Many artists have similar questions, so we’ve put together this FAQ to cover the most common scenarios. Please review it before reaching out — chances are your answer is here. If it doesn’t address your specific situation, let us know and we’ll be happy to help.
We update our upcoming shows page on a seasonal basis.
Apply here:
https://squarefootshow.com/artist-application/
To view current and upcoming show themes:
https://squarefootshow.com/upcoming/
Invitations are typically sent 8+ weeks before the show date. This gives artists enough time to plan, create, and prepare their submissions.
We typically receive 200–400+ applications per show. Selections are made through a jury process, with input from our team, participating artists, and members of our collector community.
This approach helps ensure each show is thoughtfully curated and represents a diverse range of styles and perspectives
Shows take place monthly on the second Thursday at 8 PM EST / 5 PM PST. The shows are hosted at: shop.squarefootshow.com .
Each show features a unique (but flexible) theme—ranging from regional spotlights to stylistic explorations and occasional charity events.
Key details:
- Unless otherwise stated, all artwork is sold at $350 CAD / $300 USD
- Artists receive 60% commission, plus applicable taxes
- Artists submit 3–5 original 12” x 12” works
- All physical mediums are welcome, as long as the art is 12”x12”.
The format is fast-paced and similar to an auction, so previews are limited.
Shipping:
Artists ship directly to collectors at their own expense (covered by their commission).
Once accepted, you’ll receive detailed submission specs, upload instructions, and timelines.
Square Foot Show partners with CollabPay for fast, easy artist payments via PayPal or direct deposit (Stripe). CollabPay is an intermediary between Shopify and your payment method of choice (either Paypal or Stripe). Note: You must have an active account with either PayPal or Stripe to participate in the show and get paid.
Setup takes under 2 minutes—just follow the on-screen steps or our video guide.
To ensure you get paid, you must log into CollabPay and add your payment method (PayPal or Stripe/bank account).
Helpful links:
Reminder emails are sent to all artists, so they don’t necessarily mean something is missing.
If you successfully uploaded your work, you would have received a confirmation email. If you have that confirmation, you’re all set!
Shipping across the border can change depending on current trade rules.
As of March 2025:
- The U.S. introduced a 25% tariff on many Canadian imports, and Canada matched this—including original U.S. artwork.
- Canadian artwork entering the U.S. is currently tariff-free if it meets USMCA origin rules and proper documentation requirements (this may change at any time).
Best practice when shipping:
- Declare the item as an original painting
- Use Harmonization Code: 9701.91.10 on customs forms
- Use the retail value (350 CAD or 300 USD) of the piece.
This classification identifies the work as original art and may help avoid additional duties.
Instead of a traditional 50/50 gallery split, we offer artists a 60/40 commission.
That additional 10% is designed to help cover shipping costs in most cases. Occasionally, higher shipping costs may occur depending on location, which artists treat as a standard business expense.
Our commission supports the full ecosystem that makes each show successful, including:
- Marketing campaigns that drive collectors to each event
- Curating and managing large-scale, themed exhibitions
- Building and maintaining our collector audience
- Payment processing and artist payouts
- Customer service for both artists and buyers
- Platform software development, hosting, and technical infrastructure
- Show production, scheduling, and artist coordination
Most importantly, we focus on selling the work—not just displaying it. Our model is built to give artists access to an engaged, ready-to-buy audience in a highly active, time-sensitive format.
