HOPE, a visual arts exhibition

HOPE is a juried exhibition of visual arts running September 25 – November 6, 2026, produced by The Studio Door.

In times of uncertainty, art has the power to lift our spirits and remind us why hope matters. HOPE invites Southern California artists to create work that collectors will want to bring into their homes as a daily reminder that beauty, resilience and possibility still exist. Together, we can fill our walls and our community with reasons to look forward.

Juror: Patric Stillman, Gallery Owner of The Studio Door.

Artists may enter up to three (3) pieces for consideration. Payment of $35 per initial entry and $5 for each additional artwork. 1 work = $35 • 2 works = $40 • 3 works = $45

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026 – 10:59 PM PDT

Awards: Three artists will receive a Juror's Award certificate and a $100 cash award.

HOPE is a juried exhibition of visual arts running September 25 – November 6, 2026, produced by The Studio Door.

Hope is easy to overlook when the world feels uncertain. Yet every work of art begins with the belief that an idea is worth sharing and that another person will find meaning in it.

This exhibition asks a simple question: What gives you hope?

The answer belongs to each artist. We are not looking for a single message or a prescribed point of view. We are looking for work that is authentic and capable of creating a lasting connection with those who experience it. Wherever you find it, we invite you to share it.

The Studio Door believes the artwork we choose to live with matters. It shapes our homes, our workplaces and the conversations we have every day. HOPE is an invitation for artists to create work that collectors will want to welcome into their lives, not only because it is beautiful but because it enriches everyday life and offers a renewed sense of possibility.

Together, we can remind San Diego that the artwork we choose to live with has the power to shape our everyday lives.

Open to Southern California visual artists.

EXHIBITION DATES

September 25 – November 6, 2026

Artwork, including sold works, will remain on exhibit for the duration of the exhibition.

PUBLIC RECEPTION

A public reception is scheduled for:

Saturday, October 17, 2026
6 PM – 9 PM

JUROR

Patric Stillman

Founder & Gallery Director, The Studio Door

Patric Stillman is an artist, curator and founder of The Studio Door, where he has spent more than a decade creating opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and connect with collectors. His curatorial philosophy is rooted in authenticity. He believes every exhibition should tell a story, encourage conversation and strengthen the relationship between artists and the community.

His experience includes serving as juror for the 2025 Oceanside Museum of Art Biennial and producing nationally recognized exhibitions that have become annual traditions in San Diego. As an artist, his work has been exhibited internationally and is represented in museum collections. He also writes a monthly arts column for The WORD San Diego and co-hosts the podcast Beyond Gallery Walls.

Stillman's contributions to the arts have been recognized with the 2024 Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award presented by San Diego Pride. Through The Studio Door, he continues to champion artists by creating exhibitions that encourage meaningful connections between art, artists, and those who choose to live with original work.

BEST IN SHOW

Three Juror's Awards of $100 each will be presented to artists whose work best embodies the spirit of HOPE.

The juror will recognize artwork that reflects originality and invites viewers to carry its message beyond the gallery walls.

GALLERY & ONLINE GALLERY

The juror will select artwork to be exhibited at The Studio Door in San Diego. Due to the gallery's limited exhibition space, not every accepted submission can be included. Artists are encouraged to submit their strongest work for consideration.

ARTWORK PRESENTATION

2-D artwork must arrive gallery ready and ready to hang. Professional presentation is required. Black or natural wood frames are preferred.

Glass may be accepted since all participating artists are local; however, artists are responsible for hand delivery and pickup of fragile work.

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS

Artists will be notified by September 4, 2026.

HAND DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

Accepted artwork must be delivered:

Saturday, September 19, 2026
11 AM – 5 PM

Large-scale artwork or installations should be scheduled in advance with The Studio Door.

PICK-UP OF ARTWORK

Artwork may be picked up:

Saturday, November 7, 2026
4 PM – 5 PM

or

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11 AM – 5 PM

Artwork left beyond the pickup dates may be subject to a storage fee of $50 per day and/or disposal.

SALES

All artwork must be available for sale and will remain on exhibit for the duration of the exhibition, including works that have been purchased.

Sales are divided 50% to the artist and 50% to The Studio Door. Artist commission checks will be mailed no later than December 12, 2026.

The Studio Door believes original art belongs in everyday life. Every purchase directly supports the exhibiting artist while helping The Studio Door continue presenting exhibitions that connect artists with new collectors. We encourage artists to price their work thoughtfully, recognizing that accessible price points often invite first-time collectors to begin living with original art.

IMPORTANT DATES (SUMMARY)

• 07/01/26– Call for Artists opens
• 08/31/26 – Call for Artists closes
• 09/04/26 – Artists notified of selection
• 09/19/26– Drop Off Artwork (local): 11 AM - 5 PM
• 09/25/26 – Exhibition opens to the public (no event)
• 10/17/26– Public Reception: 6 PM – 9 PM
• 11/06/26 – Show closes
• 11/07/26 – Artwork Pick Up Date I: 4 PM - 5 PM
• 11/10/26– Artwork Pick Up Date II: 11 AM - 5 PM
• 12/12/26– Artist Commission Checks Final Deadline

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

NON-REFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE

An entry consists of one to three (3) artworks.

Entry Fee:

• 1 artwork: $35
• 2 artworks: $40
• 3 artworks: $45

Entry fees are non-refundable and processed through CAFÉ™ (CallForEntry.org).

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All applications, images, and required information must be submitted through CAFÉ™ no later than:

Monday, August 31, 2026
10:59 PM PDT

Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.

ARTWORK SIZE

2-D Artwork

• Maximum Height: 7.5 feet (including frame)
• Maximum Width: 4 feet (including frame)

3-D Artwork
Sculpture and small installation work are welcome. Artwork must fit through a standard doorway and may not exceed 8 feet in height.

If you have questions regarding the size or installation requirements of your artwork, please contact The Studio Door before submitting your application.

• Eligibility: Visual Artists
   
• Categories Accepted: Fine Art: Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, and sculpture. Oversized jewelry that can be defined as fine art is acceptable for this show.

This exhibition does not accept performance art. Video, film, installation, and works requiring an external electrical source require gallery approval. If you want to be considered, please contact The Studio Door at forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com before submitting to this call for artists. Submissions must be the artist’s original work, and all artwork must be available for sale.