The Museum of Northern California Art invites artists to submit their original artwork for Family Portraits, an upcoming exhibition that celebrates the complex and personal concept of “family” leaving open the interpretation of what a family is and can be.  We aim to create a tapestry of stories that reflect the variety of familial bonds that shape us as individuals and communities in today’s world.
 

The exhibit will be held at the Museum of Northern California Art in Chico.

Description of Call: 

The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) is seeking original artworks, not previously exhibited at monca. We welcome original artwork in any medium (no AI) that captures the essence of family, whether by representing biological ties, chosen families, close-knit friendships, cultural bonds, communities, or something entirely unique. 

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, May 11, 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. All work must be dry and clean. No sawtooth hangers. 3D work must fit on a pedestal (which monca can provide) or artist may provide other means of display. Artist’s name, phone, and title of work MUST be on the back of each artwork. 

Application Requirements

$15 for 1 entry, $10 for each additional entry. Maximum of 8 entries. All fees are non-refundable. 

Accepted work must be delivered ready to hang or display. Work to hang on the wall must be fitted with framing wire. All work must be dry and clean. No sawtooth hangers. 3D work must fit on a pedestal (which monca can provide) or artist may provide other means of display. Artist’s name, phone, and title of work MUST be on the back of each artwork.

Calendar/Timeline:

• Deadline for entries and payment: Sunday, February 2, 5 pm 
• Jury results notification: On or before February 23, 2025, by email (to prevent email from ending up in your spam folder add submissions@monca.org to your contacts). 
• Delivery of artwork: March 6-9 and March 13-16 during museum hours, 11am-5 pm 
• Opening date: Thursday, March 20 
• Receptions: Friday, March 21, 6-8 pm - members only event; Friday, March 28, 6-8pm a free community event 
• Closing date: Sunday, May 11, 2025 
• Artwork pickup: May 11, 2025 at 5pm, or during museum hours (11-5 pm) May 15-18 and May 22-25 

**Works left beyond May 25, 2025, will be assessed a storage fee of $5 per piece, per day (Thurs Sun). Works left beyond June 22, 2025 will become property of monca.  

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. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.  We will only ship back work that was shipped to us. 

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.

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 but a price list will be available upon request at the reception desk.

Eligibility Criteria

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.