Description of Call:
The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) invites artists to submit their original artwork not previously exhibited at monca, featuring water as subject matter. Interpret it literally or metaphorically. Seeking artwork inspired by water in all forms. All media.
Please note that no giclée prints of original art/non-photographic art will be accepted. No AI please.
Eligibility:
Original works created by artists residing in Northern California, defined as San Jose and all points north, east, and west to the state border. Refunds will not be given to those who enter but do not live in this region. If you have eligibility questions please email submissions@monca.org.
All exhibited artworks must remain in the exhibition until the close of the exhibition, January 18, 5pm.
Jurying:
The museum’s exhibition committee, comprised of professional artists and art collectors, will make the final selections for the exhibition. Artists whose work is not accepted will not receive refunds of their entry fee.
Presentation:
Accepted work must be delivered ready to hang or display. Work to hang on the wall must be fitted with framing wire because we use a cable and hook system that hangs from a picture railing. Work with sawtooth hangers will be disqualified and returned to the artist. If you have questions regarding presentation, please reach out to submissions@monca.org. Pedestals are available for three-dimensional work or the artist may provide other means of display. The artist's name, phone, and title of work MUST be on the back of each artwork. All work must be dry and clean.
Entry Fee:
$35 ($25 for monca members) for up to 3 entries ($10 for each additional entry). All fees are non-refundable. Payment (check, cash or online) must reach monca by Sunday, October 19.
Membership information can be found at monca.org
- For check payment: make payable to monca and write “H2O” and your telephone # in the memo. Mail or deliver in person to monca, 900 Esplanade, Chico CA during museum hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11AM - 5PM
- Pay in person at monca, Thursday - Sunday, 11AM - 5PM
- For online payment, Click here.
To Apply:
Submit your art (up to 3 distinct original works) with this link: [Click here for submission form] If you wish to submit more than 3 works, please fill out the form a second time and pay an additional fee of $10 for each piece. Artwork that has been previously exhibited at monca, and AI work, will be disqualified. Artists will be notified of the jury’s decision on or before November 3.
If you have questions or difficulty with the above form, email submissions@monca.org.
Sales:
If you wish to sell your exhibited work, please provide a retail price reflecting a 50% museum commission. Prices will not appear on museum signage. The price list will be available upon request at the reception desk.
Calendar/Timeline:
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Deadline for entries and payment October 19, 5PM
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Jury results notification: On or before November 3, 2025, by email (add submissions@monca.org to your contacts to prevent email from ending up in your spam folder).
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Artwork Delivery: November 20-23 & November 28-30 (Nov. 27 is Thanksgiving) during museum hours, 11AM - 5PM. Considering the holiday, if you need to deliver your work early please reach out to submissions@monca.org
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Opening date: Thursday, December 4
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Reception: Friday, December 5, 6-8PM
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Closing date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
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Artwork pickup: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 5pm, or during museum hours on January 22-25 and January 29 - February 1. Works left beyond February 1, will be assessed a storage fee of $5 per piece, per day (Thurs-Sun). Works left beyond March 1, 2025 will become property of monca.
Please note:
Postage/packaging/shipping insurance are the responsibility of the artist and will be required upfront. If the work is to be shipped back, the artist must provide a pre-paid mailing label. We only return-ship work that was shipped to us. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist. monca will be diligent in the care of artwork but is not responsible for loss or damage that might occur.
The museum will not be held responsible for anything damaged in shipment.
Featured Artwork (not on view):
