Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Gallery has been issuing a call for artists, typically in the Summer of each year, to submit applications for the following year’s exhibitions.

Exhibits are typically 3.5 weeks, but some are of different lengths depending on the nature of the exhibit.

In 2017, over 8,000 people visited the gallery. 

The City of Abbotsford owns and maintains the building. The Abbotsford Arts Council, a registered non-profit organization, administers and juries all exhibitions, operates the gallery and pays for all expenses associated with its operation. Applications are accepted from local artists working in all visual arts media. 

Gallery exhibitors must be members of the Abbotsford Arts Council. Membership is currently $30 for individuals and $50 for groups. If in a group, each group member showing artwork in the exhibition must have an individual membership, even with the group membership in place. Additionally, the gallery receives a 30% commission on any artwork sold during the exhibition.

Yes. The Kariton Art Gallery requires that all artwork be for sale during the exhibition. Exceptions to this policy are sometimes made, but rarely. 

As staff hours allow, payments are now made to exhibiting gallery artists within 30 days of the end of the exhibit. Exhibiting Boutique artists are paid on a quarterly basis. A representative of the gallery will notify the artist when their cheque is ready for pick up.

As staff hours allow, payments are now made to exhibiting gallery artists within 30 days of the end of the exhibit. Exhibiting Boutique artists are paid on a quarterly basis. A representative of the gallery will notify the artist when their cheque is ready for pick up.

The application package, including cover letter, artist statement, biography, images of artwork, etc., is juried by a panel of professional artists who consider every aspect of the application. Gallery staff members are not privy to jury discussions, nor do they influence which applications are chosen for exhibitions.

It is up to the jury as to the capacity in which an artist exhibits their work. Accepted artists might be paired with another artist for a dual show or grouped with several artists for a group show. The gallery typically hosts a mixture of solo, dual and group shows each year. 

We accept artwork from local artists ranging from emerging (with little to no exhibiting experience) to professional. We consider any visual artwork (2D and 3D) that can be contained in the exhibition space and abides by our hanging and display policies as listed in the exhibition application. 

The Kariton Art Gallery is located in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We consider applications from artists residing in the communities of Abbotsford, Hope, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Aldergrove, Pitt Meadows, Langley, and Surrey. Exceptions are sometimes made to this rule, but rarely.

The artist is responsible for insurance coverage on artwork during transit of the work to the gallery. The artwork will be covered by insurance for damage or theft for the duration of the exhibition with a deductible of $1,000.00 for which the artist is responsible. Artists showing work in the Kariton Boutique are responsible for insuring their own work.

YES! We and the public love having the exhibiting artist present during their exhibition. Please let us know when you might be available to volunteer.

As the gallery is operated by a non-profit organization with limited funding and staff, the gallery advertises exhibits as funding and staff hours allow. The gallery lists the exhibit on its website, promotes it via its social media sites, sends a press release announcing the show to media outlets throughout the Lower Mainland,