What was once a controversial surrealist painting by René Magritte, called “This is Not a Pipe,” consists of a painting of a pipe with the words “This is Not a Pipe,” written underneath (in French). This image has perplexed viewers for a century because it exposes the conflict between an image of an object and the object itself. This painting questions what we accept as real and challenges our assumptions about the dominance of language over what we see. Because the thoughts and language in our minds construct meaning, when surrealism mixed them up it created uncertainty and confusion. In today’s age of AI and non-fungible tokens, we are also confronting uncertainty and confusion regarding images and reality.

 If you want to explore the ideas behind Magritte’s work, look up “The Treachery of Images.”

In this exhibit, artists have three opportunities to explore and challenge reality and the conflict or connection between language and objects. By focusing on what is real in a surrealistic context, we want to push artists out of their comfort zone.

1. Artists can experiment with the intersection between art and language.
2. Artists may construct their own reality. If you could strip away all your concepts—and see the world afresh—what would that look like?
3. Original works of art that make us question what is real. 

Original works of art in the following media are welcome: sculpture and assemblage; paintings, drawings, and collage; photographs, digital art, or videos; and printmaking. Work must have been produced within the last five years and may not exceed 32 inches in any dimension, including the frame.

Please note: at this time, we are NOT accepting work produced by AI.

If you plan to exhibit a photograph or digital print of your own original work, it must be categorized as photograph or digital work, regardless of the original medium.

Jurors: There will be three jurors from different disciplines, to be announced. They will evaluate work based on creativity, relevance, and craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is “the quality that comes from creating with passion, care, and attention to detail.” (Smashing Magazine)

Important Dates:

Deadline to submit work: Wednesday, January 24, 10PM.

Notification to artists: Week of February 5.

Work dropped off at the gallery: Saturday, February 17, 10AM to noon; Sunday, February 18, from 3 to 5PM.

Two Openings:  March 2 and 3, 1-4PM.

The show runs from March 2 to March 30, Friday through Sunday, 1-4PM, and special events.

Artists pick up work on Saturday, March 30, 4-6PM, or Saturday, April 6, 10AM to noon.

Deadline: Wednesday, January 24, at 10PM. We recommend you plan to submit your work at least one week before the deadline. So many little things can happen that require you to save your entry and get more information, retake a photograph, etc.

Application Requirements

Maximum size in any direction: 32 inches, including the frame. Work exceeding these dimensions will be disqualified.

Sales: All work must be for sale, and be reasonably priced.

Ready to Hang: This means the work is delivered with the proper weight of picture wire and d-rings in a sturdy frame. No saw-toothed hangers! 

Paintings on canvas do not need frames, but the edges should be clean. Works on paper are generally framed.  Artists may be asked to provide their own pedestal for three-dimensional work, painted white and clean.

Work must be neatly and professionally presented. If work is brought in that is not professionally presented, it will not be included in the show.

Work must match the photograph. Any work that appears different from the photograph that was used to apply for the exhibit can be refused.

Submissions: There is a $16 non-refundable fee for entry, regardless of whether your work is selected for the show.

Each artist may submit a maximum of 3 works.

Photographing your work: All art should be photographed straight on, with a high resolution. Photos should be cropped to the edge of the image to eliminate background—such as the frame, or the surface behind the artwork.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists who reside in Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA.

Grew up in Long Beach but no longer resides here.

Attend, or graduated from, CSULB or LBCC.