Call Description

This is a call to artists who are members of Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA)'s Artist Alliance: You are invited to submit up to 20 entries for consideration in this juried art exhibition at Ashton Gallery @ Art on 30th. 

This exhibition is not strictly themed, but artists are encouraged to submit work that represents your interpretation of the title. Consider abstract or figurative work that explores art-for-wellness efforts, including themes like leaning into joy and community, finding moments of respite and well-being. Juror Kate Ashton will select work that she feels creates the strongest show when considering all works in context with the other works submitted. The jurors’ selections are subjective. It is not always possible to include every excellent and worthy artwork submitted.

Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) has joined the growing network of San Diego cultural institutions partnering with Art Pharmacy, a program by San Ysidro Health, to deliver innovative arts-based “social prescriptions” to support mental health and well-being.

Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the website CaFÉ, www.callforentry.org.

Artists who are not members of the OMA Artist Alliance but are interested in participating in this exhibition must submit their membership applications for OMA with the Artist Alliance add-on before submitting artwork for consideration. Details on how to join can be found in this prospectus, or at oma-online.org/membership.

Contact Katie Dolgov at katie@oma-online.org with questions about this submission opportunity after carefully reading the prospectus in full.

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ENTRY FEE: $20 for first submission, $10 for each thereafter. 

Scholarships are available, please contact katie@oma-online.org if you would like to be considered for a scholarship.

Thank you for being a part of OMA. Your submission fees (less CAfÉ listing fees) and membership dues go toward supporting the museum’s exhibitions and educational programming.

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TIMELINE:

• Deadline to submit: Monday, December 1, 2025, 10:59PM Pacific Standard Time (PST) 
• Notifications of selected artworks: On or before Monday, December 15, 2025
• Art Drop Off/Delivery to Ashton Gallery: Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 7, 2026 10:00am–3:00pm
  • Artwork under 60" in all dimensions may also be shipped to arrive at Oceanside Museum of Art before Monday, January 5, 2026. Please contact katie@oma-online.org if you plan to ship your artwork.
• Exhibition on view to public: January 10–February 7, 2026
• Public reception: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:00–7:00pm 

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JUROR:

Juror and Curator Kate Ashton is the Ashton Gallery's senior instructor, mentor, and owner. She has published a book that features local artists and supports new and experienced artists from all over the world in how to become better abstract artists. 

Kate Ashton has been active in the San Diego Arts community for the past 25 years. As an artist she has sold over 100 pieces of art in Southern California. She has also been an instructor for the past 15 years. As the owner of Art on 30th, she has created a unique art space that is home to 20 studio artists, hosts workshops, classes, and hangs 12 shows a year.

Application Requirements

Media

• All submissions must be original works of art. No giclees or other reproductions, with exception of limited edition prints and/or photography.
• Artwork may be in any media or style.
• Tasteful nudity is acceptable.
• Artwork requiring special or unusual lighting, electricity, or unusual methods of installation may be accommodated on a case by case basis, and should be discussed prior to entry. Please contact katie@oma-online.org to discuss your entry.

Size

• Wall mounted two- and three-dimensional work: maximum 60” width, 84” height, including frame. Maximum weight: 20 pounds.
• Freestanding three-dimensional work must be appropriate size for display on 12” x 12” x 40” pedestal.

Frames

• Works on paper must be framed. Frames must be simple and neutral. Edges of unframed two-dimensional artwork must be finished or gallery wrapped.
• If work is gallery wrapped no frame is needed.

Installation Hardware

• D Rings must be installed on the back at precisely equal distances from the top of all wall-mounted work.
• No cleats
• No wires

Eligibility Criteria

OMA Membership with Artist Alliance add-on

Artists must be a current OMA member with the Artist Alliance affiliate membership add-on. Artists who are not members of OMA with the Artist Alliance add-on but are interested in participating in this exhibition must become members of OMA at any level and add Artist Alliance before submitting artwork for consideration. 

• Join online: Visit oma-online.org/membership. Choose any level of membership and then add Artist Alliance
• Join by phone: Call the OMA membership center at (760) 435-3724
• Join in person: Visit Oceanside Museum of Art at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside CA (please check www.oma-online.org for public hours)

Image Quality

Keep in mind, the quality of artwork photography may affect whether your artwork will be selected. Ensure your artwork is photographed in good lighting with a steady camera. Direct sunlight on a clear day is ideal if studio lighting is not available. Include the artwork image only without frame, unless the frame is an artistically defining part of the submission.