Call Description

Studio ACE presents Creature Comforts: The Art of Pets and Animals, a juried exhibition celebrating the profound presence of animals in our lives—wild and domestic, real and imagined. This exhibition explores the unique bonds we share with our animal companions and the inspiration we draw from the creatures around us.

Artists of all levels and backgrounds are invited to submit work that honors the joy, comfort, and wonder animals bring to our world. Whether it’s the loyal gaze of a dog, the elegant stretch of a cat, the majestic beauty of wildlife, or the mythical wonder of a fantastical creature, this show pays tribute to the deep and enduring connections between humans and the animal kingdom.

Submissions in all media are welcome, including paintings, drawings, limited edition prints, mixed media, photography, digital art, and sculpture.

The exhibition will be juried by members of the Studio ACE Artist Council.

About ACE Gallery and Studio ACE: 
ACE Gallery, part of Studio ACE, is an intimate exhibition space established in early 2024 to support the nonprofit’s arts programming. Located in Oceanside, CA, Studio ACE was founded in 2016 by Executive Director Julia Fister and is dedicated to providing inclusive, affordable, and high-quality arts education for all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors, including free art programs for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults.

ACE Gallery offers both emerging and established artists a welcoming space to share their work with the community, fostering creativity and connection. In addition, Studio ACE partners with various organizations to serve under-resourced communities and regularly participates in local fairs and festivals, offering free, family-friendly art activities tailored to each event.

Proceeds from artwork sales at ACE Gallery support both the exhibiting artists and Studio ACE’s mission to connect, inspire, and enrich lives through Arts, Community, and Education (ACE).

Application Requirements

Submission Details: 

• ACE Gallery welcomes submissions of artworks in an array of media— please see submission parameters below.
• For artwork in a medium not listed, please contact gallery@studioace.org before applying to ensure artwork is acceptable to submit.
• Important Note: Each artwork submission must measure no more than 20 inches in any direction, not including frame. Frames are limited to an additional 2 inches in width.

Submissions may include: 

• Paintings/Drawings
• Limited Edition Prints
• Mixed Media
• Photography
• Digital Art
• Sculpture*

*Sculpture work must fit on a pedestal with a size limitation of no more than 14 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 20 inches high. 

Special Notes:

• Artwork requiring electrical connections cannot be accommodated.
• Any artwork that will be shipped must weigh less than 35 pounds including packaging.
• All artwork must arrive ready to install (ready to hang or display).
• Work requiring special handling is to be installed & removed by the artist.
• No accepted work may be substituted or exchanged for any reason.
• Work must be original to the artist and must be for sale.
• The split for all artwork sales is 60% to the artist and 40% to ACE Gallery.
• The artwork sale price listed by the artist when applying is the FINAL sale price and may not be changed after acceptance.
• Artist bio and/or brief information on artwork with photo is encouraged for Gallery Bio Book, when accepted. Please provide an 8 ½ x 11 PDF emailed to gallery@studioace.org or dropped off with artwork or shipped with artwork.

Important Dates: 

• Submissions Open: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• Submission Deadline: Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Midnight (PST)
• Emailed Notification of Accepted Work: Friday, June 27, 2025
• Artwork Drop-off: Friday, July 18 & Saturday, July 19, 2025
• Exhibition Dates: July 21 through September 5, 2025
• Opening Reception: Saturday, July 26, 5:00-7:00 pm
• Artwork Pick-up: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Delivery or Shipping of Accepted Artwork: 

Accepted works can be either dropped off at the gallery or shipped at the artist's expense. See the following instructions and delivery schedules. 

In-person Artwork Drop-off: 

• All hand-delivered works will be dropped at ACE Gallery:
  • 3861 Mission Ave #B3, Oceanside, CA 92058
• Hand delivered artwork will be accepted on the following dates/times: ∙
  • Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11:00am – 2:00pm
  • Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00am – 2:00pm

Shipped Artwork:

• All shipped works will be shipped at the cost of the artist to:
  • Studio ACE, ℅ U-post Packing and Shipping Center, 3784 Mission Ave, UNIT 148, Oceanside, CA 92058

 Shipped Artwork Must:

• Arrive by 4:00pm on Friday, July 18, 2025.
• Include a prepaid shipping label with a barcode (UPS or FedEx) for return shipment to ensure safe return of the work at the conclusion of the exhibition.
• Be packed in a sturdy shipping box using materials that can be easily reused for return shipment.
• Be insured for its full value.

Pick-up and Return of Artwork:

ACE Gallery does not have art storage. A fee of $10 per day will be charged as a late pick-up fee for all artwork not picked up during the designated pick-up time, unless other arrangements have been made.

In-person Artwork Pick-up: 

• At ACE Gallery, Saturday, September 6, from 10:00am – 1:00pm

Shipped Artwork Return:

• Artwork will be shipped back to artists throughout the week following the conclusion of the exhibition.

Eligibility Criteria

Entry Fees: 

• $25 for up to three (3) submissions.
• Additional submissions are welcome at a cost of $10 per image.
• Artists are encouraged to submit as many images as desired.