Call Description

The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) is seeking original artworks, not previously exhibited at monca. We welcome original artwork in any medium that captures the essence of significant architectural landmarks - places that hold meaning in your own life, whether from your hometown, childhood memories, or travels afar. Please note that no giclée prints of original art/non-photographic art will be accepted. No AI please. 

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

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, August 24, 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.  Three-dimensional 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. All work must be dry and clean. 

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: May 25

●   Jury results notification: On or before June 9, 2025, by email (add submissions@monca.org to your contacts to prevent email from ending up in your spam folder). 

Artwork Delivery: June 26-29 & July 3,5, & 6 (closed July 4th) during museum hours, 11am-5 pm 

Opening date: Thursday, July 10 

●   Reception: Friday, July 11, 6-8 pm

●   Closing date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 

●   Artwork pickup: August 24, 2025 at 5pm, or during museum hours on August 28-31 and September 4-7. Works left beyond September 7, 2025, will be assessed a storage fee of $5 per piece, per day (Thurs-Sun). Works left beyond October 9, 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.