SAN MARCOS, CALIF. (June 25, 2026) — For the first time since TERI Common Grounds Café opened to the public in 2021, TERI is inviting regional artists to submit their work for exhibition at the Common Grounds Gallery, located on the organization’s Campus of Life in San Marcos.
The open call marks a new chapter for the nonprofit, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through nationally recognized programs. Until now, exhibitions at Common Grounds have primarily featured artwork created by staff members. The new initiative expands opportunities for emerging and established artists to share their work with a broader audience while supporting TERI’s mission of changing the way the world sees, helps, and empowers people with special needs.
Selected artists will display their work for a three-month period in the gallery space inside TERI Common Grounds Café, a social enterprise of TERI. Installations will rotate quarterly.
“The arts have always been an integral part of our programs at TERI,” said Tania Cruz, Center for the Arts Program Supervisor and Art Coordinator at TERI, who will oversee the submission process. “Opening the gallery to the wider community strengthens our vision of a campus where creativity serves as a bridge between people of all abilities.”
The ongoing open call is available to artists working in a variety of mediums. Exhibiting artists retain 100% of their sales and manage transactions directly with buyers. There is no fee to exhibit, but artists are encouraged to make a voluntary donation in support of TERI’s transformational programs and services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Applications are now being accepted on an ongoing basis. The Common Grounds Gallery wall is 16-by-6 feet. Artists interested in displaying their work should submit an inquiry to Tania Cruz at tania.cruz@teriinc.org to receive additional details about the process. Additional questions can be answered by calling 760-402-0061.
TERI Campus of life is located at 555 Deer Springs Road in San Marcos.
About TERI
TERI (Training Education & Resource Institute) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 with the mission to change the way the world sees, helps, and empowers individuals with special needs. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and seniors with developmental and learning disabilities, TERI provides lifelong specialized education, arts and enrichment opportunities, vocational training, residential services, social clubs, and family support. Its 20-acre TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos, Calif., is a one-of-a-kind place where connection and community intersect through social enterprises to create an inclusive, welcoming space. TERI operates several nonprofit businesses open to the public to help fund their high-quality programs and services beyond government funding and donations, including TERI Common Grounds Café, The Bornemann Theatre, TERI Venue Rentals, TERI Farms, TERI Equine Experience, and TERI Inspired Resale. Learn more at www.tericampusoflife.org.
