O Say Can You See... The Soul of Our Nation

Sanchez Art Center and Citizen Joy are collaborating on O Say Can You See to showcase art that shows our determination to create a future together that’s worthy of our hopes and dreams. We invite artists to submit works that embody and envision their aspirations for the future of our country and its peoples, (re)imaging what we can be.  

The exhibition will run from May 29 to June 28, 2026, in anticipation of the July 4, 2026 Semiquincentenntial - the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 
An opening reception will be held on Fri, May 29, 7 - 9 pm. 

An Artists Statement, reflective of each work submitted, is an integral part of the submission and will be considered during the jury process.  

Citizen Joy is a national coalition of artists, arts organizations, and educators from all disciplines using art to cut through the doom and gloom about politics and energize people to do what they can to protect democratic rights and freedoms.  

Sanchez Art Center invites all California visual artists 18 years and older to enter “O Say Can You See… The Soul of Our Nation”.  

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
America has again come to a crossroads.  “We the People” are being torn apart and thrust into a period of polarization and increasing acrimony.  The result is a time in history where communities are understandably anxious and wondering about the future. 

People are asking:  Is the American Dream we’ve held dear still alive — a place where anyone, regardless of background, can realize a better life, find freedom, and thrive.  Or, was the vision for our country just an illusion? 

On July 4, 2026, America will stand before the world. Beyond the fireworks, will we see the country collapsing under the pressure of growing authoritarianism that is intentionally fueling division and resentment — or — a democratic republic renewed with courage and optimism?

Artists have always been at the center of the nation’s soul. You’ve told us the truth when no one else would: of broken dreams and second chances; of ordinary people holding on to dignity in hard times; and, how to hold onto purpose when circumstances seem bleak.   Artists are our catalysts with the power to move hearts, open eyes, and expand our potential to realize and continue to believe in what is possible. 

We need that power now—images and perspectives that transcend politics, encourage hope, and that advance the vision of a just society and collective well being where all can experience opportunity and enjoy liberty and happiness.

We need art that speaks to our fears and that sings them into glorious compassionate harmony.  Art that dares to imagine a future rooted in hope. We need art and artists to show us the America that’s still possible if we don’t give up on each other.

Because in the end, it’s not red or blue—it’s whether we can find common ground in the dirt, sweat, and hope that built this country, and pass it on, holding high the banner of democracy, strengthened and ready for the next generations to come. 

Sanchez Art Center and Citizen Joy are collaborating on O Say Can You See to showcase art that shows our determination to create a future together that’s worthy of our hopes and dreams. We invite artists to submit works that embody and envision their aspirations for the future of our country and its peoples, (re)imaging what we can be.  

The exhibition will run from May 29 to June 28 in anticipation of the July 4, 2026 Semi-quincentenntial - the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Additional Information about the Exhibition:  

• This exhibition is a juried in-gallery show with physical works displayed in the East Gallery at Sanchez Art Center.
• Images of the artworks juried into the exhibition will also be available for viewing anywhere there is an internet connected device via Sanchez Art Center’s virtual galleries. 
• Additionally, a 'print-on-demand' catalog will be created for the show.

ABOUT SANCHEZ ART CENTER 

The mission of Sanchez Art Center is to create community through art. Established in 1996 when artists and community members converted an old elementary school into a multi-use complex, Sanchez Art Center offers a comfortable and welcoming place for the community to come together, engage and be enriched by the arts. Today the Pacifica Center for the Arts overall campus includes three (3) galleries, studio space for 30 visual artists, the Mary Harris Arts Education Room, and the Mildred Owen Concert Hall.

Sanchez Art Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, provides free exhibitions and talks by emerging and established west coast artists, education and engagement designed to make art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and affordable art studios for San Francisco Bay Area artists.

http://www.sanchezartcenter.org/

ABOUT CITIZEN JOY 

Citizen Joy is a national coalition of artists, arts organizations, and educators from all disciplines using art to cut through the doom and gloom about politics and energize people to do what they can to protect democratic rights and freedoms.

https://citizenjoy.org/

ABOUT THE JUROR
Jeff Raz is the founder of Citizen Joy, coordinating a nation-wide network of visual and performing artists with the aim of interpreting the themes of gratitude, agency and harmony through art. 

Jeff has performed nationally and internationally for decades, starring in circuses, including Cirque du Soleil and the Pickle Family Circus, and as an actor in theaters from Berkeley Rep to Broadway. Jeff’s three novels, The Circus Trilogy, and his upcoming non-fiction book An International Circus Affair, are inspired by his career. He is a graduate of Dell’Arte International, where he has also taught, and was the co-founder of Vaudeville Nouveau, The Clown Conservatory and the Medical Clown Project. In addition, he has written twenty plays, directed dozens of circus, dance, puppet, and theater productions and worked globally as a communications consultant.

ABOUT THE CURATORS
"O Say Can You See, The Soul of Our Nation" will be co-curated by Barbara Kibbe and the Sanchez East Gallery Committee (SAC studio artists and staff).  Barbara is a painter, printmaker, quilt artist and occasional curator.  She served as co-curator of two currently touring exhibitions:
Prism Play:  A Full Spectrum of Art Quilts, and,
Printed & Stitched:  Examining the Overlap Between the Hand Pulled Print and the Art Quilt.  

The exhibition can accommodate both 2D and 3D work as well as some video presentations.  

Up to three (3) artworks can be submitted.  

An artist statement reflecting on the theme noted above, for each submitted work is part of the application and jurying process.  

There are no restrictions on the publication of artwork prior to submission. Artists are encouraged to display and discuss the progress of their work on the social media platforms of their choice.

Submissions to O Say Can You See...  The Soul of Our Nation" are open to all California visual artists age 18 and older.  The Call for Entry deadline to enter is Tues, April 14, 2026, 10:59 pm.  

Artists will be notified of juror results by Mon, April 27, 2026, 5pm.  
Artists will be asked to confirm acceptance into the exhibition by Wed, April 29, 2026, 5pm.