R Gallery at Arlene's
Flat File Program at Arlene's
October 3, 2025 through August 29, 2026
The R Gallery at Arlene’s is proud to present a Call for Art for the fourth annual Flat Files Program at Arlene’s. This juried exhibition invites local and regional artists to submit their two-dimensional work for inclusion in a dynamic and accessible collection. The Flat Files Program is designed to celebrate artistic talent, support emerging and established artists, and offer collectors an opportunity to discover and purchase original, affordable artwork.
We’re honored to welcome Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins—artist, educator, and mentor—as this year’s juror. Selected works will be featured in the R Gallery at Arlene’s flat files and made available for public viewing and purchase throughout the year.
Applications are open now through Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 5 PM (EST). We encourage 2D artists to apply and be part of this growing creative community.
Call For Work Deadline: Saturday, July 26, 2025, by 5 PM
Artists will be notified by Wednesday, August 27, 2025 with which pieces have been accepted into the 2025-26 Flat File Program at Arlene's.
Artist Reception: Friday, October 3, 2025,
from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Monday through Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials
57 Fuller Rd Albany NY, 12205
(behind the front counter)
About the Juror
Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins received her M.F.A. as well as her M.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in cross-disciplinary art and painting. She completed her undergraduate studio studies at the Philadelphia College of Art (University of the Arts) earning her BA in art and education from Rutgers University. She has many years of experience teaching in-person and online including: the State University of New York at Albany, Studio 518, the Atelier in Albany, the Arts of Southern New Jersey, and Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA. In addition she has been a visiting artist/ teacher throughout New York, Philadelphia and the Southern New Jersey Region. She conceived and co-founded the alternative artist-run gallery, The Hallway in Troy, NY. An award-winning artist, she has exhibited at the SUNY Art Museum - Albany, Knockdown Center in Brooklyn, The New York State Museum in Albany, Opalka Gallery in Albany, SUNY Global Headquarters in NYC, Saratoga Arts, Linus Art Gallery in Los Angeles, Marian Locks Gallery in Philadelphia, Woodmere Museum in Philadelphia, and Mangel Gallery in Philadelphia. She is the recipient of grants from The New York State Council on the Arts, NYS Decentralization Grants, The University at Albany Foundation, and the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.
Flat File Program at Arlene's Submission Guidelines:
Please read the guidelines carefully. Artwork that does not meet the guidelines will be disqualified. If accepted work does not meet the guidelines when received at R Gallery at Arlene’s, it will not be included in the Flat Files Program.
Submission Fee:
-
There is a $15 fee to apply to the Flat File Program at Arlene’s
Artwork Submissions Criteria:
-
The 2025-26 cycle of the Flat File Program runs from Friday, October 3, 2025, through Saturday, August 29, 2026. Participating artists must agree to have their selected work available for the duration of the program. However, the work sold can be replaced with approval from the R Gallery at Arlene's.
-
All artists wishing to participate in the Flat File program at Arlene’s must submit a complete application prior to the deadline of 5 pm (EST) on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and be selected by our juror. Any incomplete applications will not be considered.
-
All artwork must be the original and done by the applicant.
-
Artists must submit a separate PDF of their artist statement and bio.
-
Up to 5 pieces may be submitted. Image file size must be at least 300 dpi and labeled in the following format: FullName_Title_#.jpg or FullName_Title_#.png.
-
Applicants must include an Exhibition List that corresponds to the images submitted. The list should consist of the artist's name, titles, mediums, sizes, year made, and prices (including 40% commission).
-
Applicants will be asked to provide links to their social media accounts if applicable.
-
All artwork submitted in the application must be the same work exhibited in the Flat Files Program at Arlene's. Artists are not permitted to change or replace pieces of the original submissions without prior permission from the R Gallery at Arlene’s.
-
Artwork cannot exceed 11”x14” with a maximum thickness of ¼".
-
All selected work must be unframed, and unmatted.
-
All selected works must be flat and prepackaged in an archival clear acetate sleeve appropriate to the size of the work.
-
A variety of media are welcome, including photography. All artwork must be durable as they will be handled often throughout the duration of the program. NOTE: Delicate works, like charcoal, pastel, or other loose dry media, will not be considered as they are at too high risk for damage.
Artwork Sales:
-
The maximum retail price of each work submitted is $300 or less.
-
Artists will receive 60% of the sale with a 40% commission to the R Gallery at Arlene’s.
Visibility and Promotion:
-
Artwork selected for the Flat File Program at Arlene's will be available to view and purchase at the R Gallery at Arlene's located inside Arlene's Artist Materials.
-
Artwork included in the program will be featured on the gallery's website, social media posts, and newsletters.