AAC 2026 Fall Show

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

The AAC is seeking submissions for its 2026 Fall 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: Susan Tibbles

Susan Tibbles works in mixed media assemblage using found and fabricated objects in an idiosyncratic and imaginative way. She moves fluidly between sculptural and constructional formats and her images often involve composition structures more closely linked with works on canvas or paper. In Tibbles' fine art and in her illustration, psychological and sociological complexities inform metaphors distilled from discarded objects animated by rearrangement in novel configurations. Much of the strength of her work lies in the decontextualization, reconditioning, and enshrining of bits and pieces of American culture, combined to forge icons from the patchwork of common historical experience. Her work reunites us with our past, throws our present into stark relief, and forecasts our future. She currently serves as the Gallery Curator and Director of Exhibitions at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club.

WHEN: August 31 - September 25, 2026

INGATHERING: Sunday, August 30,10am-12pm

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, September 3, 5-8pm (1st Thursday)

3rd FRIDAY RECEPTION: Friday, September 18, 5-8pm

TAKEDOWN: Saturday, September 26, 10am-12pm

ONLINE SUBMISSION: Through CaFE, July 19 - August 8, 2026.
Up to 4 entries: $30 for 1, $10 more for each one after, payable to CaFE. Please note that the APPLY button will not show before July 19.
 
ENTRY DEADLINE: August 8, 2026, Midnight

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: Tuesday, August 18. Please note that there may be more than one notification email. Please check all emails from CaFE.

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.
• All 2D submissions must be ready to hang, 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: August 30, 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 hosted for some of the past exhibits.  

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