Call Description

The 3rd Annual TCA Sculpture Garden Exhibit is a national juried exhibit of original 3-dimensional art. Sculptural methods including stone, metal, and mixed media are accepted, but must be weather-proof and able to endure 8 months outdoors. The goal of the exhibit is to present varied works from artists who wish to have their pieces displayed in an outdoor setting that draws art-lovers into the recently re-conceptualized environment of TCA’s exterior to admire the vibrant sculpture garden. 

Timeline

Call Opens: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Application Deadline:  Friday, August 24, 2026
Jury Process: Tuesday, August 25 – Tuesday, September 1, 2026 

Notifications to Artists: Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Artwork due: Monday, October 5, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, November 6, 2026

Exhibition Dates: October 5, 2026 – May 30, 2027
Pick up of Artwork: Monday, May 30, 2027

Artwork

No art may be removed from the exhibit prior to the close of the exhibition on Monday, May 30, 2027, including sold art, unless other arrangements MUST be made.  Work that has been previously displayed at TCA is not eligible.  All work must be the original creation of the artist. All works must have been completed in the last 72 months (3 yrs.)

This IS a National Show, but please be advised…

ARTWORK MUST BE HAND-DELIVERED TO TUBAC CENTER OF THE ARTS ON or BEFORE FRIDAY, October 5, 2026, and must be picked up on May 30, 2027, unless other arrangements are made between the artist & TCA. Art not picked up after 3 months will become the property of Tubac Center of the Arts and may be auctioned/sold with proceeds solely benefiting TCA. 

NO SHIPPED WORK.

Size Restrictions/ Presentation

No sculpture should exceed a height of 10’ and not contain a base bigger than 5’ x 5’, and a circumference of no more than 5’.

Weight considerations include placement on cement or gravel, transportation and manipulation of placement on site, if needed.

All artworks must be able to be presented either on a pedestal, the cement/brick patio floors, or hang from the wall or ceiling. Appropriate hanging or presentation hardware is required (there are 4-5 locations that are outdoors, but under cover of a porch roof). TCA reserves the right to disqualify any selected entry upon arrival that does not meet the above requirements or is deemed unsuitable for display.

JUROR: Gary Slater

A native of Minnesota, Gary moved to Arizona in 1971. He earned his Master of Fine Art degree at Arizona State University, where he began working on large-scale sculpture, directly influenced by the Southwest. Though the largest of his works are favorites because of the visual impact, the majority of his works are in the 3-to-6-foot range.

He has vast experience in creating site-specific sculptures for clients and collectors, and frequently works with architects, designers and individuals to solve the visual needs of a given space. Slater works with stainless steel, copper, bronze, and combinations of metals and finishes. Working within a geometric framework, he has found a great variety of sculptural forms to keep his works fresh and stimulating.

He has created large (28′) water feature sculptures and small (24") pedestal sculptures; wall relief sculptures, “multiple original” sculptures, and edition bronzes. Gary was also named “Master of the Southwest” by Phoenix Home and Garden magazine, March of 2003. Only a select few artists and craftsmen at the top of their profession are awarded this once-a-year title. To date he has created over 500 sculptures since he began his career, with work in corporate, public, and private collections throughout the United States and the world.

AWARDS

Awards will be selected by the juror in person and presented during the opening reception.

Best of Show:                $300
Award of Excellence:    $200
Award of Merit:              $100 
Honorable Mention:      $50
Honorable Mention:      $50

Sales

All work must be for sale. TCA will retain a 40% commission.  Price work accordingly. 

Jury/Fees

Payments are made at the end of the CaFE™ entry process either via credit card online or a check mailed to the art center. 

Jurying will be done based on digital images in a jpg format only. Up to three works may be entered for consideration. 

$35 ($32 with TCA Member discount). $5 for each additional submission, for a total of 3 submissions.

Members, use code: GARDEN26 (all caps)

The Member discount code is entered at checkout.  You must be a current member to use the discount code.  Any submissions by nonmembers applying the member discount will be disqualified from the jurying process without refund. Members receive discounts on fees to all exhibitions as well as discounts in our gift shop and to special events.

To renew your membership or become a new member of TCA, please register on our website at www.Tubacarts.org or call 520-398-2371.

Tubac Center of the Arts is the core of Tubac's artistic heritage and identity.  We pursue excellence in serving as a venue for artistic expression, appreciation, and learning for those who create and enjoy art in southern Arizona

Application Requirements

Artwork must be the original creation of the artist. 

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must reside in the United States and be over the age of 18.