O’Hanlon Center for the Arts in Mill Valley CA invites you to share your art that embodies the spirit of refuge—work that evokes peace, healing, and renewal: Art as Refuge.

Juried by Sergio Gomez

Art has the power to inspire hope, nurture the soul, heal wounds, and strengthen both the artist and the viewer.

The artist’s studio is a sanctuary—a place of refuge where creativity flows freely, offering clarity and solace. The works created in this sacred space can, in turn, become a refuge for others, providing comfort and peace to those who experience them. Through art, we find inspiration, resilience, and the strength to navigate life’s challenges.

We invite you to share your art that embodies the spirit of refuge—work that evokes peace, healing, and renewal.

Our juror, Sergio Gomez, describes his website as an “online sanctuary, where the spiritual intersects with the human experience.” His philosophy embraces art as a profound and personal journey:

“Today, I firmly believe that a successful life in art is rooted in understanding what truly matters to us individually, rather than conforming to external expectations. My studio practice, curatorial work, gallery involvement, educating, and coaching all converge into one cohesive existence—a life in art…

Living with art is one of the most enlightening and culturally enriching gifts we can offer to humanity.”

Contemporary, expressionistic, abstract, exploratory, and/or experimental entries encouraged.

Deadline for submission on CaFE is Monday April 21 at 11 pm Pacific Time.

Artists will be notified of juror’s selections on April 29th by 5pm Pacific Time via email.

Online show dates: May 7 - July 31, 2025

Zoom Roundtable with Juror Tuesday, May 13 at 4 pm Pacific Time

The Non-profit O’Hanlon Center for the Arts emphasizes the creative process and the continued pursuit of meaning and authenticity through observation, exploration, and experimentation.

Our online shows are beautifully curated and promoted. Please visit our online show archives HERE to see how the work is presented.  We record and share the artist talk and archive all online shows where they are always viewable. We promote the exhibiting artists through our email and social media platforms.  We create a printable pdf of each show.  Check out our most recent show program HERE.

Each artist may submit up to 3 individual pieces of artwork for consideration for this juried show. All media welcome except video. YES photography, fiber, sculpture, digital etc. Diptychs and Triptychs are considered 1 piece of work. Diptychs and Triptychs must be submitted as one image. 

• Submissions fees to O’Hanlon Center for the Arts: $30 for NON-Members
• $25 for O’Hanlon Members – Coupon Code for members OH25 at check out.
• Or join as a NEW member now at the Artist level for $140/1 year and get a free submission.  Email the office for a coupon code after you join: office@ohanloncenter.org.  NOTE: emails not monitored on weekends.
• We can offer several deeply discounted submission fees for those who need financial assistance. Please email the office to enquire: office@ohanloncenter.org
• Work does NOT need to be for sale.

O'Hanlon Center founded in 1969 is a non-profit 501(c)3 arts organization. 
Your submission fees go to supporting our many programs in addition to creating the exhibition.  Thank you!

Images

• File Type: JPEG or JPG only.
• File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side.
• File Size: Under 5 MB.
• Color Profile: sRGB

There will be a zoomed Roundtable art discussion to celebrate the show on Tuesday May 13 at 4 pm  Pacific time open to all. The Juror plans to attend.  A zoom link will be emailed to selected artists and available on OHCA Website.

ABOUT THE JUROR: 

Sergio Gomez is known for his striking large-scale figurative abstraction paintings and charcoal drawings that delve into the profound cycles of life. With a compelling artistic career, Sergio's work has been featured in over 45 solo exhibitions across the United States, as well as in museums in Romania, Italy, Mexico, and Vienna.

In addition to his solo exhibitions, he has participated in over 150 group exhibitions in a wide array of countries, including Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Austria, Italy, South Korea, England, Kairo, Belgium, and the United States. His work has been acquired by prestigious public collections, such as the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Brauer Museum, as well as in the homes of avid private collectors.

Beyond his studio practice, Sergio Gomez has curated over 100 exhibitions in the US and abroad. His extraordinary journey as a curator began in 2010 and has since unfolded through various influential roles, including his current position as the Director of Exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago, and his directorship and founding of 33 Contemporary Gallery.

Application Requirements

Works previously shown at the O'Hanlon Gallery in-house or online are not eligible for consideration.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible for artists ages 16 and older.