Urban Sketchers Chicago Logo

2024 Urban Sketch Art Show

July 12-21, 2024


Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts
1012 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60610

Rules, Information, and Link to Submission Form

  1. Art Submissions Must Follow the Urban Sketchers Manefesto
    1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
    2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
    3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
    4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
    5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
    6. We support each other and draw together.
    7. We share our drawings online.
    8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

  2. Membership: The exhibition is open to any member of the Chicago chapter of the Urban Sketchers, 18 years and older.

  3. Number of Submissions and Framing: All work must be framed under glass or plexiglass (required by Palette & Chisel) and ready to hang (we cannot add missing wires or brackets). The Palette & Chisel allows only a simple nail – so a cordless piece would have to have something (hole/notch) centered to hang. If your work is in a sketchbook, you may submit a framed reproduction of your sketch. We will post suggested resources for scanning and framing on our Facebook page.
    We will hang salon style, and as necessary, grouping each exhibitor’s sketches. The framed sketch area per artist is limited to 640 square inches.  Within that limit, you may submit up to three pieces (e.g., three 14”-square framed sketches) – but no single framed sketch may exceed 320 square inches (e.g., 16” x 20” framed) and 32” framed (length or height). Within these limits, we welcome unusual formats (e.g., 10” x 32”) or a single frame containing one or more sketches sold as a unit.Particular page from a sketchbooks can be shown providing it is protected under glass. See USkChicago FACEBOOK page for examples of presenting sketches at Palette & Chisel.

    First Time Exhibitors will be recognized with a Green Sticker on the label.

  4. Sales: Any of your work may be offered for sale (at the submitted price) or not for sale (NFS). The Palette & Chisel, which will process all sales by credit card or check, will retain 20% of the sales proceeds and remit 80% to the artist. We will provide your contact information as it appears in this submission to the Palette; the Palette will contact you to confirm the address for mailing your check and to discuss pick up of your sketch by or for the buyer. You can reach the Palette office at 312-642-4400.

  5. Submission of Sketches for Show Approval: For each sketch, set out the title of your work; the medium/media; the framed dimensions in inches (H” x W”); and the sale price or NFS. List your work in your order of preference – if we are overwhelmed with submissions, we will organize the show in rounds. For each sketch, upload a JPEG file (no larger than 1M) labeled as: “LastName_FirstInitial-Title”. (Example: daVinci_L-MonaLisa)

  6. Calls for Volunteers: We ask participants and other USk Chicago members to assist in show-related activities – Satellite Drop off, an opening reception (with sketchbook tables); and gallery-sitting on the second weekend (the first weekend is covered by the Seminar). We’ll post info on our Urban Sketchers Chicago Facebook  page. 

  7. IMPORTANT DATES:

    • Deadline for submission: 11:59 p.m., 
      Monday, June 17th, 2024

    • Notification of acceptances: Submissions will be reviewed (to confirm that sketches meet the Manifesto and the show size limits) on a rolling basis; please let us know if you have not heard back after a few days.

    • DELIVERY OF SKETCHES
      Delivery of Work to the Palette and Chisel July 9 and July 10
      Note: Hand delivery and pickup only; we are not set up to take care of shipping.  Please drop off your work between 10:00-5:00 and leave in either front gallery on the main floor (ring bell for entry).


      ALTERNATIVE Satellite DROP OFF location – Evanston: Tuesday, July 9th (PRE-Arranged ONLY) Note: Hand delivery and pickup only; Please drop off your work between 10:00-3:00 Tuesday July 9thContact: David Roberts in advance at david@robertsarchitectsltd.com to confirm intent to Dropoff.

    • Show hanging: Thursday, July 11th

    • Opening reception Friday, July 12th, 6:00-9:00 p.m. 

    • Show closing: Sunday, July 21st (pickup also available Monday, July 22nd) at Palette & Chisel

  8. Liability Disclaimer: Reasonable precaution will be taken to safeguard the artists’ work. However, neither the Urban Sketchers Chicago nor the Palette & Chisel, and their officers, volunteers, and assigns, will be responsible for loss or damage to work from any cause.

Art Show Submission Form