Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter my artwork into a show at CAL?
We are excited to hear you are interested in exhibiting your artwork in one of our gallery shows! Please refer to our Artists Resource Page. This contains the information you will need to enter a show here and it also has an Artists’ FAQ section which might prove to be helpful!
Do you offer classes at CAL?
Yes, we do! The Columbia Art League is a member organization that fosters high-quality arts education at affordable rates by providing a variety of classes, seminars, and workshops throughout the year. Scholarships are available for some programs. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and professional artists.
Classes typically are scheduled in terms here at CAL, often in line with the school calendar. We have classes + workshops that run throughout the Spring and Fall seasons, with Summer Art Camp taking place in the Summer months. We also have monthly meetings for Adult Art Club and Stitch Studio, both great opportunities to get involved in the local arts community and get some feedback on your work!
Classes for children, teens, and adults vary each term and can include: drawing; painting with oils, acrylics, or watercolors; mixed media; sculpture; basketry; mask making; beading; photography; jewelry; and more. Check out the Classes page to view our current schedule, pricing, age group, etc.
How do I register for a class?
You can register for a class on our website by visiting the Classes page and clicking on the class you’re interested in. Or, you can visit us at CAL and we can register you in person.
What does it mean to be a member of CAL?
Memberships are the key to our continued operation and success. How our yearly memberships allow our vibrant art community at CAL to thrive:
69% of our budget goes to programs and activities, which include: scholarship opportunities, a traveling Art Bus, and various outreach events.
The remaining 31% of our budget is utilized for operations. CAL employs 4 staff members, who organize kid + adult art classes; create teaching opportunities for local artists; provide a physical + virtual space for artists to share + sell work; coordinate events to promote a local arts community. Membership at CAL comes with a lot of benefits! We have different levels of membership, allowing you to choose which is the best fit for you.
We have three membership tracks with different levels in each area. Artists (for those who create), Appreciator (for individuals who participate + support the cultural value of our art community), and Corporate (for businesses interested in supporting the Arts in Columbia). You can read more about each area and sign up for membership today by clicking here!
What are the benefits of being a member of CAL?
Members of CAL enjoy reduced rates on entry into exhibitions + class fees, are invited to our events, especially the annual members’ night in December, and are able to sell work in our Members’ Gift Gallery. We also have other members’ only discount sales and other fun opportunities throughout the year. As a member, you can enter our TWO annual members’ art shows.
I’m not an artist, can I still be a member?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, we encourage your involvement! We have three levels of membership that you can choose from under the tier of Art Appreciator: Art Appreciator, Art Advocate, or Art Patron. These memberships are for those preferring to support their local arts community by purchasing art, attending events, + outreach programming. If you identify more with these roles, we’d love to have you join our community, full of people who, like you, champion the arts!
What hours are you open?
CAL is open Tuesday - Friday 11:30 am - 6 pm and Saturday 11 am - 5 pm. We are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! We are always happy to welcome new volunteers, seeing as they fulfill an important role here at CAL. They often staff the gallery, as well as assist in special events. It is the generosity of these volunteers that allows the Columbia Art League to provide much of its community programming. If you are interested in volunteering at CAL, please fill out this volunteer form and we will be in contact!
Do you allow people to volunteer at CAL to fulfill community service requirements?
We are not currently intaking any requests to complete community service hours.
Who made the art hanging in the gallery?
We are proud to highlight artwork made by artists living in Columbia and surrounding areas. You can view this local art in all three of our exhibition spaces: Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery, South Gallery, and in the hallway at the Central Bank of Boone County (on the corner of 8th and Broadway). You might also spot art around town hanging in small businesses. These artists are exhibiting as a part of our Community Exhibition Program.
