Studios@ Gallery Handbook
the gallery lineup and schedule
Hatch Gallery Layout
The Lottery
Once a current fiscal year (August 1 - July 31) we make draw names by studio 2 artists to a month for the shows in the hatch. You can tie your name to another artist if you want to show together, or you can be paired with another artist by luck of the draw. You can also partner with an artist to have a solo show - one partner takes the first year, and the other, the second. you can also choose to curate a group show with your month.
Once names are drawn, the schedule is created by month. If your month does not work for you, you can swap with other artists. Also, there are months that are reserved for residents (typically January) summer months - there may be a two month show. Typically, those moving into the studio after the exhibition schedule has been made will be factored into the schedule when there are openings or placed in the following fiscal year.
Then, everything is placed in the master calendar (see big button to the left) that aligns with the general DC - and we can edit this as life happens and things change. Please contact Caroline C and Morgan when things change so we can update the calendar (button to the left).
The General Cycle
The week of the next first Friday opening, Monday take down and patch. Tuesday & Wednesday new artist hangs. Unless they make other arrangements. See the big button on the left for the official schedule.
Content
Exhibiting artwork must be newly created; work previously shown at The Delaware Contemporary will not be accepted.
before your show
Marketing
The Printed Seasonal Program
If you want your exhibition title included, please email Shefon Taylor (staylor@decontemporary.org) by the marketing deadline below.
The Delaware Contemporary Website
If you want to be mentioned on the website, newsletters, or TDC digital marketing https://www.decontemporary.org/exhibitions
Shefon will need your title, short writeup and thumbnail by:
2025 Marketing Content Deadlines:
October - December 2025: August 4, 2025
February - May 2026: January 5, 2026
June - July/August 2026: May 4, 2026
These dates are subject to change depending on exhibition and printing timelines.
Planning
Confirm your installation dates with the artist going before you and your partner. Typically, it is Tuesday/Wednesday before the first Friday opening.
Connect with your partner to coordinate the title of the show and your plans.
hanging & takedown of your show
Guidelines
In general, install your works at the 60-inch eye level and evenly spaced apart. If you would like a tutorial for this format, please reach out to the Dr. Morgan Hamilton , TDC Curator.
You can design the show with your partner to accommodate variations/installations. Remember, any alterations to the Hatch are expected to be removed and the gallery walls returned to exhibit condition.
FOB Access
You will have FOB access to the Hatch 8am -5pm. The front desk has the roll-up door key and code to disarm the alarm. Anytime an artist needs to install during outside those hours should coordinate with Charlie.
Supplies
Supplies for hanging and a cool new cart for larger pieces are upstairs in closets.
Numbers / Labels
You can either number your works, or use labels for each work. There are numbered pins in the artist closet. there is a guide to where to put the pin in the artists closet.
If labels, please use the template. Chase has a guide for where to place the label (to the right of the piece).
Template coming soon.
Lighting and Title
The Curator will make arrangements to light the show and install vinyl titles and object labels. Please plan with them a week in advance (email link button to your left)
Price Sheet
Provide the front desk with a listing and price sheet of your works.
Deinstallation
Please return the gallery walls to the same condition as you would want it for your own show. Paint and patch as necessary. Materials to help you are in the artists closet (matching paint and supplies).
selling your work
Guidelines
The Delaware Contemporary encourages sales of available works in the Studios@ Gallery. Artists will retain an 80% commission on any exhibition sale during the run of their exhibition. The front desk should transact the sale, mark the piece as sold, and will will write out a check to the artist after the show closes. If you sell work in the gallery, please send customers to the TDC staff to coordinate the sale.
show receptions & events
There is usually a first friday opening and you can also plan your own weekend or closing event during the month. Schedule it with the Morgan (button to the left) to make sure it does not overlap with events at TDC. You are responsible for promoting your own events.
Food and Drink
Drinks are available for purchase at every Art Loop; you may offer free refreshments inside your studio; if you would like to offer select guests a complimentary drink ticket, they are available to purchase.
Contact DC Staff about how many drink tickets and she will send the artist an invoice, once it's paid, she will print it out and have them ready. Each drink ticket is $5, and the artist will get 20% off of that. (button to the left)