Cal State Fullerton — Graduation Exhibition 2026
California State University, Fullerton
Original works by this year's graduating students in Los Angeles — paintings, drawings, mixed media, and more. Each piece carries the energy of a beginning.
Works coming soon
Check back closer to the exhibition date
How It Works on the Day
For Artists
Set up your display
Print the QR label from your artist dashboard and attach it to the bottom-right corner of your work. Display your piece near the ceremony — a simple easel is all you need. You don't need to handle any cash or take any payments yourself.
For Visitors
Scan the QR code
Anyone with a smartphone can scan the code next to the artwork. No app required — just the camera. It opens directly to the work's page on beforetheyrise.com, with the full story, dimensions, artist bio, and price.
For Buyers
Purchase in seconds
Tap the Buy button. Complete payment securely online. A digital certificate of authenticity is emailed immediately. The artist receives the payment directly.
After the Day
The artwork finds its home
The artist arranges delivery or pickup with the buyer. The certificate lives permanently at beforetheyrise.com, verifiable by anyone. The collection — and the artist's story — begins here.
📋 A Note to Artists: Check with Your School First
Before setting up your display at the graduation venue, reach out to your university's event office in advance. Some schools require a simple permit or prior approval.
- →Can graduating students display and sell personal artwork at or near the commencement venue?
- →Is a permit or advance approval required?
- →Are there designated areas for student displays?
- →What are the setup and teardown time windows?
How to Join the Exhibition
Getting your work onto the platform takes about five minutes.
Create your account
Go to beforetheyrise.com/register and sign up with your email. This is your permanent artist account.
Build your artist profile
Fill in your name, school, graduation year, a short bio, and optionally a photo and Instagram handle.
Upload your work
From your dashboard, click "Add Work". Fill in title, medium, dimensions, description, image, and price (pre-set to $521 — May 21st).
Print your QR label
Click "Print QR Label" next to your work. A printable card appears with the QR code, title, name, and price. Attach it to the bottom-right corner.
Show up on graduation day
Bring your work to campus on May 21st. Set it up near the ceremony — an easel is all you need. Buyers scan the QR code and pay online. The payment comes directly to you.
💡 Tips for a great listing
- →Photograph your work in natural daylight — it makes a huge difference.
- →Write your description in first person. Buyers want to hear you, not a press release.
- →Upload before May 15th so your work has time to appear in the gallery before the event.
$521
The Price Means Something
Every work in this exhibition is priced at $521 — the date: May 21st. Graduation day. The price is part of the story.
"The best time to collect art is before everyone else knows the name."
Before They Rise