Here’s the latest SoCal Art Open Calls

A Life in Color

Summary: “A Life in Color is a group exhibition celebrating lived experience through color. Artists are invited to explore how color can express emotion, identity, culture, and community in everyday life.”
Deadline: 2/22/26
Location: The Chula Vista Center, Chula Vista
Exhibition Dates: 3/28/26 - 6/28/26
Mediums: all 2D or 3D artwork (must be able to hang on a wall)
Entry Fee: No fee

Systems of Power / Systems of Silence

Summary: “The Los Angeles Makery invites artists to submit work for a politically charged group exhibition exploring structures of power, immigration enforcement, state control, and the hidden mechanisms that enable exploitation and abuse. This exhibition seeks artwork that responds to contemporary and historical narratives surrounding detention systems, ICE, immigration policy, institutional secrecy, and the cultural reverberations of elite power networks and protected influence. Artists are encouraged to interrogate themes of justice, accountability, vulnerability, resistance, and survival.”
Deadline: Delivery February 24th-26th or 28th between 12-5pm
Location: Los Angeles Makery, Los Angeles
Exhibition Dates: March 2026
Mediums: All
Entry Fee: No fee

Kingdom Animalia

Summary: “Honoring all creatures of the animal kingdom. Whether they are big or small, flying or swimming, or even creepy and crawly, we want to celebrate the diversity of wildlife through your work. You may submit one piece of art to this exhibition if you’re a San Diego resident or a member of the EAP, art must be your original work.”
Deadline: 3/21/26
Location: Escondido Arts Partnership, Escondido
Exhibition Dates: 4/11/26 - 5/1/26
Mediums: All
Entry Fee: Members: $20, Public: $30

Brand 54: Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper

Summary: “The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale, California announces its 54th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper. Cash awards total more than $4,000, including a Juror’s Award. All accepted artworks will be included in an exhibition at Brand Library’s Gallery and in both printed and online exhibition catalogs. We welcome artists at any point on their artistic journey—students, professionals, and hobbyists.”
Deadline: 3/29/26
Location: Brand Library & Art Center, Glendale
Exhibition Dates: 6/6/26 - 8/28/26
Mediums: “Any artwork on or of paper, including collages, drawings, paintings, photography, prints, and 3-dimensional artworks. This year we will not be including video art. Paper must be a visible component of the artwork.”
Entry Fee: $25

To view previously listed calls that are still open click HERE.

Note From the Publisher- This newsletter serves as a curated list of exhibition opportunities for artists in Southern California. SoCal Art Opportunities is not affiliated with these opportunities and is not involved with the organization of these opportunities. For any questions concerning the opportunities listed in this newsletter, please reach out to the hosting organizations directly.