The Crow Show 2027

The original San Diego THE CROW SHOW 2027 marks its thirteenth annual national exhibition of visual arts, running February 19–April 2, 2027, at The Studio Door. For over a decade, this beloved exhibition has brought together artists from across the nation to explore diverse interpretations of our feathered neighbor, the crow. From realistic portrayals to flights of fantasy, creative interpretations of black birds, ravens and other Corvus species are welcome.

Juror: Patric Stillman, Gallery Owner of The Studio Door

Artists can enter up to three (3) pieces for consideration. Payment of $35 per initial entry and $5 for per additional media. [1 work of art = $35; 2 works = $40; or 3 works = $45].

Submission Deadline:  January 16, 2026  - 10:59 PM PST 

Awards: 3 works will receive a Juror's Award certificate and a check for $100

THE CROW SHOW 2027 PROSPECTUS

THE CROW SHOW 2027 marks the thirteenth annual national exhibition of visual arts celebrating our feathered neighbor, the crow. Produced by The Studio Door, the exhibition runs February 19–April 2, 2027.

For over a decade, The Crow Show has brought artists from across the nation together through a shared fascination with this enigmatic bird. Revered in cultures around the world, the crow has long been a symbol of mystery, transformation, and intelligence. Whether a harbinger of change or a messenger of hope, these birds captivate our imaginations.

Artists are invited to explore the crow’s many faces, whether rooted in reality or soaring through the realms of fantasy. What does the crow embody for you? Share your unique vision. Creative interpretations of black birds, ravens, and other Corvus species are welcome.

Gallery walkthrough videos of past exhibitions can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thestudiodoor

EXHIBITION DATES

February 19–April 2, 2027

Artwork, including items sold, must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

PUBLIC RECEPTIONS

Due to the popularity of this exhibition, this year will include two gallery receptions.

Saturday, February 20, 2027 • 6–9 PM OPENING RECEPTION 

Saturday, March 27, 2027 • 6–9 PM FINAL RECEPTION

JUROR

Patric Stillman • The Studio Door

Patric Stillman is an artist, curator, and founder of The Studio Door, the independent San Diego gallery he established in 2014. His curatorial work emphasizes artistic excellence and the individual perspectives that give contemporary art its power. Through The Crow Show, he invites artists to move beyond familiar imagery and reveal something unexpected about the crow or within the artistry.

Stillman served as a juror for the Oceanside Museum of Art’s 2025 Biennial and writes a monthly arts column for The WORD San Diego. His community work has been recognized with the Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award and designation as a Hillcrest Hero.

BEST IN SHOW

Three artists will each receive a $100 Juror’s Award for artworks that offer imaginative and compelling interpretations of the theme. Works will be considered for originality, artistic execution, emotional impact, and creative interpretation.

GALLERY & ONLINE GALLERY

The juror will select works for exhibition at The Studio Door in San Diego and additional works for the online gallery only. The online exhibition allows more artwork to be seen beyond the physical gallery’s capacity.

Artists may select consideration for “in gallery,” “online gallery,” or both during the application process. All accepted works, including online-only selections, are eligible for Best in Show.

CATALOG

All selected artwork, both in-gallery and online-only, will be included in The Crow Show 2027 national exhibition catalog. The catalog will be available online and through print-on-demand.

2026’s catalog can be viewed at https://heyzine.com/flip-book/thecrowshowcatalog2026

USE OF IMAGERY

Participating artists grant The Studio Door permission to photograph accepted artwork and reproduce submitted artwork images in the exhibition catalog, online exhibition, and related marketing and publicity without compensation.

ARTWORK PRESENTATION

Two-dimensional artwork must arrive professionally presented, gallery ready, and ready to hang. Black wood or natural wood frames are preferred when framing is used.

Due to shipping challenges, framed two-dimensional artwork must use plexiglass rather than glass. Glass and ceramic works will be accepted only if hand-delivered and picked up by the artist.

CaFÉ SUBMISSION PROCESS

All submissions are handled through CaFÉ at https://www.callforentry.org. Artists must create a free CaFÉ profile, upload their artwork images and information, and complete the exhibition application.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS

Submit JPG or JPEG images measuring at least 1,200 pixels on the longest side, with a file size no larger than 5 MB per image. Follow CaFÉ’s current upload requirements.

For technical assistance with image uploads, contact CaFÉ directly.

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS

Artists will be notified by Friday, January 22, 2027.

Every applicant will receive an email, whether or not artwork is selected. Artists may receive separate notices for in-gallery and online-only selections.

If you have not received notification by January 23, please check your spam folder before contacting The Studio Door.

SHIPPING OF ARTWORK

Shipped artwork must arrive no later than Friday, February 12, 2027. Unsold artwork will be shipped out on Tuesday, April 6, 2027.

Artwork must be sent in reusable packaging with no Styrofoam packing peanuts. Fragile works must be double-boxed and sufficiently padded to prevent damage in transit. The Studio Door is not responsible for damage caused in transit.

Artists are responsible for shipping costs and must provide prepaid return shipping labels through UPS or FedEx. Labels must accompany the artwork unless other arrangements have been made with The Studio Door before the exhibition. Artwork without return shipping arrangements will not be exhibited.

If your carrier cannot provide a prepaid return label, contact The Studio Door to discuss alternatives.

HAND-DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

Saturday, February 13, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM Earlier delivery is available by appointment.

Delivery of large works or small installations must be scheduled to avoid interfering with other exhibitions.

Artwork accepted for the online gallery only does not need to be delivered.

PICKUP OF ARTWORK

Saturday, April 3, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM Tuesday, April 6, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM

Artwork left beyond the scheduled pickup dates may be subject to a late fee of $50 per day and/ or discarded by The Studio Door.

SALES OF ART

Artists receive 50% of the sale price, and The Studio Door retains 50%. All artwork must be available for sale. Sold works must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

The Studio Door will mail artist commission checks within 30 days after the exhibition closes, no later than May 2, 2027.

PRICING CONSIDERATION

Artists are encouraged to consider price points when applying. Based on the gallery’s experience, sales remain strongest below $2,500, with $500 being an average first-time patron purchase.

Participation also offers opportunities to reach new audiences. Artists are encouraged to document their inclusion and use the exhibition to support their own marketing efforts.

SUSTAINABILITY NOTE

Artists are encouraged to use sustainable, environmentally responsible packaging when shipping artwork.

IMPORTANT DATES

QUESTIONS?

Email: forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com Website: https://www.thestudiodoor.com

To support the exhibition through a donation or funded award, please contact The Studio Door. Help spread the word by encouraging fellow artists to enter.

NONREFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE

Artists may submit one to three artworks. The entry fee is $35 for the first artwork and $5 for each additional artwork.

• One artwork: $35
• Two artworks: $40
• Three artworks: $45

Payments are processed through CaFÉ.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Saturday, January 16, 2027 • 10:59 PM Pacific Standard Time Equivalent to 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time.

The complete application, including artwork images and payment, must be submitted through CaFÉ before the deadline.

ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE

Two-dimensional work: Maximum height of 60” and width of 40”, including the frame.

Three-dimensional work: Sculpture and small installation work are encouraged. Sculpture must fit through an average doorway and may not exceed 8 feet in height. Installation artists should reach out to The Studio Door before applying.

Contact forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com before submitting if you have questions about size or installation requirements.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Crow Show is open to visual artists working in the exhibition’s theme.

This is considered a national exhibition based in the United States. Due to shipping costs, tariffs, and potential customs issues, international artists may participate exclusively in the online exhibition. International sales will be handled through The Studio Door, with shipping costs determined in consultation with the artist and paid by the purchaser.

Accepted media include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist books, and sculpture. Oversized jewelry that can be presented as fine art is also eligible.

Glass, stained glass, ceramics, and stoneware are subject to the hand-delivery and pickup requirements stated above.

Performance art is not accepted. Video, film, installation, and works requiring an external electrical source require gallery approval before submission. Contact forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com to discuss these works.

All submissions must be the artist’s original work and available for sale.