Americana Reimagined

On the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Americana Reimagined invites artists from across the greater Bay Area to explore, reinterpret, and reimagine the visual language of “Americana”. This juried exhibition looks beyond nostalgia to examine how familiar symbols, stories, and styles evolve over time—bridging the past and present through creativity and craft. 

On the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Americana Reimagined invites artists from across the greater Bay Area to explore, reinterpret, and reimagine the visual language of “Americana”. This juried exhibition looks beyond nostalgia to examine how familiar symbols, stories, and styles evolve over time—bridging the past and present through creativity and craft. 

“Americana” has long served as a reflection of everyday life and culture, from small-town iconography and handmade crafts to design movements and popular imagery. In Americana Reimagined artists are invited to reexamine this broad theme, juxtaposing the old and the new, and honoring timeless motifs while offering fresh perspectives on what they mean today.

Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit work that:

• Reinterprets traditional American symbols, materials, locations, or aesthetics in new ways
• Juxtaposes historical and contemporary styles or narratives
• Draws inspiration from crafting, folk traditions, or architectural design, music or movies
• Reimagines cultural or regional identity through a personal or modern lens

AWARDS 

Awards will be determined through a juried selection process. All exhibited works will be reviewed by our three exhibition jurors based on artistic merit, originality, technical skill, and overall impact. Winners will be announced and featured in the PAC newsletter and social media.

• First Prize $300
• Second Prize and Third Prize: $200 and $100 respectively.
• Honorable Mention: one artist

SUMMARY OF KEY DATES

SPECIAL NOTE: THIS CALL ENDS ON FEBRUARY 20 AT 5PM.

·      March 12-April 18, 2026

·      Reception: Thursday, March 12, 5:30-7:30pm

·      Call For Entry: Released December 4, 2025

·      Deadline: Friday, February 20 at 5:00pm PST

·      Notification: Artists are notified on February 27 by 5:00pm PST

·      Delivery to Petaluma Arts Center: Friday and Saturday, March 6-7 from 12-4pm

·      Art Pick Up: Mark Your Calendar: Saturday, April 18 from 4:00-4:30pm (closing day), Sunday, April 19, 12-4pm; Monday, April 20, 10-11:30am

Jurors

Donna Seager is known for her expertise in contemporary art and book-related arts. She started as Donna Seager Gallery in 2005 and became Seager Gray in 2011 in Mill Valley, which specialized in contemporary fine art. Having transitioned to operating as Donna Seager Fine Arts & Artists’ Books after the gallery's closure, she continues to curate exhibitions and work with artists and collectors, with a specific focus on works that combine content and material mastery. 

Richard Neill is a multimedia artist and film curator. His work often references the social and cultural language of the built environment. His photographic and film installations have been exhibited at the MAK Museum Vienna, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, National Building Museum, and the Sonoma Valley Art Museum.

Simon Corwin has explored various media including ceramics, stained glass, weaving, clothing design and jewelry. Her current work is creating large-scale necklaces comprised of vintage beads. She is a member of the Exhibitions Committee at Petaluma Arts Center. 

Petaluma Arts Center

In 2008, the Petaluma Arts Center (PAC) opened its current 4,500 square foot facility located in the historic Railroad Depot Freight Building, next door to the Petaluma Visitors Center and SMART Train station. PAC has grown to become a gem of Petaluma. We highlight the creativity in Petaluma and Sonoma County through diverse art exhibitions, performances and education. We nurture talented youth and artists’ careers at all stages. In 2024 and 2025, PAC won the People’s Choice Award for Best Art Gallery. Address: 230 Lakeville Street (next to the Visitors Center and SMART train off of E. Washington Street).   https://www.petalumaartscenter.org/.

FOR QUESTIONS related to the exhibition or application, email: info@petalumaartscenter.org. For technical questions about submission, contact the help desk at: https://www.callforentry.org/.

Entry fee is $15.00 per entry. Maximum Submission: Up to 4 entries per person (total entry fee: $60). Application fees are nonrefundable.

Media

2D, 3D artworks (not to exceed 40 pounds); All media including video (HD format) and audio (MP3 format).

Submission Requirements

Please see the detailed instructions on the CAFE website. Works submitted can be completed at any point in the artist’s career. 

2D/3D Art: All images must be JPEG or JPG, under 5 MB, with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. All images should be at least 300 dpi resolution.   

Video: MOV, MP4, WMV, 3GP, AVI, ASF, MPG, M2T, MKV, M2TS, under 100 MB, or link to a file on YouTube or Vimeo

Audio: AIFF, WAV, XMF, MP3, under 10 MB, or a link to SoundCloud, Spotify, or iTunes

Please name each JPEG or Audio/Video submission file with the title of the work only, not your name. 

PAC retains a 40% commission on art sales.

Two-dimensional work must be suitably framed and have all hardware ready for hanging.

All other work must be installation ready with instructions if necessary.  

Each accepted artwork must arrive with labeling (artist name, artwork title, media, retail price) securely affixed to the artwork.

Artworks should not be larger than 48 inches (framed) on the longest side and not weigh more than 40 lbs. Sculpture should not be larger than 24 inches on any dimension. 

All artwork must be delivered to the Arts Center in person. No shipping.

Deadline and Announcement Dates:

NOTE THE CALL'S END TIME AS 5PM ON FEB 20

Entry will close at 5:00pm PST on February 20, 2026. 

Artists will be notified via email by 5:00 pm PST on February 27, 2026. No phone inquiries, please.

Delivery to Petaluma Arts Center: Friday and Saturday, March 6 and March 7 from noon to 4:00pm. In-person delivery only. Please have a friend or family member deliver your work if these times are not suitable.

All artists, 18 and older, living in the following 10 northern California counties: (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Lake).