by the installation team. Artwork may be carefully moved by the installation team during the installation process and artwork must be able to withstand this movement. If the Artwork needs to be altered after the installation, it can only be done after the opening reception, with special approval by exhibition chairs and the director(s) of the museum/exhibition location.

7. Photographs of entries may be used by the Guild for promotions, publicity or Guild history.

8. Once the artwork is hung, it must remain until the close of the show.

9. Commissions for sales during the show will be specified on individual show submission forms.

Accuracy of Information

1. Artists agree to provide accurate information regarding title, medium, dimensions, and price at the time of submission. Prices and dimensions MAY NOT be changed once accepted into the exhibition.

2. NO SUBSTITUTION OF ARTWORK will be allowed once submission to an exhibition is completed. Failure to deliver submitted artwork will result in removal from the show and submission fee will not be refunded.

Sales and Commission Agreement

1. Participation in a Guild exhibition constitutes acceptance of the commission structure established for that exhibition.

2. Any artwork sold during the exhibition or as a direct result of the exhibition—including sales generated through conversations at the event, exhibition exposure, QR codes, artist contact information—is subject to the commission percentage stated in the exhibition registration materials.

3. Artists agree not to intentionally circumvent the Guild's commission structure by:

● Directing prospective buyers to complete a private transaction outside the exhibition sales process.

● Delaying or restructuring a sale for the purpose of avoiding payment of the agreed commission.

● Using contact information obtained through the exhibition to complete an otherwise commissionable sale outside of the Guild's established procedures.

4. This policy is intended to ensure fairness among participating artists and to support the Guild's ability to continue providing quality exhibition opportunities.

5. Artists are responsible for promptly notifying the Exhibition Coordinator of any sale covered under the exhibition commission policy and for remitting the appropriate commission withinthe timeframe established by the Guild, if not already withheld through the Guild’s processing system for that exhibition.

Responsibility for Loss or Damage, Insurance Coverage

The Guild of Charlotte Artists (Guild), its Directors, Officers, or employees/volunteers will exercise reasonable care in handling and displaying all consigned artwork. Artists are encouraged to maintain insurance coverage for their work, as the Guild does not insure consigned artwork. The Guild cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to artwork before, during, or after the exhibition, including while artwork is in transit.

Violations

1. The Guild Board reserves the right to investigate alleged violations of these Rules of Integrity.

2. Failure to comply with exhibition policies, intentional circumvention of commission obligations, misrepresentation, or conduct deemed detrimental to the Guild may result in one or more of the following:

● Written warning.

● Forfeiture of current and/or future exhibition privileges.

● Other actions deemed appropriate by the Guild Board.

Professional Conduct

1. Artists are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully toward fellow artists, volunteers, venue staff, patrons, and Guild representatives. Any behavior that reflects negatively on the Guild or disrupts the exhibition may result in removal from the exhibition and/or future Guild events.

2. All participants share responsibility for maintaining a fair and supportive environment. Artists should refrain from actions that create an unfair advantage or undermine the integrity of the exhibition process.

Acceptance of Terms

Submission of artwork to any Guild of Charlotte Artists’ exhibition constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these Show Guidelines and Rules of Integrity. Artists agree to abide by these standards and recognize that they exist to promote fairness, professionalism, and the continued success of Guild exhibitions for the benefit of all members.