Call Description

CALL TO ARTISTS

Event Dates: 15 August – 12 October 2025 
Entry Deadline: 20 June 2025

Opening Night Reception & Awards Ceremony – Friday, 15 August 2025, 5-7 p.m. 
Coos Art Museum, 235 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420

Eligibility

Artists residing in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are invited to provide up to three submissions.

ELIGIBLE ART MEDIUMS: Allowed with the following criteria

Paintings - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Drawings - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Hand pulled prints - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Mixed media - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Fiber & textiles - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame or mounting device.

Fiber & textiles - wearable - must supply display device.

Small sculptures - weight limitation of 50 lbs. and 48" inches in any direction.

Glass - blown, fused or leaded stained - if to be suspended, must include a secure hanging or display device.

Turned and carved wood - weight limitation of 50 lbs. and 48" inches in any direction.

Jewelry - only if ALL elements were created by the artist.

Photography – limitation of 48 inches in any direction - framed and ready for hanging.

Furniture - weight limitation of 50 lbs.

Any and all themes of expression define the parameters of acceptable entries.

General Rules

Each artist can provide a total of up to three (3) submissions. There is a non-refundable fee of $35 for the first submission, $10 for the second submission and $10 for the third submission. Artworks submitted must have been created within the last 2 years (2023 - 2025) with a framed size limitation of 48 inches in any direction and a weight limitation of 50 pounds.

If you are submitting a work that is part of a series, the submitted piece MUST be unique and distinguishable from any of your other works of art. Works that have previously been exhibited at Coos Art Museum are NOT eligible.

Artworks that are accepted must be the same as the images on the files entered - no substitutions or modifications.

NOTE: If your work is a replica of another person's work - Title MUST contain notation of the original work and       original artist. Example: “A Study of the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo DaVinci"

INELIGIBLE ART MEDIUMS: video, motion picture film, audio, giclée prints of original fine art.

Deadline for submissions is 20 June 2025
Notice of acceptance will be sent by 2 July 2025

Cash Awards

First Place Award will receive cash prize of $1000. Second Place Award will receive cash prize of $700. Third Place Award will receive cash prize of $200.

Two Honorable Mention Awards will receive $50 each.

Sales
Exhibited artworks may be offered for sale during the exhibition. The Artist shall determine the sales price and manage all aspects of the sale. The Museum will not process any purchases or handle transactions for artworks exhibited, as all sales will be managed directly by the Artist. The Museum will not receive any commission on sales made, except during designated fundraising events where specific terms will apply. This approach supports the financial well-being of artists and strengthens the connection between the Museum, artists, and the community. The Artist is responsible for arranging the delivery or shipping of sold artworks to buyers after the exhibition closes.

Delivery and Pickup of Art Works
Artists whose work is accepted must have artworks delivered to the Museum via carrier service at their own expense for arrival between Tuesday, 5 August through Friday, 8 August. Hand delivered work will be received at the Museum on Thursday, 7 August – Sunday, 10 August, noon – 4pm. Artists must make pre-paid arrangements to have their work returned to them or may pick up their work in person at the Museum on Tuesday, 14 October, through Friday,17 October, noon – 4pm. If you cannot retrieve your work on these dates, please call or email to make other arrangements. 

General Specifications
Works must be ready for hanging and have a framed size of no more than 48 inches in any direction. All work must be neatly labeled on the back with the artist’s name, address, and phone number. Labels must also show the work’s Title, Medium and Date of Creation. Art is insured while in the Museum from 5 August through 17 October.

Juror: Nicole Graham
Nicole is an alternative art gallery owner and a marketing and promotions specialist. Her focus is on exhibition marketing, community engagement, as well as multi-sensory and immersive art experiences. One of her projects is organizing and curating the Art & Music Soiree, an interdisciplinary event blending visual art, music, and interactive elements to create a full immersive artistic experience here at CAM. 

Juror: Katie Sifford:
Katie is an artist, art educator and former art school admissions specialist. Her focus is on contemporary art, emerging artists, local and indigenous exhibition planning. She is currently researching CAM’s Permanent Collection to identify themes for future exhibitions and exploring connections between existing works and potential new acquisitions.

Coos Art Museum (CAM):
Coos Art Museum, located in the coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon, is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the arts and nurturing creativity within our community. As the sole art museum along the Oregon Coast and the state's third-oldest art museum, we take pride in being a welcoming community gathering place that lowers conceptual and physical barriers to the arts and enhances the museum's relevance for local residents. Our museum hosts a rotating selection of up to 20 exhibitions each year, sourced from local and regional artists and institutions. We offer a wide range of educational programs, including classes, workshops, and outreach initiatives, along with frequent public events, designed to engage artists of all ages. With a mission to enrich lives through art, Coos Art Museum serves as a cultural resource on the Oregon Coast, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through the transformative power of visual arts. For additional information, please visit www.coosartmuseum.org.

Important Dates:

June 20, 2025 - Deadline for submissions sent to CaFE.

July 2, 2025 - Notification of acceptance/rejection.

August 10, 2025 - Deadline for receiving accepted artwork.

August 15, 2025 – Opening reception 5 - 7 pm

October 14 – 17, 2025 - Hand retrieval of artwork from 12 – 4:00pm

October 16 – 17, 2025 - Artwork returned via couriers.

Use of Digital Tools Coos Art Museum Digital Art-Making Policy for Juried Exhibitions 
Introduction: Coos Art Museum (CAM) recognizes the evolving nature of artmaking and the integration of digital tools into the creative process. As part of our commitment to embracing innovation while maintaining the integrity of our juried exhibitions, CAM has developed this policy to address the use of digital tools in artmaking. 
Policy Statement:
1. Eligibility: Artists are encouraged to submit artworks that incorporate digital tools as part of their creative process. Artists must adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy to ensure their eligibility for CAM juried exhibitions.

2. Definition of Digital Tools: Digital tools include, but are not limited to, software applications, digital tablets, computer-generated graphics, digital photography, 3D printing, and any other technology-based tools used in the creation of artwork.

3. Acceptable Use of Digital Tools: Artworks created with digital tools are welcome in CAM juried exhibitions, provided that the artist demonstrates creative intent, originality, and artistic craftsmanship. Artists should clearly describe their use of digital tools in their submission materials to help the jury understand the artistic process. Artwork must primarily consist of the artist's original content, and the use of digital tools should enhance rather than replace the artist's creative input. Artificial Intelligence software or A.I. tools embedded in Photoshop or other digital media are not allowed to be used for artwork competing for prizes in juried exhibitions. Any pieces using such tools are required to include A.I. visual art software or tools in process descriptions. They may be eligible to be juried into an exhibition, but they cannot be considered for prizes.

4. Prohibited Artwork Types: Reproductions and giclées of original artworks are not eligible for CAM juried exhibitions. Artworks that solely consist of digitally altered or manipulated stock images or commercial graphics without significant (approximately 70%) original creative input will not be accepted

 5. Submission Guidelines: Artists must accurately represent their artwork and its creation process in their submission materials. Artists should provide a detailed description of how digital tools were used in the creation of their artwork. Artists must confirm that their submitted artwork is an original creation or part of a limited edition, and they retain the rights to reproduce it for exhibition purposes.

6. Jury Selection: All submitted artworks will be evaluated by CAM's jury based on artistic merit, creativity, and adherence to the guidelines outlined in this policy. The jury may consider the integration of digital tools as part of the artistic process when making selection decisions.

7. Notification and Display: Artists whose work is selected for CAM juried exhibitions will be notified according to the museum's standard procedures. Accepted artworks using digital tools will be displayed in the exhibition alongside traditional art forms. Artwork media for exhibition labels must include the digital tools used in the creation process. Example terms include, but are not limited to, inkjet and oil, monoprint and acrylic, digital print with hand embellishment.

8. Compliance and Enforcement: CAM reserves the right to disqualify any artwork that does not comply with the guidelines outlined in this policy. In the event of a dispute or uncertainty regarding the eligibility of a digital artwork or an artwork using digital tools in its creation, CAM's exhibition committee will make the final decision

 9. Policy Revision: CAM may periodically review and update this policy to reflect changes in artistic practices and technological advancements. Conclusion: Coos Art Museum recognizes the value of incorporating digital tools into the artmaking process and encourages artists to explore these creative avenues. This policy aims to provide clarity and fairness in evaluating artworks that use digital tools while upholding the integrity of CAM's juried exhibitions. Artists are encouraged to reach out to CAM for any clarifications or inquiries regarding this policy

 

Application Requirements

All work must be submitted through CaFÉ. Up to three (3) pieces of work may be submitted.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBLE ART MEDIUMS: Allowed with the following criteria

Paintings - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Drawings - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Hand pulled prints - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Mixed media - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame.

Fiber & textiles - limitation of 48 inches in any direction - this includes the frame or mounting device.

Fiber & textiles - wearable - must supply display device.

Small sculptures - weight limitation of 50 lbs. and 48" inches in any direction.

Glass - blown, fused or leaded stained - if to be suspended, must include a secure hanging or display device.

Turned and carved wood - weight limitation of 50 lbs. and 48" inches in any direction.

Jewelry - only if ALL elements were created by the artist.

Photography – limitation of 48 inches in any direction - framed and ready for hanging.

Furniture - weight limitation of 50 lbs.

Any and all themes of expression define the parameters of acceptable entries.

General Rules