2026 Convergence of Creativity: Unexpected

 Unexpected invites artists ages 16 through senior adults to explore the surprising, unconventional, humorous, mysterious, or unforeseen. Artists may interpret the theme literally or conceptually, discovering the unexpected in everyday objects, nature, relationships, memories, materials, or imagination. What happens when something ordinary becomes extraordinary? When familiar becomes
strange? When an idea takes an unexpected direction?

Accepted mediums include photography, mixed media, printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, and digital art.

2026 CONVERGENCE OF CREATIVITY 

THEME: Unexpected

 Unexpected invites artists ages 16 through senior adults to explore the surprising, unconventional, humorous, mysterious, or unforeseen. Artists may interpret the theme literally or conceptually, discovering the unexpected in everyday objects, nature, relationships, memories, materials, or imagination. What happens when something ordinary becomes extraordinary? When familiar becomes strange. When an idea takes an unexpected direction?

Accepted mediums include photography, mixed media, printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, and digital art.

Juror

Paul Naas

 LOCATION

Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery
12501 Alcosta Blvd.
San Ramon, CA 94583

TIMELINE

Exhibit on display Nov 14 - Dec 16

• August 14: Online applications open
• October 4: Online applications close
• October 16: Selection notification via email
• Nov. 5-6: Artwork drop off, 8:30am-8:30pm
• Nov 14: Public artists’ reception, 6pm-8:00pm
• Dec 17-18: Artwork pick up, 8:30am-8:30pm

CATEGORIES

• Photography
• Mixed Media/Printmaking
• Painting
• Drawing
• Ceramics/Sculpture
• Digital Art

AWARDS

Overall

Best in Show: $150 gift certificate

Per Category

Blue Ribbon: $100 gift certificate
Red Ribbon: $75 gift certificate
White Ribbon: $50 gift certificate

RECEPTION

Awards will be announced at the public exhibition reception, held on Saturday, Nov. 14th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Live classical music will be provided by the talented Chamber Ensemble of San Ramon Academy of Music. The San Ramon Arts Foundation and Visual Art Society of San Ramon will be on site to support the event. All are welcome as we look forward to celebrating and connecting our region’s talented and diverse artist community

QUESTIONS

Recreation Coordinator Ri Thomas
Email: rthomas@sanramon.ca.gov
Phone: 925-973-3322

• Submit the application via CAFe at cityofsanramon.info/unexpected
• $15 entry per entry, plus convenience fee (Non-Refundable)
• Artists can enter up to 3 works in their application.
• Students $5 coupon Code: StudentHi5
• Images of the artwork provided in the application must be jpeg file format
• Artist statement describing each entry and how it relates to the theme (200 words or less)
• Selections and award winners will be made by a blind jury (they will not see personal info)

Artists 16yrs and older within the following categories:

• Photography
• Mixed Media/Printmaking
• Painting
• Drawing
• Ceramics/Sculpture
• Digital Art

Other Requirement Considerations:

• Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work are accepted
• Work is original, conceived, and created entirely by the entering artist (No AI-generated work)
• 2D work may not exceed 30" x 40", including the frame, and be under 40 lbs.
• 3D work should not exceed 18" x 18" x 18" and be under 50 lbs.
• Pieces displayed in last year’s juried exhibits are not eligible for entry
• Work does not contain nudity, violence, or otherwise inappropriate imagery or themes