Create Art. Give Shelter.
Art submissions are accepted through April 17, 2026.
We welcome artwork for the Art Sale, Marketplace, and Online Auction. Click here to download submission guidelines and submission form. Your creativity and generosity are the heart of Simpson’s signature fundraising event.
For 15 years, your donated artwork has made Art 4 Shelter not only possible, but powerful, showing what happens when a community comes together to make a difference through the creativity and power of art.
We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the art community at Art 4 Shelter in the following ways:
- Listing on the Art 4 Shelter website
- Recognition on the Artist Wall at Quincy Hall
- “Art 4 Shelter Artist” button
Thank you for sharing your creativity, donating your art, and being part of this talented and caring community.
If you have any questions or would like to connect to learn more about getting involved, please email Art 4 Shelter’s Event Producers, Abby Wyckoff and Juli Hanssen, here.
Art 4 Shelter (A4S) is an annual fundraiser for Simpson Housing Services. Generous artists donate works of art to this massive art sale and auction. Art is displayed anonymously and offered for a fixed, affordable price. Proceeds benefit Simpson’s shelter and supportive housing programs.
Since the inception of Art 4 Shelter in 2011, artists like you have raised over $1.6 million, providing thousands of nights of shelter and housing for people impacted by homelessness. Art 4 Shelter would not be possible without your talent, support, and compassion. Thank you!
All artists are welcome to donate artwork and participate by following A4S guidelines and filling out submission forms. Now accepting art submissions year-round!
Guidelines
- All submissions must be accompanied by a submission form.
- All submissions are final. Any art not sold will be made available to shelter guests and program participants.
Forms
Download the combined submission form (new this year!) for the art sale, auction, and marketplace. We’re expanding the types of media we accept, so please be sure to read the submission guidelines.
Please include one submission form for each piece of artwork being donated.
Artwork Sale
We accept a variety of small (5 x 7” and 8 x 10”) 2D artworks:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Photography
- Handmade prints
- Mixed media
- Collage
Artwork must be 5 x 7” and 8 x 10” and on heavy paper. Sign and print name on the back of each piece—not the front.
Art 4 Shelter Marketplace
Our art marketplace is an area for art donations valued at less than $100, including:
- Small ceramic items
- Jewelry
- Fiber art
- Wood art
- Bath & beauty items
- Packaged food
- Greeting cards
- Etc.
Online Auction
We accept a variety of art pieces for items with a market value of $100 and over, including:
- Larger art pieces (9″ x 12″ to 24″ x 36″)
- Large ceramic items
- Jewelry
- Textile art
- New art supplies
- Art classes and memberships
- NEW: Glass blowing and other 3D artwork
- NEW: Gallery and performing arts tickets/packages
- NEW: Anything art related: Visual arts, fashion, performing arts, home goods, cuisine, etc.
Questions:
- For questions regarding photography submissions, please email Tom Baker at tom@manitouphotos.com.
- For any other questions, please email us at art4shelter@simpsonhousing.org.
Artist Recognition:
All artists who donate will be included in the Participating Artists list on the A4S website. All participating artists will have their names included on an Artist Recognition Wall at Quincy Hall and will receive an “I am an Art 4 Shelter Artist” specially designed button.
Don’t forget to follow us (FB: Art 4 Shelter; IG: @art4shelter) and use the #art4shelter and #A4SArtists tags on Instagram!
How to submit artwork
We receive A4S submissions at our new administrative office. You may use any mailing option for your submission, including U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or personal delivery. Artwork can be delivered to our office any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Attn: Art 4 Shelter
Simpson Housing Services
160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Click here for directions.
Mail or Drop Off
You can also drop off your completed artwork at one of our art parties. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we announce more Art 4 Shelter gatherings.
Book the Complimentary Art Taxi
Instead of mailing or dropping off your A4S donations, book our complimentary Art Taxi service! Email us at art4shelter@simpsonhousing.org to schedule a pickup.