Call Description

Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art 2026

ELIGIBILITY AND MEDIA:
The Pence’s Slice exhibit, now in its 14th year, is open to all artists ages 18 and up currently residing in California. This is an open-theme juried exhibit, displaying art that is conceptually thoughtful, technically skilled, and original in nature. Work may be in any medium, except for video or sound, and must not exceed 36” wide (including the frame) for 2D work. There are no size restrictions for three-dimensional work, but work must not exceed 75 lb. Works on paper are accepted if they are framed or have hardware to safely display them. Accepted work should be original, completed within the past five years, and remain at the Pence during the entire exhibit. The work must not have been shown previously at the Pence. Applicants may submit 3 images of work for review, along with an artist statement and resume, at www.callforentry.org, and pay a fee of $35 for Pence members (use code MEMB), or $40 for non-Pence members. 

DELIVERY OF ACCEPTED WORK:
Accepted work may be hand-delivered by July 3 or July 5, 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM, or shipped and insured by the artist to the Pence by July 3rd. Expenses for shipping to and from the Gallery are the responsibility of the artist, unless the piece sells during the display. Artists can include a prepaid label for return shipping.

MERIT AWARDS:
Monetary awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded based on the Juror’s choice and are $400, $300, and $200. These are awarded during the opening reception by the Juror. 

LIABILITY:

The Pence Gallery will provide insurance for all artwork while it is on the premises through August 18. Each artist must complete an exhibition contract when they are accepted. All work must be picked up or shipped, between August 17-18, unless other arrangements are made.

JUROR: This year’s juror is Gioia Fonda, an interdisciplinary artist working primarily in two-dimensional media (painting, drawing, sewing, and photography) with occasional forays in sculpture, social practice and public art. Regardless of media, she tends to work in a colorful and non-objective manner, but just under the surface, her work is often imbued with storytelling and narrative. She has a bi-coastal art education, having earned a BFA at the California College of the Arts and an MFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Gioia is a dedicated member of the Sacramento art community contributing as an artist, curator, jurist, and collaborator. She is also a tenured Professor of Art at Sacramento City College where she teaches painting, drawing, and design. Her work has been exhibited widely throughout Northern California and is held in many collections, both private and institutional.

LOCATION:
The Pence is a nonprofit art gallery, established in 1976, whose mission is to educate and inspire the community by exhibiting high-caliber art by local and regional artists. This exhibit will be displayed in the Main Gallery, measuring 1,000 square feet, with 12’ ceilings.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• May 12: Applications are due online by 9 PM PST at www.callforentry.org
• June 1: Notification of juried results by email 
• July 3: Shipping deadline for accepted work
• July 3, 5: Drop off accepted work at Pence Gallery, 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed July 4)
• July 10-August 16, 2026, 11:30 AM - 5 PM (closed Mondays): Exhibition dates
• Friday, July 10, 6-9 PM: Reception (Awards at 8 PM)
• August 17-18, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Pick up exhibited work

SALES:
Sales are encouraged. Indicate on the entry form whether the work is for sale. The Pence Gallery will retain a 40% commission on all work sold. Prices quoted on the entry form may not be changed after acceptance into the show.

Application Requirements

This exhibit is limited to California artists ages 18 and up. Work may be in any medium except for video or sound, but must not exceed 36” wide for 2D work. There are no size restrictions for three-dimensional work. Accepted work should be original and completed within the past five years. To apply, submit 3 images at www.callforentry.org, and pay an application fee of $35 for Pence Members (use coupon MEMB) or $40 for non-Members). The deadline for entry online is May 12, 9 PM PST.

Eligibility Criteria

Must live in California, be over 18, and apply by the deadline.