Main Street Arts is a non-profit arts organization located in the historic, picturesque village of Clifton Springs, NY. Programming includes exhibitions, youth programming, an art resource library, workshops, and events.
Main Street Arts also owns Sulfur Books, an independent bookstore located at 18 East Main Street in Clifton Springs, NY.
Apply for juried exhibition opportunities and open call for work below.
THINGS NEAR AND DEAR - a group exhibition Saturday, March 7 - Wednesday, April 8, 2026
‘Things Near and Dear’ is a group exhibition with the opportunity for artists to explore and convey what’s important in their lives or in the lives of others. It can be a way to show important connections with places and spaces as well as explore personal truths. These can be tangible objects, philosophical concepts, moments borrowed from lived histories, or something beyond these “things”.
Work that explores the intersection of art & craft are highly encouraged. Concepts that explore rich narratives, personal or lived histories, time or place, or cultural heritage is welcomed. Work that conveys a high level of dedication, refinement in technique, and risk-taking in combining materials and/or concepts is also encouraged. Since Main Street Arts is a not for profit organization with several programs and classes for youth, we ask that material submitted for exhibition is considerate of our audience of 5-95+.
All media is welcome for this exhibition. Work must be by artists residing in New York state. Submit up to (5) five pieces for consideration for a $10 entry fee. All artists with work accepted will receive an exhibition stipend at the end of the exhibition. Submit your 2D or 3D work to be considered for inclusion in this group exhibition. Work over 50 pounds should be indicated at the time of submission.
Important file name submission note
All Files Submitted MUST BE named the actual name of the artwork.
An acceptable file name example: ‘Bone Fish’.
An unacceptable file name: ‘M0984_76A.png’.
Accepted Artwork Notification
Artists with work accepted will be notified via message on Submittable on or by Monday, February 16, 2026. Please read the message/email carefully for which piece(s) have been selected for exhibition. An attached artist agreement and inventory list can also be found in that message on Submittable. If you have questions call us at (315) 462-0210.
Artwork drop is only available during these dates/times:
- Saturday, February 21 from 11am-6pm
- Tuesday, February 24 from 3-6pm
- Wednesday, February 25 from 11am-3pm
Artwork pickup is only available during these dates/times:
- Wednesday, April 8 from 3-7pm
- Thursday, April 9 from 11am-7pm
- Friday, April 10 from 11am-7pm
- or after April 18th (after the next exhibition opens)
note: there is no artwork pickup from Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18
We look forward to your submissions for this exhibition.
Artfully, Main Street Arts
Dear Area Artists,
It's a new year & Main Street Arts is eager to see your new work as January 2025 marks a transition in leadership-with Bradley Butler departing and Heather Olson arriving as director and curator. With this, we are especially interested in seeing submissions from artists located within or with ties to upstate New York.
It should be noted that we are open to all media. When submitting, please keep in mind that we review these submissions twice annually and will respond according to that schedule. The gallery calendar is planned 1 or more years in advance. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in future exhibitions, not necessarily within the calendar year submitted. If you have questions please reach out.
As always, thank you for your interest in showing your work at Main Street Arts of Clifton Springs, New York.
Submit your 3-dimensional work for consideration to the newest gallery space at Main Street Arts!
We are hoping to launch this dedicated gallery exhibition space in early summer of 2025.
The Window Front Gallery will be a smaller space but includes street frontage and large glass windows. It has 2 spaces, one to the left and right, of our main entry doors. This space has AMAZING VISIBILITY onto the sidewalk and streetscape-with the opportunity for an artist to show 3d work on pedestals, the wall, the ceiling, or a combination thereof. Traditional 2-D work only (such as framed printmaking or framed photography) is not accepted.
The focus here is strictly 3-D; So if you are a printmaker-submit accordion books as well as perhaps wall pieces. If you are a mixed media artist-submit large hanging mobiles, suspended work, or a vertical installation piece. If you are a sculptor-submit work for the floor or for pedestals. This space is dimensional and tall and has equal amounts of wall and floor space able to be used.
Combined the left & right window gallery spaces includes the below rough dimensions:
2-WALL SPACES:
36" wide x 88" height max (RIGHT SIDE)
48" wide x 80" height max (LEFT SIDE)
2-FLOOR SPACES: for pedestal or large sculpture pieces
aprox. 44" x 54" rectangular floor space (RIGHT SIDE)
aprox. 44" x 54" rectangular floor space (LEFT SIDE)
2-CEILING SPACES: Available for suspended or hanging work
Aprox. 44" x 54" rectangular (mirrors floor shape below) (RIGHT SIDE)
Aprox. 44" x 54" rectangular (mirrors floor shape below) (LEFT SIDE)
*note: if hanging from ceiling-the work will need to be installed using installation hooks into trim at corners; Suspended work hanging from ceiling shall have a do not exceed weight limit to be discussed at time of submittal/review*
THE WINDOW FRONT GALLERY-is Open to artists ages 18+ residing in New York State.
There is no fee to submit your work.
Artwork is accepted on a rolling basis and will be rotated aprox 4-6 x per year. If submitting suspended work it is highly desirable for the artist to be present and work directly with the curator in hanging the work (and if possible also the removal of the suspended art work) to ensure it is installed and deinstalled properly.
Because Main Street Arts is a nonprofit we must promote positive, considerate, and appropriate work as we host weekly children's classes with youth and support and welcome audiences from 1 to 100. As such we ask that submissions and themes by artists be considerate of our audience and community. We look forward to reviewing your submissions and thank you for your time.
Submit your work for consideration to the newest gallery space at Main Street Arts! The Stairwell Gallery will feature small solo exhibitions by artists from our region. Please note, this opportunity is available for artists ages 18+ residing in New York State, with a focus on the regions of central NY, western NY, and Finger Lakes regions. There is no fee to submit your work. Artwork should be 12 inches or less with framing no larger than 16 inches.
Are you interested in teaching a workshop at Main Street Arts? Let us know! We are looking for artist/instructors to lead a variety of workshops throughout 2026.
Our facility includes an etching press, an electric kiln, easels, access to a sink, and workshop tables and chairs which can be raised and lowered depending on needs of the workshop. We also have an art resource library with dedicated digital library catalogue, lovely table and chairs and a private setting for incorporating discussions about art history, architecture, materials, artists and more. This library sits adjacent to our workshop room with large table and chairs and wonderful natural light with several windows.