Icons: Art for the Ages

 Icons: Art for the Ages invites artists to uniquely portray their perspectives of the symbols, figures, emblems, places and trends that have left their mark in our collective society. This is an international art call where up to 20 artists will be selected to showcase inside our San Diego art gallery, Art Scene West. With visitors coming from all over the world and across the nation to enjoy all of what San Diego has to offer, this is a prestigious opportunity for every emerging and established artist looking for a gallery opportunity. Artists get 4 image submissions, 60% of their sales commission, and online + in-gallery promotion and sales representation. 

From pop culture legends to sacred monuments, timeless brands to everyday objects that shaped society—these things define so much of who we are, what we value, and what endures through the generations. Icons: Art for the Ages invites artists to uniquely portray their perspectives of the symbols, figures, emblems, places and trends that have left their mark in our collective society. 

This international exhibition calls on artists’ creative powers to visually immortalize the influence icons have on our society, and the thoughts they spur within us. Whether inspired by historical or fictional figures, cultural movements, or physical wonders of the world, we welcome your unique background and creative interpretation of what it means to be “iconic.”

All mediums are accepted—painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, and beyond. Selected works will be exhibited both in-person at the Art Scene West Gallery in Seaport Village of San Diego, California, and online on our website and social media platforms. 

This is a special opportunity for both emerging and established artists to promote their artwork in a professional gallery as part of a curated exhibition, in a popular tourist destination. Just walking distance from the major hotels and San Diego Convention Center, we receive visitors from all walks of life, looking for fun, entertainment, and something special to take home. 

EXHIBITION DETAILS:

Exhibition Dates: June 8th - August 2nd (55 Days).

Entries: Artists may enter up to 4 different works, or a total of 4 images, per submission. Each entry is juried individually. Multiple submissions are allowed. 

Selection Criteria: Artworks are juried according to their originality, overall quality, and relevance to the exhibition theme, as determined by the images submitted, compared to all other submissions.

Art Scene West will remit 60% of the sales commission to the artist and withhold 40% for gallery expenses. 

Size Limits:

2D works: Maximum 36” on the longest side (including frame). Larger works will be considered with an additional fee if accepted.

3D / Sculpture: Maximum 16” (H) × 8” (W) × 8” (D); maximum weight 45 lbs.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: May 18th, 2026.

Notification of Acceptance: between May 18th - 20th.

Artwork Delivery: by June 5th 

Opening Reception: June 13th, 2026 at Art Scene West Gallery.

Gallery Location:

Seaport Village, 803 W Harbor Drive, suite E1-E, San Diego 92101.

Online at www.artscenewest.com

Fees:

There is a $35 Submission Fee to thoroughly review the artist's work and biography. For artists who are selected into the exhibition, the Participation Fee is $100. This helps make the exhibition possible, covering the expenses of promoting the exhibition, handling and curating the artwork inside the gallery, uploading the artist’s content onto our website and social media channels, and daily operations of the gallery. 

Artists are responsible for all shipping and return-shipping fees.
 

Artists must meet and accept the requirements below as outlined by Art Scene West. 

ARTWORK SUBMISSION IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

Artists are encouraged to send images of the highest quality that will best represent their artwork to both the gallery and its patrons. The images submitted for review will be the same used on the Art Scene West website if selected. 

• Maximum 4 images per submission. Images can be of the same or of different artworks.
• Only clear and accurate images of an artwork will be considered.
• Artwork containing nudity, profanity, or vulgarity will not be accepted.

ARTWORK INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

The information you provide here will be used on our gallery website and on the labels inside our gallery. 

• Title of Artwork
• Dimensions in inches (height x width x depth)
• Medium
• Year Completed
• Updated Price in USD

ARTIST INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

The information you provide here will be used on our gallery website and social media handles if selected.

• Artist bio (3rd person, 300 words max)
• Artist statement (1st person, 300 words max)
• Artist photo (encouraged, not required)
• Social media links (if applicable)
• Website (if applicable)
• City and State of residence and/or Country of Origin

OTHER  INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

Art Scene West requests a reliable communication method to contact artists we are interested in representing. We will use this information in the case of sales, shipping, or any other matters requiring fast communication. 

• Email address
• Phone number
• Shipping Address

• All works of art must be an original creation of the submitting/participating artist and must be available for sale.
• Artists must be at least 18 years of age.
• Artwork must be an original or artist-proof / limited print.