7365 Monterey Street, Gilroy, CA

+1 669-239-0007

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Introducing Be Seen Gallery at The Neon Exchange

Gilroy, CA | A space for artists ready to share meaningful work

Downtown Gilroy

The Neon Exchange

Be Seen Gallery is a new pop-up exhibition space located at The Neon Exchange in Downtown Gilroy—a vibrant, high-ceilinged venue with tall walls, gorgeous natural light, and a street-front presence. Designed to uplift early to mid-career artists, the gallery offers an accessible platform to showcase work that sparks dialogue, fosters connection, and reflects the richness of diverse experiences.

Founded by Toni Bowles, The Neon Exchange is a creative community hub, and Be Seen Gallery extends that spirit by prioritizing opportunities for artists whose voices or visions have been historically underrepresented—artists of color, women artists, LGBTQ+ artists, artists with disabilities, and others working in support of marginalized communities and social change.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Alberto Lopez
Presents
“Nomen”
a solo exhibition featuring contemporary printmaking portraits.

Exhibition Opening:
August 15 5-8PM During Third Friday Artwalk

POP-UP DATES:
August 30 11-5pm
September 19 5-8pm
October 25 11-5pm
November 1st 11-5pm

We’re not a traditional gallery—we’re the anti-gallery. That means no commissions, no rental fees, and no gatekeeping. Instead, this is a pop-up collaborative space where artists are encouraged to take creative ownership while also participating in the shared responsibilities of producing a public exhibition.

Exhibitions may include solo shows, two-person presentations, or thoughtfully composed group exhibitions. Artists will be supported throughout the process, with collaborative guidance to help bring each vision to life while maintaining the overall integrity of the space and program. Installations will typically be up for 2.5–3 months. During this time, a variety of events will take place in the space, ensuring ongoing visibility—even when the gallery is not “open.”

The Space:

  • Over 1,000 sq. ft. with a professional hanging system and a spacious layout ideal for large works
  • Open to the public on select Saturdays, during Third Friday Art Walks, and throughout many Downtown Gilroy events
  • A dynamic venue that also hosts meetings and workshops—requiring artwork that is sensitive to a wide and public audience
  • All work must be suitable for a family-friendly environment and must not include graphic or potentially traumatic content

What Artists Can Expect:

  • A highly visible platform to share meaningful work. A typical show consists of 12-20 works depending on the size. Most works will need to be framed or wired to work with the hanging system.
  • Support and guidance in presenting a professional exhibition
  • Artistic collaboration, with final approvals from the gallery to ensure alignment with the space and audience.
  • No gallery fees or commissions
  • Artists must carry general liability insurance. The venue does not insure your artwork, and while you may waive artwork insurance, you do so at your own risk. General liability coverage is required, and we can assist you with these details
  • Be present during all open hours and manage their own sales (resale license required if selling)
  • A small honorary donation of $200 to Play Brightly Youth Charitable Foundation (who is generously sharing this space), in lieu of a typical facility event fee

Contact

Apply today. Be bold. Be seen.

For more information or to express interest in exhibiting, contact us today.

    Please note that due to the volume of submissions, it may take us a few weeks to respond thoughtfully. We plan to host 3–5 exhibitions per year and will be scheduling shows well in advance. Additionally, we’re always looking for artist collaborators for Downtown Gilroy’s “Third Friday Art Walk” and other community events—if you’re interested in participating through live demonstrations or creative ideas, we’d love to hear from you.