San Diego's Finest Art Show 2026

This is a juried art competition open to all styles and mediums in 2D art. The exhibition is hosted in the Art Scene West gallery, located in Seaport Village of San Diego CA— one of Southern California’s most iconic waterfront destinations. Selected artists will have their work exhibited for 55 days on our gallery walls, with a 65% sales commission. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 placements, and gallery honors will accompany the honorable mentions. This is a great way to advance your art career and gain exposure in one of California's hottest cities. 

Welcome to San Diego CA, America’s Finest city! Tourists from far and wide visit year around for business, pleasure, and opportunity. In Seaport Village, we get to know them all. Located in the downtown Marina District, we are steps away from the Convention Center and major hotels that host millions of guests each year. Surrounded by restaurants, boutique shops, and the splendid view of the bay, our gallery has become part of the heightened atmosphere and satisfaction that is synonymous with the San Diego experience. 

This international Open Call for Artists marks our 2nd anniversary attracting artists from far and wide to showcase their unique artwork in San Diego CA, one of America's fastest growing cities. San Diego's Finest Art Show is a gallery competition of selected artworks judged by acclaimed career artist, Christopher Paluso, a San Diego native with a nationwide presence spanning over the decades. 

Selected artists will have their artwork proudly displayed on our walls for 55 days, during which time it will be available for sale to the general public and published on our website. Winners of the competition will receive a cash prize and their artworks will be honored with accompanying ribbons during the exhibition for all our guests to see. With this opportunity you are not only bolstering your art career and resume, but are putting your work in the physical presence of potential collectors from world-wide backgrounds and professions.

PRIZES:

1. 1ST PLACE - $250
2. 2ND PLACE - $150
3. 3RD PLACE - $100
4. HONORABLE MENTION - Gallery Honors
5. ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - Gallery Honors
6. RISING STAR - Gallery Honors

DETAILS:

• All 2D, hanging artwork should not exceed 36” (including frame) on its longest side, or an additional fee will be required if the piece is invited to participate.
• Sculptures must not be larger than 16” high x 8” wide x 8” deep, and must not exceed 45lbs in weight.
• Pieces will be selected based on their overall quality, understanding, and originality portrayed in their artwork photos.
• Art Scene West will remit 65% of the sales commission to the artist and withhold 35% for gallery expenses.
• Artists selected for the exhibition will have their biographies and artworks published and promoted throughout our social media handles and website.
• The in-gallery exhibition will be live from August 24th - October 18th, 2026. (55 days)
• The Award Ceremony and Reception will be hosted tentatively on September 5th.

TIMELINE:

1. The Submission deadline is July 18th, 2025
2. Selected Artists will be notified by July 22nd.
3. Selected artworks should be delivered to Art Scene West by August 10th.
4. Artworks can be retrieved or will be sent back beginning October 19th, 2026.

GALLERY LOCATION: 

Art Scene West, 803 W Harbor Drive, suite E1-E, San Diego 92101.

FEES:

There is a $35 submission fee to thoroughly review the artist's work and biography. For artists who are selected into the exhibition, there is a participation fee of $150 to be part of the competition and gallery exhibition. This helps cover the costs of promoting the exhibition, handling and curating the artwork inside the gallery, and uploading the artist’s content onto our website and social media channels. Artists are responsible for shipping and return-shipping fees.

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

Artwork Image Requirements:

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

• Maximum 4 images of the artwork.
• Only clear and accurate images of an artwork will be considered.
• Artwork Information must be accurate and up-to-date.

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)
• Medium
• Proposed asking price in USD

Artist Information 

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

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

Other Artist Information Requirements

Art Scene West requests a reliable communication method to contact artists we are interested in representing. 

• Email address
• Phone number

• All 2D and 3D artwork styles, mediums, subject matter, and genre's are welcomed to submit.
• This is an International Open Call.
• All works of art must be an original creation of the participating artist.
• All works of art must be available for sale.