Human-Made (a creative-centric show)

At Not Shockboxx, reputation is everything. Those that curated this sacred space before us built this gallery on challenging, unapologetic, and emotionally honest fine art — and we protect that reputation carefully. Human-Made is a deliberate, slightly sideways step from our usual programming — and it’s personal.

As a graphic designer by trade, I’ve always lived in the in-between: not quite “pure” fine art, not just commercial work. I know what it feels like to be an artist and a small business owner, to make work that begs to be in a gallery but also on a shelf, a website, or in someone’s hands as a product they use and love.

Human-Made is a reminder that there’s still no substitute for the real thing: a person, a process, and a practice.

It’s for the folks who sit at the intersection of art, craft, and commerce and are proud of that middle ground.

This show is for the creatives who:

• Design the lettering for a beautiful cover and sell custom notebooks with that lettering on them.
• Hand-throw a ceramic mug once, refine the form, then make a whole run to offer at markets and online.
• Paint vivid, imaginative landscapes, then sell prints and reprints so more people can live with that work at home.
• and more...

SHOW CONCEPT

Human-Made is a juried exhibition and sales opportunity featuring artists, makers, and designer-entrepreneurs who:

• Create original artwork
• Transform that artwork into products, editions, or small-batch goods
• Run (or are building) a creative business around their own designs

We’re not looking for mass-produced, drop-shipped goods or AI-generated designs.
We’re looking for:

• The letterer who turns their hand-drawn typography into cards, posters, stickers, or journals.
• The potter who perfects a form and then creates multiples, each still clearly made by hand.
• The illustrator or painter whose characters and worlds become prints, zines, apparel, or home goods.
• The textile artist whose patterns live on fabric, bags, or wearable pieces.

Each selected creative will exhibit one original work in the Not Shockboxx gallery for the duration of the show, and will also have at least one way for visitors to purchase their work or products connected the brand of that original.

ARTIST SALES OPTIONS

In addition to the exhibited art piece, participating artists will be able to choose one or more of the following:

1. Online Shop Link
   Provide a link to your online shop (Etsy, Shopify, personal site, etc.).
   - We’ll share this link with visitors in-gallery.
   - We’ll also feature it on our digital exhibition page so people can explore your broader product line.
2. Inventory at The Studio Hermosa
   Place a small selection of your products at our neighboring creative space, The Studio Hermosa, for daytime shopping.
   - We’ll promote this inventory on social media and cross-reference it with the gallery show.
   - This is ideal for smaller items like mugs, prints, cards, zines, jewelry, etc.\
3. Pop-Up Presence at Not Shockboxx
   Set up a small pop-up display or mini shop inside Not Shockboxx on any day during the run of the show (by arrangement).
   - Meet visitors, tell your story, and sell directly.
   - Great for creatives who want face-time with collectors and customers.

Sales Commission:

All art accepted into the exhibit will have a 50% commission fee. Products sold through Not Shockboxx or The Studio Hermosa (in-person inventory or pop-ups) will include a 10% commission fee to support the spaces and ongoing programming. Sales made directly through your own online shop are all yours.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We believe the story of “human-made” work is richer when it represents many kinds of humans.

We strongly encourage submissions from:

• Queer and trans artists
• Artists of color
• Artists with disabilities
• Neurodivergent artists
• Creatives from historically marginalized communities

No one is excluded from applying. All work will be considered on its quality and fit for the show.
However, when curating, we will give intentional preference to building a lineup that reflects a diverse range of identities, experiences, and perspectives.

KEY DATES

• Open Call Closes: December 28, 2025 (end of day)
• Artists Notified: December 31, 2025
• Artwork & Inventory Due at the Gallery / The Studio: January 6, 2026 (end of day)
• Installation: January 8, 2026
• Opening Reception: January 10, 2026 | 3–5pm
• Exhibition Run: January 10–31, 2026
• Gallery Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
   

About Not Shockboxx

Not Shockboxx is an independent, unapologetic art space in Hermosa Beach, CA, known for thought-provoking, often provocative exhibitions that challenge societal norms and spark conversation. Learn more at notshockboxx.com or the immediate past ownership at shockboxxproject.com who will be on the jury.
 

Submit up to 10 pieces for consideration.
Each submission must include:

• Title, medium, dimensions, year completed
• High-resolution images (JPEG, PNG, or PDF)
• Short artist statement (100–200 words) explaining how the work fits the theme

Submission fee: $25 (plus $5 for each additional image)
Apply via CallForEntry.com link

• Open to all artists regardless of location, identity, or background.
• All 2D, 3D, mixed media, photography, and digital works accepted.
• Live performance works accepted but would only be open for two open scheduled windows during the full show.
• Size limit: 10ft x 10ft — works must fit through a small garage door opening.
• All work must be original and available for display during the full run of the exhibit.