Frequently asked questions about NCAG and COAL
The Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League (COAL), and CA non-profit, and its North Coastal Art Gallery, is managed by all volunteer members.
Become a Member. Application access is an easy online process. All details are listed for your review. The COAL has been in existence since 1951 and is a volunteer membership-based organization. We strive to engage all our artists in expanding their horizons to become part of something larger themselves, therefore evoking a successful experience for all artists (you must be 18 years old to join). We have requirements to meet about hosting the gallery for a 3-hour shift if entering and of our monthly programs.
One year. Our Membership dues begin on January 1 to Dec 31st, when dues become delinquent. After that, you will be removed from our rolls, and your application will be paid at the New Members rate for any new or previous Members.
Our Board’s fiscal year is August 1 to July 31st, with a 2) year term for each Director. Terms can be renewed by any Board Member except the President, who may be re-elected for a second (2) year term, and after that, not again until 2 years have passed. If interested, contact info@northcoastalartgallery.com for qualifications and details.
Our Membership Director will be in touch with you. A “Welcome” letter is provided with your application, containing all the details for your review. It is designed to assist you in navigating our website to access all our policies and instructions. You will also find information on our website page at Members Info
Yes, we will provide on-site training to all new members. Since we rely on your assistance to keep the Gallery open during business hours, it is essential to fulfill Hosting obligations. This is a requirement of Membership, and some level of additional volunteering is also required at some point to manage our non-profit programs. All Members must be interested in fulfilling our Hosting requirements (sitting a 3-hour shift at the gallery), or you have the option of coordinating with a qualified, trained Substitute Host replacement. You will find the Substitute Host information on our page at Members Info, Item 5. Gallery information, and to volunteer to fill any of the Volunteer openings. If you are not considering any participation with us, please reconsider before joining us, as we do reach out frequently for assistance.
View the online Hosting Calendar, select any available date, and then email your requested date to the Calendar Chair at coalcalendar@gmail.com to obtain a confirmation.
We offer numerous programs with all the information found on our website page at Members Info. Monthly Shows, Receptions, Annual Open Shows, In-house artist panels, Jewelry towers, Storefront sales, offsite art sales; Art on the Green, COAL Village Faires, Special Holiday shows, free interactive Demo and Expression programs, Paint Alongs, Youth Programs, and a bi-weekly Newsletter, the Brushmark.
Our website page Members Info, item 1, lists all the Monthly Show information to prepare for your current show entry, online entry, upcoming dates/deadlines are provided in the Annual Calendar, and requirements of your artwork are noted. Upcoming Monthly shows open on the day after the take-in date, and close on the last day of the Month or earlier if filled. Exception: Open Annuals for AUG & NOV/DEC shows, which are announced months in advance on our website page for OPEN SHOWS. We accept all debit, credit cards, PayPal, and Venmo.
Monthly Show: Up to 1-4 entries (only 1 can be a large entry), due to space constraints. (It could close early, do not delay)
Review all the Guidelines for shows; each is also on our Members Info page. It is your responsibility to know the procedures.
Complete the online application; no duplicate applications or entries.
All Art must be for sale with correct pricing. (No edits afterward.)
Please prepare your artwork according to the guidelines on the website, or it could be rejected.
Please correctly calculate your payments per the artwork’s diagonal dimensions.
Dimensions: up to 34.99″ = $15, 35″ up to 49.99″ = $20, and 50″up to 60″=$25.
Know your category. Read the Art Rules/Categories provided on our Members Info page online. You will be disqualified from judging if you enter incorrectly.
Check-in Processing 9:30 am – 1 pm @ the Gallery
Step 1: Check-in: The artwork must be prepared properly per the guidelines to be accepted.
Step 2: Pick up your Login tags at take-in. We make them for you, so please remove all old show tags. Please place additional identification on the back of your artwork in case something gets lost in the shuffle.
Step 3 Calendar: Hosting is a requirement. You must sign up as soon as you enter a show online. “First-come, first-served”. We do not enter hosting dates at take-in, so please do it ahead of time, and you will receive your confirmation. Details are online.
Step 4: Take-in table: This is where you receive your log tags and then check your artwork in. You will pick up your previous monthly show artwork at the same time.
*Note: We have limited Early Take-in and all artists must be pre-approved by the Gallery Manager, Gertrude Lewis, and you must include ID on the back of your artwork and sign in your art on the log in the back room on a clipboard.
Note: Previous show art must be collected within 24 hours, or we will donate it. (We simply do not have room to store it.)
Judging Process: We use paid judges who utilise Fair Judging Practices (applying impartial, transparent, consistent, and objective criteria to evaluate submissions of contestants). Award Ribbons: BOS, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM in categories of 5 or more artists in the same category, or they are confined to like categories for awards. Special Awarding applies to Open Annual Shows.
You must be a Member in good standing and provide your proposal that includes the type of event, date & times for scheduling purposes. The hours available for meetings of up to 20 people, or after hours, 5 pm-9 pm for receptions. Specific requirements will need to be complied with. Fees are determined based on the event. Please send us your request to discuss the details at info@northcoastalartgallery.com.
The Gallery hosts Monthly receptions, which are a popular component, both open to members and the public, and are normally scheduled on Saturdays, 3-5 pm (information is on our website. Special artist’s receptions can be hosted at the gallery during the months at any time, as long as it does not coincide with our regular schedule, and arrangements must be made with the Gallery Manager (one month in advance) to review your proposal details so we can provide advertising. SIGN UP HERE
We have an active and real-time web page on our website for all artists. Specific show details are all listed on our website page Members Info
We do not provide refunds for Artwork sold/purchased, Membership Fees, Monthly Show entry fees, or any other program product that we offer. The gallery accepts a 20% commission, plus a 3% credit card fee from the artist (if a credit card is used by the customer). Artwork must include sales tax in the selling price. Artists are paid within 10 days after the previous month’s sales, which close at the end of each month.
Most questions can be directed to the email at info@northcoastalartgallery.com, and a variety can be answered by reviewing the information located on our Member Info page on the website. Additionally, the Gallery’s phone number is 760-434-8497, and they can direct you to the appropriate person if you do not get the response you need. We are happy to assist you.
If you have an issue with any of our website links, please let the webmaster know at info@northcoastalartgallery.com. Thank you.