Gallery Membership and Jury 2026/2027 Season

Desert Art Center

Gallery Membership and Jury 2026/2027 Season

Accepting applications in all mediums

The Desert Art Center is the longest-running art center in the Coachella Valley and the largest fine art gallery in Palm Springs. We take great pride in showcasing the best fine artists in the valley in every medium!

Gallery membership is both a privilege and a commitment. As a gallery member, you are eligible to exhibit in our main gallery. We also expect you to become involved in the cooperative nature of our volunteer organization.

When the jurors judge your work, they are looking for artistic excellence and assessing whether your work will add something new and different to our gallery, and whether it will sell. They will also discuss your willingness to become involved in our organization, your ability to fulfill the hosting requirement of six hours per month, and the skills and experience you can bring to our operations.

You must first be a member to apply to the jury. If you are not a member yet, you can join online at: www.desertartcenter.org.

Be sure to read the GALLERY DISPLAY RULES and choose your gallery category. This is a three-stage application process: an initial digital application, a personal presentation of your artwork, and notification of the jury's decision.

The initial application process is handled by an independent party, Online Juried Shows. There is a non-refundable $25 jury application fee, payable to Online Juried Shows.

Stage 1 – Digital Application

For the first stage, you must submit your artwork digitally. Go to www.onlinejuriedshows.com and create a new account or log in. Find the Desert Art Center under Current Shows and follow the instructions.

You may submit in only one category. Current gallery members may submit in a new section, but please read the Gallery Display Rules for requirements.

You will be asked to submit 6–10 digital images of your artwork. The title of each photo should contain the Title of the work, the medium, and width x height (x depth if 3D).

Applications are accepted in all mediums.

Stage 2 – Personal Presentation and Finalists Show

From the initial applicants, the jurors will select a shortlist of artists who will be asked to bring in two representative pieces of work on a date and time to be agreed.

Do check the GALLERY DISPLAY RULES before presenting your work. Your work should be ready for display and sale.

Shortlisted artists' work will be presented for in-person review as part of the Jury Finalists Show. The jurors will review the artwork and determine which applicants will be accepted for full Gallery Membership.

Stage 3 – Jury Decision

After the in-person review, applicants will be notified by e-mail with the jury's decision. If your work is accepted, you will be eligible to become a Gallery Member after paying the additional upgrade fee.

Help – For help with the digital application, please follow the help link on the Online Juried Shows website. Other questions can be sent to us at info@desertartcenter.org.

Commitment – Once you have paid the upgrade dues and become a Gallery Member, you may show your work in every show held in the galleries. We expect you to submit work for most shows and you are required to host the main gallery for six hours each month that you display any work in the gallery, whether it is wall art, bin art, cards, or other displayed work.

You will be asked to attend an orientation and gallery training, with dates to be announced, and you will also be invited to participate in other volunteer activities.

Liability – By submitting artwork, you acknowledge that insurance is your responsibility. The Desert Art Center will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property owned by you.