August/September Member Show

Overview

The Society of West Coast Artists invites SWA members to submit original paintings in Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic/Mixed Media, Pastel, and Non-representational categories. Work will be juried by three judges who select accepted pieces, award cash prizes, and may recategorize work entered in the wrong category. Acceptance is not guaranteed; up to 3 entries per artist may be accepted for inclusion.

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: Thursday, July 2, 2026
• Entry Deadline: Thursday, August 6, 2026, Midnight PDT
• Acceptance Notification: Monday, August 10, 2026
• Delivery of Accepted Work: Friday, August 14, 2026, 11am–3pm or August 15 until 1pm
• Judging for Awards: August 15, after 1pm
• Exhibition Dates: August 20 – September 25, 2026

Eligibility

Open to SWA members only. Paintings must be original art conceived by the artist, completed within the last three years. No classwork, copies, computerized art, work printed by commercial process, oil paintings under glass/Plexiglas, or paintings over photographs. A short biography must be provided.

Media & Size

• Medium categories: Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic/Mixed Media, Pastel, Non-representational
• Minimum size including frame: 10" a side OR 100 sq inches in area
• Maximum size including frame: 48" or 2304 sq inches in area
• Framing: flat hangers with wire only; use plastic sleeves or tape to cover wire ends. No hardware projecting beyond back of frame. No eye hooks or nails. Use Plexiglas on 20" x 30" when using a metal frame.

Entry Fees

• $20 for the first entry
• $20 for each additional entry
• Up to 4 artworks may be submitted per artist
• Fees must be paid online when registering on ShowSubmit
• All fees are non-refundable

Awards

Cash prizes will be awarded. Each work is judged on overall impact, concept, originality, presentation, composition, design, drawing, value, color, painting technique, and framing/matting. Accepted works receive 5 SWA Signature award points.

Gallery Staffing & Sales

The artist must staff the gallery one day for each painting accepted. If unable to staff, the artist must secure a substitute from SWA membership or pay $50/day for a professional staffer. SWA retains a 10% donation on all sales, including prints. Sold paintings must remain in the show until it closes. A Seller's permit is required to sell artwork.

Submission Requirements

Submit high-quality JPEG images (other formats not accepted) of artwork only, with no visible matting, frames, or background. Ensure correct orientation and high resolution (file size limit 30MB). A digital image must be taken before framing. After submission and payment, you may edit information and substitute images until the August 6, 2026 deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Contact

Show Coordinator: Carrie Drilling, 650-619-7010, [email protected]. For ShowSubmit help, visit the Help Center or email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]), Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.