Featuring solo, thematic, and juried exhibitions in three distinct gallery spaces and off-site projects, Southern Exposure is committed to new, diverse and risk-taking art. Southern Exposure offers emerging artists exhibition opportunities, exposure to new audiences, and the opportunity to work in formats and contexts that extend and challenge their artistic development. Known for their consistent high quality, Southern Exposure’s exhibitions are pivotal in many artists’ careers. Southern Exposure’s exhibitions are developed by the Curatorial Committee, which is comprised of artists and two staff member and including visual artists working in diverse media, arts educators, and curators. This talented and culturally diverse group actively seeks out potential artists, conducts studio visits, curates thematic exhibitions, and plans public programs. Details of the Exhibitions Program include:

Solo Exhibitions:

Southern Exposure is committed to offering solo exhibitions to emerging artists because this opportunity is rarely afforded to growing artists and the resulting project can make a substantial difference in the development of their artistic practice. Solo exhibitions often include the work of artists selected from an open submissions process through its Curatorial Committee. Artwork is presented for its merit and its ability to question and challenge cultural assumptions regardless of its commercial viability.

Thematic Exhibitions:

Southern Exposure’s Curatorial Committee curates thematic exhibitions that respond to new trends in artistic practice, reach out to diverse audiences, and encourage a debate on contemporary art and culture. These exhibitions are a unique opportunity for emerging curators to bring topical issues to a broader audience and to explore experimental curatorial practices.

Annual Juried Exhibition:

This exhibition has become the premiere showcase of cutting-edge contemporary artwork by promising local talent. Unlike many juried shows that charge a submission fee, SoEx’s juried exhibition does not require artists to pay to enter their work. A prestigious international curator is chosen to select work for the exhibition, offering a unique opportunity for Northern California artists to have their work viewed by a respected curator from outside the local region. For many of the artists selected, this is their first major exhibition and an important step in advancing their career.

Off-Site Programming:

Southern Exposure’s off-site programs seek to examine work that intervenes and interacts in the social and political spheres outside of the gallery. Many emerging artists work in the public realm, and Southern Exposure’s visual programs have adapted to support and encourage these practices as few venues support emerging artists working in the public.