Gallery Membership

Gallery membership at Harbor City Art supports the organization’s mission through teaching, mentorship, exhibitions, and community-based programming.

Membership is intended for artists who wish to actively contribute to the life of the organization through instruction, collaboration, and participation in gallery programs and events. Artist membership reflects professional affiliation with the mission — not simply access to display space or retail placement.

Many of our member artists come from backgrounds in education, community arts, or long-term studio practice and value thoughtful, adult-centered learning environments. We seek artists who enjoy sharing knowledge, engaging learners, and contributing to a supportive, professional creative culture.

Harbor City Art is best suited for artists who value active participation in an creative community rather than primarily seeking passive retail exposure. If you are interested in helping build a long-term cultural institution grounded in learning, connection, and public engagement, we welcome your interest.

What Harbor City Art Is

Harbor City Art is a community-centered art gallery and teaching institution built on collaboration, shared values, and long-term engagement.

The organization integrates exhibitions, education, and community programming into a unified cultural model. Membership connects local artists to our creative community, our gallery space, and our educational programs — whether your focus is exhibiting work, teaching, learning, or supporting the arts.

Harbor City Art operates as an educational and cultural institution first, with gallery programming serving that mission.

Membership Structure

We offer two levels of membership, designed to support different forms of participation within the Harbor City Art community.

Artist Membership — $125/month

For artists building a sustained presence in the gallery and/or a regular teaching practice.

Includes:

• Access to curated display opportunities in the gallery

• A regular, scheduled weekday teaching day (for those who wish to teach)

• Long-term visibility within the gallery community

• Integration into the Harbor City Art teaching and programming calendar

• Support for developing ongoing classes, programs, and repeat student relationships

This level is designed for artists seeking a stable presence in the organization and the opportunity to build long-term educational programs and learning communities.

Supporting Artist Membership — $50/month

For makers, crafters, and artists seeking community participation and flexible teaching opportunities.

Includes:

• Access to curated display opportunities in the gallery

• Priority access to Saturday one-day and half-day workshop dates

• Flexible, project-based teaching opportunities

• Community visibility and participation

• Ideal for skill-based workshops, craft classes, and short-format learning experiences

This level is designed for artists who wish to share their work, teach occasional workshops, and participate in the gallery community without a weekly teaching commitment.

Teaching at Harbor City Art

Membership is a prerequisite to teaching — however, membership does not require teaching.

Artists who wish to teach at Harbor City Art — through weekday classes or Saturday workshops — must be members of the gallery community. Artists are also welcome to participate for gallery involvement, visibility, and community connection — with or without instructional roles.

Why Teach at Harbor City Art

Harbor City Art is designed for artists who view teaching as a meaningful extension of their creative practice.

Our programs prioritize adult learning, real instruction, and long-term skill development over volume-driven or project-based models. We work with teaching artists who value thoughtful guidance, process-based learning, and building lasting relationships with students.

If you enjoy working with adult learners and teaching in a space where education comes first, Harbor City Art may be a good fit.

Community First

Harbor City Art is not a rental space. We are a collaborative creative community where education, art, and relationships grow together. Programs, exhibitions, and teaching opportunities are developed in alignment with the organization’s mission and educational purpose.

Important Notes for All Members

• Display opportunities are curated, limited, and not guaranteed

• Display availability, placement, and duration may change as programs and exhibitions evolve

• Harbor City Art does not rent wall or shelf display space

• Membership is continuous year-round, including during seasonal schedule changes

• Members who allow their membership to lapse must reapply when space becomes available

Sales & Commission

Harbor City Art retains a 20% commission on all classes, artwork, and retail items sold through the gallery.

Revenue from sales and instructional programs supports Harbor City Art’s educational mission and the administrative and instructional infrastructure required to deliver public programming.

No portion of commission revenue is distributed to members other than the artist of record for a specific sale.

Program Calendar

• Primary public season: November–April

• Summer programming focuses on classes, workshops, and program development

• Walk-in gallery hours may be reduced or suspended during summer months