Art Sale - Frequently Asked Questions

This year's Art Sale will take place from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6.

For information or questions on artwork submissions, contact us at smfaartsale@tufts.edu..

When are you accepting submissions?

SMFA Art Sale submissions will be accepted from September 1 through September 30, 2026

Is there a fee for submitting?

No. Registration for the SMFA Art Sale is free for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.

How many pieces may I submit for consideration?

Artists may submit up to five pieces in total, with the following limits: no more than two (2) wall hung works, no more than three (3) 3D/sculptural works.

For jewelry submissions, please create one submission for each price point.

Are there any size restrictions?

Due to storage constraints, we cannot accept large scale pieces that exceed 48 inches in height or width unless individually approved.

Will there be a digital catalog or collection of works?

Yes, this year we will be working with Artwork Archive to create a digital exhibition

Does my artwork need to be framed?

No, artwork does not need to be framed. However, if you are submitting framed/wall hung art, please ensure the work arrives "ready to hang," i.e. framed or on canvas/panel with a hanging mechanism (D-rings or wire) on the back. Picture hanging wire is preferred.

Will SMFA provide shrink wrapping?

Yes, SMFA will be providing two shrink wrap drop-in days, timing TBD. Shrink-wrapping will be provided free of charge to current students and SMFA alumni, but artists must bring their own backing materials.

Do accepted artists receive a portion of the artwork sale?

The SMFA Art Sale is the school’s largest fundraising event, which benefits student scholarships and academic programs. While we encourage everyone to consider giving 100% of their proceeds to the school so that we can create opportunities for talented emerging artists to experience all that SMFA at Tufts has to offer, artists are responsible for setting their own donation percentage.

Are there any fees artists should know about?

No.

How will images of my artwork be used?

Artwork will be used to promote the SMFA Art Sale and affiliated events. Participating artists grant the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts perpetual, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use, without limitation, any artwork or related image to promote the school and associated events and programs.

When do I drop off my artwork?

Artists must be available to deliver artworks between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, November 16.

Can I ship my work to you?

At this time, we do not encourage artists to ship their work. Please reach out to smfaartsale@tufts.edu to discuss options.

When will I be notified if my artwork sold?

All artists will be notified of the sale of their artwork by Wednesday, December 16, 2026.