Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is SOIL?

Founded in 1995, SOIL is a not-for-profit cooperative space established, supported and operated by local artists. SOIL exists as an alternative venue for artists to exhibit, develop, and advance their work, and is committed to exhibiting and celebrating art of diverse artists’ backgrounds, media and content. The cooperative has been in existence for twenty-five years and has consistently shown a different exhibition each month, opening on First Thursday. Soil has received substantial local and national press attention.

How did SOIL begin?

The organization began in 1995 when a small number of local artists felt a need to exhibit challenging work. They banded together and had a number of group exhibitions in a variety of locations. The group really began to solidify when they found their first home in the now deceased Erikson building, at 82 University, across from the Seattle Art Museum. After a couple of years, SOIL moved to Pioneer Square and stayed for a year in a space beneath the Elliott Bay Book Company. That space proved too small, and the choice was made to move up to Capitol Hill. On Capitol Hill, Soil was at 1205 Pike St for two years. This basement space, shared with a boxing gym, was interesting, but ultimately rent became too much for the quality of space, and SOIL moved to 1317 Pine St. This gallery space hosted shows for several years. In 2004, we were invited by a non-profit arts development group to move into a new arts building in Pioneer Square called the Tashiro Kaplan Building. We couldn’t pass up the amazing opportunity, so in June 2004, we moved into our current home in the TK Building at 112 3rd Ave S.

What does SOIL exhibit?

We have shown painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, performance art, light based work, wax art, chocolate art, plaster art, interactive art, gerbil art, new media, video, sculpture installations, sound installations, and experiential installations. We have also hosted poetry readings, performances, musical events, and other unclassified art… In other words, SOIL will show almost anything, provided it is accepted by the membership.

How do I show at SOIL?

We accept submissions for curated shows during calls for proposals. All proposals are viewed by the membership and accepted or declined on a 2/3 vote. If you are proposing an idea for a curated show it is imperative that your statement of intent, concept and background research on the topic be clear and leave us with a strong impression. Images are crucial to our understanding of your proposal. We are, for the most part, a visual group, so strong images backed with a powerful show concept will impress. All accepted proposals are dependent upon open slots in our exhibition schedule.

Calls happen roughly once a year. Please check our website regularly for calls or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Call for Show Proposal Guidelines

How do I become a member of SOIL?

We take in members, as space opens up, about every 18 months. If you are curious about membership, it is a good idea to come talk to members when they are sitting or introduce yourself to members at openings. If you’d like to get involved by volunteering, let the gallery sitter know or email gallery@soilart.org. Once a call is advertised, like the show proposals, it is imperative that you visually and mentally engage us with your application material. You are trying to stimulate the minds of up to 24 people. When applying for membership we ask for images, letter of intent, a current resume, and a general statement. The link will have more details and the online membership application.

Apply for membership