Call Description

SFVACC invites artists to enter our juried In the Abstract virtual exhibit. Abstract art uses shapes, forms, color, line and texture as opposed to representing an accurate depiction of visual reality. Abstract art challenges artists to explore new ways of seeing and expressing themselves. SFVACC seeks artists who can provide a well-rounded range of 2D and 3D abstract art.  All submitted art will be juried using digital images.

• Best of Show $800 – 1st Place $400 – 2nd Place $300 plus 4 Honorable Mentions

Juror -  Linda de Martinez 

Linda de Martinez is the Director of Gallery 612, located in Santa Monica, CA - a venue specializing in contemporary abstract art.  Linda is a Santa Monica, California native and has been involved in the Southern California art scene for decades.  Beginning with an appreciation for art at a very young age, Linda went on to pursue her passion and education culminating with a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design (then located in Downtown Los Angeles) with an emphasis on Ceramics and Textiles.  While completing her undergraduate studies at UCLA, she immersed herself in several Art History courses where she studied under the well-known Art Historian, Karl-Otto Werckmeister.  Linda has a passionate and discerning eye for composition, balance and color when selecting pieces for Gallery 612 and is honored to jury the upcoming SFVACC’s exhibit featuring abstract art.

ELIGIBILITY
In The Abstract is open to all artists residing in North America. 

IMPORTANT DATES
Exhibit entry starts: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Deadline for entries:  Friday, October 10, 2025 - 11:59 pm MST

Notice of acceptance (by e-mail): By Wednesday, October, 15, 2025

Award winners notified: By October 16, 2025 

Exhibit opens:  Monday, November 3, 2025   

Exhibit closes: Wednesday, December 31, 2025   11:59 pm* PST

*Exhibit will remain on view on the SFVACC website Archived Exhibits page indefinitely.

AWARDS
An $800 cash award will be presented at the reception for Best of Show.  A 1st Place cash award of $400 and a 2nd Place cash award of $300 will be awarded as well.  Juror will also select up to four Honorable Mention awards.  

SUBMISSION CRITERIA AND CONTENT

Entries must be original and of the artist’s own execution.  Do not submit works which violate copyright laws.   Artwork created and completed under the direct supervision of an instructor is not eligible. Once artwork is submitted, it may not be substituted or withdrawn by the artist.  All juried artwork must remain online until the end of the exhibit.  Please do not enter art that has been shown at any previous SFVACC exhibit. 

ARTWORK FORMAT, PRESENTATION & REQUIREMENTS 
Artwork submissions are limited to six (6) original artworks per artist as .JPGs in all media except video. If you are submitting detail images of an entire image, please label them as so.

FORMAT FOR DIGITAL IMAGES (JPGS)
All entries must be submitted as a HIGH RESOLUTION (1-5MB), digital .JPEG. Image should be cropped to remove background and/or frame. If cropping is not possible, a neutral background is preferable.  Image quality is critical: Poor photography and presentation may affect acceptance by the juror. The digital image (JPG) must represent the submitted art. 

Directions for uploading photos to CaFÉ are clearly described on their website.  

ENTRIES & FEES One entry is $40.  Artist may add up to 5 additional entries at $5 each.  Payment is made through CaFÉ via credit card.  Fees are non-refundable.  There is no guarantee of acceptance into the exhibit.

SALES
A prospective buyer can contact the artist via email by clicking on the artist’s name under the image they are interested in purchasing.  All sales will be handled directly between the artist and buyer.  Prices cannot be changed from those stated at submission.  SFVACC will receive NO commission on any and all sales of art from the exhibit or as a result of the exhibit.  If artwork is sold, the artist must notify the SFVACC so a red dot (signifying it’s been sold) and SOLD in the place of the price, can be added.  Any artwork without a sale price on the entry form will be considered “Not for Sale” (NFS). Collecting sales tax is the responsibility of the artist. Shipping and insurance shall be by mutual agreement between the buyer and artist. 

PROMOTION OF THE EXHIBIT
Promotion will be handled by the SFVACC, but we welcome artists promoting the exhibit as well. The exhibit’s prospectus will be available online at www.sfvacc.org/open-call.

LOCATION
This virtual exhibit may be viewed 24/7 on the SFVACC website - www.sfvacc.org > EXHIBITS > Current Exhibit.

Application Requirements

Application Requirements: See FORMAT FOR DIGITAL IMAGES above.

Eligibility Criteria

In The Abstract is open to all artists residing in North America .