About Art for Purchase 2025

This fall, Downtown Rye’s Purchase Street will be transformed into a vibrant, open-air art experience—where creativity meets commerce and community.

Art for Purchase is a month-long installation that places original artwork by local and regional artists directly into the storefronts of Rye’s retail district. In collaboration with neighborhood businesses, the initiative reimagines public space as a site for cultural engagement—quietly folding art into the rhythm of daily life.

As visitors browse or pass by, they’ll come across unexpected moments—glimpses of creativity that spark curiosity and invite reflection. Each store participates not just as a venue, but as part of a shared conversation between artists, merchants, and passersby.

Art for Purchase highlights the essential role that creativity plays in local culture—and in the local economy. It’s more than an exhibition; it’s a movement to celebrate art where we live, work, and shop.

Artist & Business Call

We are seeking artists working in all 2D mediums—painting, photography, mixed media, and more—to participate in this public art project.

We are also inviting local businesses to serve as hosts—turning their storefronts into mini galleries that spotlight original artwork and bring foot traffic and fresh energy to their spaces.

Scroll down to view the expanding sections below and learn about how to participate!

    • Application Deadline: Monday, July 7, 2025

    • Notification of Acceptance: Late July

    • Art on View: September 13 – October 11, 2025

    • Opening Reception: September 13, 2025

    1. Purchase Your Application:
      To begin, visit our website and follow the link to purchase your Art for Purchase application. This fee helps support the program and confirms your interest in participating.

    2. Check Your Email Receipt:
      Once your payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email. In that email, you’ll find a link to the official submission form.

    3. Complete the Submission Form:
      Use the link provided to fill out your application details, including artwork information, preferences, and contact info. This step is required to be considered for participation.

  • What You Need To Apply

    Upon submission* of your application, you will be sent a form where you will include the following materials:

    Artists:

    • A short bio (100–150 words)

    • 5–8 artworks (title, medium, size, price, etc)

    • each work cannot exceed 24x30 inches)

    • Links to your website or social media

    Businesses:

    • A business description (100–150 words)

    • Your logo (PNG, SVG, or PDF format)

    • Website or social media links

    • Number of works your space can accept

    Selected artists and businesses will be paired based on style, space, and display feasibility.

    • Exposure to new audiences: through high-traffic retail locations in downtown Rye.

    • Community engagement: through creative collaboration with local businesses.

    • Sales opportunity: All displayed works will be available for purchase.

    • Artists: gain visibility and the opportunity to support arts education—30% of proceeds benefit The Rye Arts Center’s accessible programming and artists retain 70% of their sold commission.

    • Businesses: enjoy increased foot traffic and the chance to align their brand with a celebrated community arts initiative, including visibility for your business. 

  • Participating artists and businesses will be featured and mentioned in a robust promotional campaign, including:

    • Website Exposure: Featured on The Rye Arts Center’s website with links to your work and storefront location.

    • Social Media Promotion: Showcased across The Rye Arts Center’s Instagram and Facebook platforms leading up to and throughout the event.

    • Email Campaigns: Inclusion in targeted e-blasts and newsletters sent to thousands of local subscribers.

    • Print Materials: Professionally designed posters, flyers, and walking maps distributed throughout Rye (also digital).

    • Press & Media Outreach: Highlighted in press releases, local media coverage, and community event listings.

    • Storefront Signage: Branded signage and materials provided to help draw attention to your work on display.

    **While we aim to highlight as many participating artists as possible through our digital platforms, individual features or spotlights are not guaranteed. However, all participating artists will be included and acknowledged in our overall print and digital marketing materials.

  • Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. However, your contribution is tax-deductible and directly supports The Rye Arts Center’s mission to make the arts accessible to all—helping us provide scholarships, community programs, and inclusive arts education. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful effort.

  • Selected artists and businesses will be thoughtfully paired by our committee based on aesthetic compatibility and display feasibility.

    Submitting your artwork does not guarantee placement in the exhibition. While we aim to include as many artists as possible, final selections will be based on available storefront space, display feasibility, and curatorial considerations. We appreciate your understanding and your interest in being part of Art for Purchase. 

    The application fee is non-refundable. However, your contribution is tax-deductible and directly supports The Rye Arts Center’s mission to make the arts accessible to all—helping us provide scholarships, community programs, and inclusive arts education. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful effort.