Call Description

PROUD+ 2026 PROSPECTUS

The 9th Annual PROUD+ Exhibition will be held June 19 - July 31, 2026, during San Diego Pride Month, showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists from across the country. Produced by The Studio Door, this national exhibition celebrates the unique perspectives and voices of the LGBTQ+ community through contemporary art.

For nearly a decade, PROUD+ has provided a vital platform for LGBTQ+ artists to express their creativity, identity, and lived experiences. From bold declarations of self to quiet explorations of inner worlds, this exhibition seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ life and culture. Artists are invited to submit works that reflect their own interpretations of pride, resilience, and community. We encourage artists to share their truth, amplify their voice, and contribute to the ongoing conversation around LGBTQ+ identity in the arts.

Past exhibition catalogs are no longer available online but you can find gallery walk through videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thestudiodoor

EXHIBITION DATES

June 19 - July 31, 2026

Artwork, including items sold, will remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

PUBLIC RECEPTION

The VIP reception (4 PM- 6 PM) will be immediately followed by the general public reception (6 PM - 9 PM). They are scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2026. Artists plus one guest are welcome to attend the VIP reception. Patrons, friends and associates may join the reception with the public starting at 6 PM.

JUROR

Patric Stillman, The Studio Door

Patric Stillman stands as a prominent figure in San Diego’s art scene. As a dedicated advocate for the local creative community, his commitment to fostering artistic expression is evident in the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere of The Studio Door, now celebrating over a decade as Hillcrest’s premier gallery and artist incubator. With a curatorial eye rooted in diversity and storytelling, Patric continues to spotlight LGBTQ+ and underrepresented artists through signature exhibitions like PROUD+, while cultivating partnerships that bridge art, culture, and civic engagement across San Diego.

In addition to directing The Studio Door, Patric’s influence extends nationally through his work as a juror, curator, and arts writer. His recent collaborations include co-leading the LGBTQ Hisotry Month city exhibit “Illuminating San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ History: Echoes & Reflections” with the San Diego Mayor’s GLBTQ Historic Task Force and writing a monthly arts column for The WORD San Diego. Recognized with neighborhood street banners as a Hillcrest Hero, Patric continues to champion authenticity, representation, and the transformative power of the arts in shaping community identity.

BEST IN SHOW

A Juror’s Award in the form of a check for $100 will be presented to three artists for artworks that express the most imaginative and compelling interpretations of the theme. Past jurors have valued originality, artistic execution, emotional impact, and creative interpretation.

GALLERY & ONLINE GALLERY

There are two opportunities to get into this show. The juror will select works that will be exhibited at The Studio Door gallery in San Diego. Additionally, the juror will select works that will be shown in the online gallery only. This allows for more works to be seen beyond the limitations of the main gallery. You have the option to declare “in gallery,” “online gallery,” or both during the application process. All accepted works, regardless of “in gallery” or “online gallery,” are eligible for Best in Show.

CATALOG

All artwork selected, both gallery and online, will be included in the PROUD+ 2026 national exhibition catalog. Exhibition catalogs will be available online and print-on-demand.

USE OF IMAGERY

If your artwork is selected for this year’s exhibition, Artist grants The Studio Door permission to photograph selected artwork as presented in the gallery. The Studio Door also reserves the right to use art images for marketing and publicity to promote the exhibition without compensation.

ARTWORK PRESENTATION

2-D artwork must arrive 'gallery ready' and 'ready to hang' and be presented professionally.
Preferably, framed artwork should be in black wood or natural wood frame.

Important: Due to shipping challenges, 2-D artwork cannot be framed in glass—plexi only. Additionally, glass and ceramic pieces will only be accepted if they are hand-delivered and picked up by the artist.

CAFÉ ™ SUBMISSION PROCESS

All submissions for this show are handled through CAFÉ ™ (Callforentry.org). Artists are required to sign up and create a profile on CAFÉ ™. There is no charge for using this service.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS

CAFÉ ™ provides 5 MB for the artist profile. Image may be 1200 pixels or greater on the longest side. Anything larger will be resized. Image may be JPG or JPEG only. Artist will upload images and information directly to their profile and reference when filling out the official call for submission.

If you have problems uploading images, contact CAFÉ ™ directly. FYI, the most common problem is that the system will not accept images that are too small.

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS

Artists will be notified by May 14, 2026. All artists who have submitted artwork will be notified by email. You may receive multiple notifications for acceptance into The Studio Door exhibition and online gallery. You will receive notification even if no artwork has been selected. If you do not receive notice by May 15, 2026, please check your email spam folder and contact The Studio Door.

SHIPPING OF ARTWORK

All shipped artwork must be received no later than Friday June 12, 2026. Unsold artwork will be shipped out of The Studio Door on August 5, 2026. 2-D work must be sent in reusable packaging with NO styrofoam packing peanuts. Fragile works must be double-boxed and sufficiently padded to prevent damage in transit. The Studio Door is NOT responsible for damage caused in transit. Artists are responsible for the cost of shipping and arranging prepaid shipping labels with either UPS or FedEx. It is mandatory to include prepaid shipping labels with your artwork or to make the necessary arrangements with The Studio Door before the exhibition, or your work will not be exhibited.  If you discover issues with your carrier providing a prepaid shipping label, let The Studio Door know so other arrangements can be discussed.

HAND-DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

During weekend gallery hours on Saturday, June 13 2026 (11 AM – 5 PM) or by earlier appointment. Large works or small installations should be scheduled as to not interfere with other exhibitions.

If your artwork is accepted for the online gallery ONLY, you do NOT need to deliver your artwork.

PICK-UP OF ARTWORK

Artwork may be picked up Saturday, August 1, 2026, (11 AM - 5 PM) or Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (11 AM - 5 PM).

Artwork left behind may be subject to a late fee of $50 per day and/or discarded by The Studio Door.

SALES OF ART

50% of the sale will go to the artist and 50% of the sale will go to The Studio Door. Items sold must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show. The Studio Door will mail a check to the artist for any sold artwork within 30 days after the close of the show.

PRICING CONSIDERATION

Artists are encouraged to consider price points when they apply for The Studio Door exhibitions. Based on past experience, art sales in Southern California remain strongest under $2,500, with $500 being the average first-time patron purchase.

Artists should also consider that participating in PROUD+ offers exposure and networking opportunities beyond immediate sales. The Studio Door encourages artists to document participation, create reels, send press releases, and use this opportunity to further their own marketing goals.

SUSTAINABILITY NOTE

Artists are encouraged to use sustainable, eco-friendly packaging materials when shipping artwork. Reducing environmental impact is a shared priority in today’s art community.

QUESTIONS?

Email: forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com

If you would like to support this exhibition with a donation or fund an award, please contact The Studio Door. Please help get the word out about the show by encouraging your fellow artists to enter.

Visit THE STUDIO DOOR @ www.TheStudioDoor.com

IMPORTANT DATES (SUMMARY)

• 11/01/25– Call for Artists opens
• 05/09/26 – Call for Artists closes
• 05/14/26 – Artists notified of selection
• 06/12/26 – Final receive date for shipping
• 06/13/26– Drop Off Artwork (local): 11 AM - 5 PM
• 06/19/26 – Exhibition opens to the public (no event)
• 07/19/26 – VIP Reception (Invitational): 4 PM – 6 PM
• 07/19/26– Public Reception: 6 PM – 9 PM
• 07/31/26 – Show closes
• 08/01/26 – Artwork Pick Up Date I: 4 PM - 5 PM
• 08/04/26– Artwork Pick Up Date II: 11 AM - 5 PM
• 08/05/26 – Artwork Shipping Date
• 08/31/26– Artist Commission Checks Deadline

QUESTIONS?

Email: forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com

Visit THE STUDIO DOOR @ www.TheStudioDoor.com

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Application Requirements

NON-REFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE
An entry consists of one to three submissions of images. Payment of $35 per initial entry and $5 for each additional media submission.

[1 work of art = $35; 2 works = $40; or 3 works = $45]. Payments are processed through CAFÉ ™.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

May 9, 2026 - 10:59 PM PST

Complete information, including images of artwork, must be submitted online with CAFÉ ™ before 10:59 PM PST to be considered by juror (Check your watch, that’s 1:59 AM EST and 11:59 PM MST).

ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE

• 2-Dimensional Work: Height 7.5 feet, Width 4 feet - including frame
• 3-Dimensional Work: Sculptural and small installation work is encouraged. Works must be able to fit through an average doorway and not exceed 8’ in height. If you are unsure if your work is size acceptable, please contact The Studio Door at forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: Visual Artists

Note: PROUD+ is conceived as a national show (USA). Due to the costs of shipping, tariffs and potential customs issues, international artists are welcome to participate exclusively in the online portion of the exhibition. Sales will be handled through The Studio Door, who will work with artists to determine the cost of shipping. Those costs will be paid for by the patron.

Categories Accepted: Fine Art: Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, and sculpture. Please note some restrictions apply to glass, stained glass, ceramics, and stoneware due to unsafe shipping practices by FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Oversized jewelry that can be defined as fine art is acceptable for this show.

This exhibition does not accept performance art. Video, film, installation, and works requiring an external electrical source require gallery approval. If you want to be considered, please contact The Studio Door at forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com before submitting to this call for artists. Submissions must be the artist’s original work, and all artwork must be available for sale.