Call Description

For the first time in its history, Coos Art Museum introduces a theme for its Annual Maritime Art Exhibit: Surge. Surge names a feeling long present on the coast: the lift of a swell, the press of wind and water, the sudden gathering of energy before change. It is movement made visible at sea, along the shoreline, and within the lives shaped by maritime places. 

Artists are invited to interpret Surge broadly and intuitively. Works may respond to the physical power of waves and tides, the rhythms of working waterfronts, ecological shifts, or the emotional and cultural forces tied to coastal life. As the only art museum on the Oregon Coast, CAM brings together a juried selection of maritime-themed artwork from artists across the country, creating a layered portrait of how land, sea, and human experience continually meet and move. 

Judging and Awards 

A panel of 3 artists will jury the submissions. 5 cash prize awards will be given out:  

Best of Show: $1000 (Selected by Jurors) 

Coos Art Museum Board of Directors Choice: $250.00 (Selected by CAM Board) 

People's Choice Award: $250.00 (selected by a vote of museum visitors) 

Honorable Mention: $150 

Honorable Mention: $150 

Jurors: 

Linda Mecum

Tristan Perotti

Important Dates:  

March 4, 2026 - Deadline for submissions on Café.   

March 21, 2026 - Notification of acceptance/rejection.  

April 1, 2026 – Deadline for Registration/Consent forms  

May 1, 2026 – Artists’ Sneak Peek/No-Host dinner  

May 2, 2026 – Exhibition Opening and Maritime Dinner  

July 12, 2026 – Maritime exhibition ends 

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. The Artist is responsible for arranging the delivery or shipping of sold artworks to buyers after the exhibition closes. No artwork may be removed from the exhibit before the exhibit closes. 
 

Shipping of Accepted Works of Art 

Detailed shipping instructions will be provided with acceptance notifications. All accepted artists are responsible for the delivery of their artwork to and from Coos Art Museum. Artists may choose to coordinate return shipping independently or request that the Museum arrange return shipping on their behalf. If return shipping is coordinated by the Museum, a $40 handling fee, plus all shipping costs, will be charged to the artist. The handling fee covers staff time for shipping coordination. 

Artwork received without prepaid return shipping arrangements or a return shipping label will be shipped to the artist’s last known address. In such cases, the artist will be responsible for all shipping and handling charges. 

Application Requirements

All work must be submitted through CaFÉ. Up to three (3) pieces of work may be submitted, 5 images per artwork are allowed. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria 

Open to all artists producing original maritime-themed art works in painting and sculpture, including members of American Society of Marine artists and International Society of Marine Painters. 

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. 

Submissions are to be 'recent works', created within the past six (6) years (created in 2020 or newer). 

Works that are accepted must be the same as the digital images entered. 

Paintings - limitation of 60 inches in any one direction this includes the frame and weight limitation of 20 lbs. 

Sculpture - limitation of 60 inches in any one direction and weight limitation of 25 lbs. 

Prints (photo serigraphs, digital or giclée) and photography are not eligible. Paint enhanced giclée prints on canvas are not eligible. 

Coos Art Museum does not recognize giclée prints, no matter how enhanced. If digital images are used in the creation process, be sure that no part of the digital image appears in the finished submitted artwork. 

Online Submission 

All information on the original entry as to title, size and price must remain the same on the delivered work. Entries must be original in concept, composition and execution. Artwork created under the supervision of an instructor is not eligible. Artwork must not be copied, in part or wholly, from any published or copyrighted work. 

General Specifications for Accepted Works of Art 

Detailed information regarding artwork specifications will be sent with acceptance notifications. However, all accepted painted works must be framed and ready for hanging prior to arrival, and be no more than 60 inches in any one direction, including the frame, nor weigh more than 20 lbs. All accepted sculptures must be no more than 60 inches in any one direction nor weigh more than 25 lbs. All accepted works will be insured by the Museum from time of arrival until departure. Artist is responsible for insurance during return shipment.