Resources & Information for Galleries, Venues & Artists interested in participating in Sacramento's 2nd Saturdays

On the 2nd Saturday of each month (yes, 12 months a year, rain or shine) many galleries, restaurants, offices, retail stores, hair salons and other venues open their doors to the general public to display artworks. THOUSANDS of people come out (centered in the midtown/downtown areas of Sacramento and along the Uptown Arts District (Del Paso), however outlying areas also participate.

So you want to join in! Great, here's some of the basics (PLEASE READ) A Quick Synopsis:

• Any venue can participate in 2nd Saturday (restaurants, retail stores, hair salons, offices, etc)
• You don't need any special permit or license
• You don't have to join any organization or club
• You don't have to serve wine/alcohol or food, however its somewhat of a tradition
• You SHOULD display artwork and or have artists in attendance
• It is up to you to find your own artists and hang your own artwork
• You MUST secure a permit to serve alcoholic beverages (including wine)
• You MIGHT have to secure a permit to have live music
• You should have a business license & resale license
• No one is going to promote you - you have to promote yourself!
• It is up to you to do legwork and promotion - submitting press releases to the local media (papers) and online sites (such as this one) letting us know what your event is
• While venues are welcome to have any hours they wish, MOST attendees come out between 6pm - 9pm

What is 2nd Saturday all about?

We have a comprehensive page on what 2nd Saturdays are with lot of general information.

Artists looking for a Gallery/Venue to display their art

If you are an artist looking for a Gallery to display your art, you should visit our Artist Information Pages

Who can participate?

Second Saturdays are open to every interested gallery, venue and or artist to participate. While originally it was primarily galleries that stayed open late, currently hundreds of venues, from galleries, retail stores, hair salons, real estate offices, artist workshops to restaurants, lounges and even nightclubs participate. Currently, there is / are no requirements and or structured method of getting involved. There are no fees to be paid, no association to join and currently no special permits (other than if you plan on selling alcoholic beverage and or plan on having live music - if you plan on these, please scroll down for more information). If you plan on being open for 2nd Saturdays you need to have a business license (issued by either city or county), have a resale certificate (for collecting sales tax if you are selling art you are required by California law to collect sales tax or include it in the purchase price) and you SHOULD carry liability insurance. Second Saturdays are open to all businesses, galleries, restaurants, retail stores, hair salons, offices and other venues. You SHOULD be displaying artworks (if you need help finding an artist, we suggest contacting Abundio Montez at Phoenix Gallery - he can place art in your space and give you suggestions). Second Saturday has grown exponentially in the last couple of years - from less than two dozen venues in the midtown area and along Del Paso Blvd to literally hundreds spread out over the great Sacramento area. Remember, if you are NOT a gallery, you should respect galleries, gallery owners and full time artists who make a living off of offering art full time. While it is great to get in on the fun, remember there are others who make their livelihood off of selling art.

Is there an official start/end time for 2nd Saturdays?

No, there is no official beginning and end hours for Sacramento's Second Saturday Artwalk (many galleries are open all day), however MOST patrons come out starting about 6pm and most galleries/venues close by 9pm, with some venues staying open later (till 10pm or later).

How many people can I expect?

Tough question with no specific answer. It depends on where you are located, how you've advertised (we recommend sending newspapers and websites such as this one press releases/calendar listings, sending out postcards to your clients, buying an ad in the SNR's d'Art section (for a fee), listing it on your website, etc.) Some galleries in the midtown area can host between 900 and 2,000 people in just a few short hours - while other venues are happy to have a few dozen, maybe one hundred. The more CENTRAL to the midtown area you are and the MORE you promote yourself, the more people you will attract! Each month varies, depending on the time of year, weather and other activities. Typically fewer people come out in inclement weather (but people DO come out!). Some months are slower or have a smaller turnout than others. There really isn't a defined pattern.

Do people buy art on 2nd Saturdays?

Yes, of course, but also no. Some patrons see 2nd Saturday as a fun outing with friends, while some do purchase artworks and others get ideas and come back a few days later. DON'T COUNT on sales - while we all hope to make money, 2nd Saturday are about exposing local, regional and international artists to the people of Sacramento.

Do I have to be in Midtown or Del Paso to be open for 2nd Saturdays?

No. While the VAST majority of venues is located in midtown, downtown and along Del Paso (Uptown Arts district), many venues fall outside this area - Folsom, Fair Oaks, East Sacramento, etc. Additionally, several outlying areas (Locke, Woodland, Auburn, Davis, etc.) offer their own version of Art Walks.

Will the city or county art commissions pay for my event?

Sorry - most retail venues will not receive any monies from any type of organization in the great Sacramento area. You're on your own.

What's the first thing I should do?

Find an artist! Ask family and friends if they know any artists. If you can't locate an artist, contact Abundio at Phoenix Framing and Gallery and he may be able to help you in placing artists in your venue.

What's the second thing I should do?

PROMOTE your artist and the fact you will be open for Second Saturday. Just because you put art on the walls doesn't mean people will show up. You should CONTACT the local papers, websites with a press release or notices for their calendars (scroll down for contact information) and consider placing an ad in the Sacramento News & Review's pull-out art section, d'Art. (contact information below).

If I call you, you'll take care of everything, right?

Wrong. If you want to participate in 2nd Saturdays, you must do the legwork yourself. This page and website are here as a guideline and there is A LOT of good information. Read it. Then if you have questions, contact us (scroll down). Please note: email inquiries MAY NOT be answered promptly. Serving Alcoholic Beverages (including wine) If you are serving alcoholic beverages during your reception and or Second Saturday Art walk, there are specific guidelines and you must secure a temporary permit (for a fee). Please note that the Sacramento Police Department does spot checks and will issue tickets/fines if you do not secure the proper permits and or are serving alcoholic beverages contrary the rules and regulations of Sacramento city, county and state.

OBTAINING A ONE DAY PERMIT

Please download and review the following document, issued by the City of Sacramento, June 2008:

STARTING A GALLERY OR STORE?

Opening a gallery/store in Sacramento - getting your licenses, permits, etc: start here: http://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/PDF/Book2002a.pdf

DIDN'T FIND WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?

This website is a work in progress. If you didn't find what you were looking for, please feel free to contact us at: info@2nd-sat.com and or (916) 443-2057 (ask for Scott Farrell).