The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) is excited to announce a call for artists to participate in our upcoming juried exhibition, “The Playful Spirit.” We invite artists from Northern California to submit their whimsical, playful, and imaginative artworks that transport viewers to fantastical realms where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

Exhibition Overview

“The Playful Spirit” seeks to celebrate the enchanting worlds created by artists who embrace a spirit of fun and fantasy. This exhibition will run concurrently with Norma Lyon’s “My Cabinet of Curiosities,” providing a wonderful juxtaposition of imaginative explorations in art.

Eligibility and Submission Details

• Who Can Apply: Open to all artists residing in Northern California, from San Jose northward to the state border.
• Media: All media are welcome, excluding AI-generated art.
• Submission Deadline: All entries must be received by Saturday, June 1, 2024, by 5 pm.
• Entry Fees: $35 for up to three entries ($25 for monca members). Each additional entry is $10. Fees are non-refundable.

Important Dates

• Jury Notification: On or before June 10, 2024
• Artwork Delivery: June 27-30 and July 5-7 during museum hours
• Exhibition Opening: Thursday, July 11, 2024
• Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 2024, from 6-8 pm. This is a free community event.
• Exhibition Close: Sunday, September 1, 2024

Presentation Requirements

Artworks must be ready to hang or display upon delivery. Details such as artist’s name, contact information, and title of the work should be clearly labeled on the back of each piece. For 3D works, monca can provide pedestals, or artists may provide their own display solutions.

IMPORTANT: No sawtooth hangers

Sales and Commissions

Artists opting to sell their work must be prepared for a 50% commission to monca. Price lists will be available upon request rather than displayed with the artworks.

Additional Information

Artists are responsible for shipping, including insurance and packaging. Works must be picked up between September 5-15, 2024. Unclaimed works will incur a storage fee and may eventually become property of monca if not collected by October 17, 2024.

How to Apply

Artists are encouraged to apply online through our submission form. Click here for the submission form. Remember to add [email protected] to your email contacts to ensure you receive all communications regarding your submission.

This call for art is a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their most playful and imaginative works in a venue committed to celebrating the diversity and creativity of Northern California’s art scene. We look forward to seeing how artists interpret “The Playful Spirit” and bring their visions to life at monca.