AAC 2026 Spring Show

The AAC is seeking submissions for its 2026 Spring Show, a juried AAC MEMBER exhibition. AAC MEMBERS ONLY

The AAC is seeking submissions for its 2026 Spring Show, a juried AAC MEMBER exhibition.

AAC MEMBERS ONLY: You must be a current member of the AAC to be eligible to participate. Entry fee will not be refunded for non-members.

JUROR: Brian Downie

Brian Downie is a Santa Barbara–based artist and art educator whose practice spans drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media. He has a Master’s degree in Art Education from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and has taught art for more than a decade in schools throughout the Santa Barbara area, as well as at Santa Barbara City College. Downie maintains the Free Spirit studio in Santa Barbara’s historic Fithian Building. His work and teaching reflect a commitment to creativity as a vital force in both personal expression and community life.  

WHEN: May 3nd to 29th

INGATHERING: Saturday, May 2nd,10-12pm

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday May 7th, 5-8pm (1st Thursday)

3rd FRIDAY RECEPTION: Friday, May 15th, 5 -8pm

TAKEDOWN: Saturday, May 30th, 10-12pm

ONLINE SUBMISSION: Through CaFE, March 22nd to April 11th.
Up to 5 entries: $25 for 1, $5 more for each one after, payable to CaFE. Please note that the APPLY button will not show before March 22.
 
ENTRY DEADLINE: April 11th, Midnight

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: Monday, April 20th

WHERE: Voice Gallery, La Cumbre Plaza, 121 S. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara.

Voice gallery is a professional gallery space, spacious, well lit, and with plenty of room to showcase beautiful 3D work.

WHAT: Abstract Art both 2D and 3D.

COMMISSION: Artists keep 90% of sales, 10% of sales going to AAC

This show does not call for a specific theme, however, the work is expected to be of abstract nature.

The Abstract Art Collective (AAC) supports a broad definition of abstract art which ranges from non-objective to conceptual, where the degree of abstraction can vary. Abstract art uses a visual language of shape, form, color, and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world. This departure from accurate representation can be slight, partial, or complete.
Our guidelines for accepting work into exhibitions allow for submissions that range from non­-objective, fully abstract work to that in which some images, objects or text are recognizable. Since the line between representational and abstract can be fuzzy, work not seen abstract enough might not be accepted. It is up to the juror to make such a decision autonomously while selecting work for an exhibit.

Presentation Guidelines

Entries will be rejected, if they do not meet the criteria below.

2D

• No more than 4 feet wide with frame.  No limit on height. No more than 6 inches deep.
• Paintings must be back wired with standard multi-strand picture wire.
• Frames and artwork must be clean and dust-free, glass must be clean.
• No giclée copies of original paintings — Inkjet prints of work created digitally, hand-pulled prints and photography are accepted.
• If any part of your work uses non-archival grade ink or paper, you must inform buyers at the time of sale.
• No unframed lightweight canvases less than 1-3/8” in depth, no staples on exposed edges.
• No wet or tacky paint or topcoat.
• No sawtooth hangers.
• Unique presentation: unframed paper, clips, panels, etc. will be accepted on a case by case basis. We understand that some contemporary art does not follow normal rules of presentation.  Delicate presentations are not advised.

3D

• Sculptures should be less than 100 lbs, less than 8 feet high and take less than 6 square feet of floor space. If your work does not meet all these requirements, you are encouraged to contact Eric Saint Georges (ericsgc@hawaii.edu).
• Free standing sculptures should be stable or bolted to a base. AAC reserve the right to reject any work not considered safe.

AAC will provide a limited number of pedestals. Artists are encouraged to bring their own.

DELIVERY: May 2nd, 10-12pm, 

Please make sure that your work is clearly labeled with:
1) Artist Name
2) Medium
3) Title

in the back of a 2D work or attached to a 3D work.

We'll need volunteers to sit in the gallery during the weekends. Please signup. especially if you have not sat yet for some of the past exhibits.  

You must be a current member of the AAC. No refunds for non-members will be given.