Thank you for your interest in the Postmark Center for the Arts gift shop!

The goal of the Postmark Gift Shop is to provide a platform to support local Washington artists and create a retail destination offering a variety of unique handcrafted items for Auburn residents and visitors to enjoy.

Artist Application Timeline and Process:

Postmark gift shop artist applications are opened and then reviewed for consideration twice annually. To apply, visit application links below, or visit our Calls for Artists webpage.

• May 27, 2024 application deadline for possible July-December 2024 inventory - APPLY

Application Requirements/Materials:

• Include 3-5 samples of proposed gift shop items and description form

Selection criteria:

This is an opportunity for Washington State artists making unique and handcrafted work. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of community members, artists, Auburn Arts Commissioners and City arts staff.

All applicants may be scored based on the following criteria:

• Locality - only Washington State artists will be selected for the gift shop, with a preference given to artists residing in the City of Auburn and surrounding areas.
• Artistic Excellence - as demonstrated in work samples.
• Innovation and Variety - innovative use of materials and items offering a variety from works already in gift shop inventory.
• Price point - work that is accessibly priced for Auburn residents and Postmark visitors.

Sales & Consignment details:

All inventory in the Postmark gift shop is sold on a consignment basis, with income from sales split between the artists and the City of Auburn according to a consignment sales agreement. The sales commission retained by the City is intended to cover staff time, inventory management systems, and associated promotions and Postmark Center for the Arts programming. The Artist and the City agree that the length of consignment will be a 90 day duration. At the end of the initial term, the agreement may be continued on a month to month basis upon mutual agreement of all parties. The commission rate for artists currently is 70%.

For questions, please contact Postmark Center staff at [email protected] or 253-931-5100.