Stanislaus Arts Council’s Exhibition Program
Exhibition Program Information
The Stanislaus Arts Council is proud to present a vibrant year-round Exhibition Program, showcasing work from artists of all ages, backgrounds, and disciplines. Our exhibitions are hosted at 1315 J Street in downtown Modesto, a shared creative space that houses both the Stanislaus Arts Council and Visit Modesto, our community’s visitor center. This collaborative environment fosters connection, dialogue, and inspiration through the arts.
Exhibition Opportunities & Submission Details
We offer a dynamic range of juried exhibitions throughout the year, each designed to highlight artistic excellence, amplify diverse voices, and encourage community engagement through visual storytelling.
All artwork submissions are processed via the Smarter Entry platform. Each exhibition is professionally juried and judged, with awards presented to at least three works per exhibition.
Submission Fees
Unless otherwise noted, all exhibitions follow the standard fee structure below:
$40 for the first submission
$30 for each additional submission
Maximum: 8 total submissions per artist per exhibition
Member Discounted Rates:
$25 for the first submission
$15 for each additional submission
Membership discount codes are provided within each official Call for Artists. Please note: If a discount code is used without an active membership, you will be invoiced for membership before your submission is accepted.
Commission Rates & Artwork Sales
All artwork submitted to Stanislaus Arts Council exhibitions must be for sale.
We are proud to provide artists with opportunities to share and sell their work in a community-centered, professionally managed gallery setting. To sustain this work and ensure future exhibitions, a portion of each sale is retained by the Stanislaus Arts Council.
Commission Structure:
Members receive 60% of the sale price
Non-members receive 50% of the sale price
Artist payments are issued within one month of the close of the exhibition.
The portion of sales retained by the Stanislaus Arts Council directly supports our mission to support artists through exhibitions in our community, by artists from our community - funding not only the program itself but also artist outreach, youth engagement, and cultural visibility across Stanislaus County.
Spring 2026, Youth Exhibition – “Youth in Bloom”
This annual spring exhibition celebrates young creatives ages 3–25.
To ensure accessibility for youth, students, and families, we offer a reduced submission rate:
$10 for the first submission
$5 for each additional submission
Student & Family Membership Discounted Rates:
First submission FREE
$5 for each additional submission
Please use the discount code provided in the Call for Art when submitting.
If a teacher is submitting on behalf of a student, a parent or legal guardian must provide permission for the student's work to be displayed and available for sale in the exhibition.
Need Help?
For any questions about our exhibitions, submission process, or hanging guidelines, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:
info@stanislausarts.org
We look forward to seeing your work and sharing your creative voice with our community.
2025 - 2026 Calls for Art
2025 - 2026 Calls for Art
Stanislaus Arts Council’s Summer 2025 Exhibition
August 11- October 3, 2025
Title: ReImagined; The Art of Reclamation
Exhibition Dates: August 11 – October 3, 2025
Reception & Awards: Wednesday, October 1, 5:00–7:00 PM (Awards at 5:45 PM)
Art Walks: August 21 & September 18, 5:00–8:00 PM
Call for Artists:
The Stanislaus Arts Council invites submissions for ReImagined: The Art of Reclamation, a juried exhibition celebrating innovation and transformation in contemporary art. We seek work that re-envisions forgotten, discarded, or reclaimed materials into compelling and thoughtful visual narratives. Artists are encouraged to move beyond conventional upcycling approaches, instead elevating craftsmanship, concept, and narrative intention.
Who Should Apply:
Mixed media artists using found objects, textiles, plastics, or paper
Fiber artists working with vintage or reclaimed materials
Artists working in environmental, narrative, or conceptual practices
Educators, youth collaborators, or intergenerational partnerships
Theme: Inspired. Thoughtful. Story-driven. Visionary. This show honors intentional transformation, sustainability, and creativity as tools for storytelling and reclamation.
Important Dates:
Submissions Close: July 17 at 11:59 PM (via Smarter Entry)
Acceptance Notification: July 24
Artwork Receiving: Saturday, August 9, 11 AM – 3 PM
Exhibition Opens: Monday, August 11
Exhibition Closes: Friday, October 3
Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, October 4, 11 AM – 2 PM
Members discount Code: SUMMER25
Stanislaus Arts Council’s Fall 2025 Exhibition
October 6 – December 18, 2025
Title: ARTiculate Your Truth
Exhibition Dates: October 6 – December 18, 2025
Reception & Awards: Wednesday, November 12, 5:00–7:00 PM
Art Walk: October 16
Call for Artists:
ARTiculate Your Truth is a juried exhibition inviting artists of all ages and disciplines to create work that reveals, explores, or celebrates personal truth. From painting to performance, sculpture to spoken word, artists are encouraged to submit works that speak honestly and powerfully.
Theme: Bold. Authentic. Transformative. This show highlights courageous acts of artistic self-expression and invites viewers to witness a rich tapestry of lived experiences.
Media Accepted: All visual, digital, sound, mixed media, installation, and performance-based works.
What We Celebrate:
Authenticity and vulnerability
Creative courage across all stages of practice
Diversity of voice, discipline, and background
Connection through shared truth and dialogue
Important Dates:
Submissions Close: September 6 at 11:59 PM (via Smarter Entry)
Acceptance Notification: September 16
Artwork Receiving: Saturday, October 4, 11 AM – 2 PM
Exhibition Opens: Monday, October 6
Exhibition Closes: Thursday, December 4
Artwork Pick-Up: Friday, December 19, 11 AM – 2 PM
Members discount Code: FALL25
Stanislaus Arts Council’s Winter 2025 Exhibition
December 22, 2025 – February 27, 2026
Stanislaus Arts Council’s Spring 2026 Exhibition
March 23 – June 5, 2026
Stanislaus Arts Council’s Summer 2026 Exhibition
June 29 – September 25, 2026
Title: Collective Illumination
Exhibition Dates: December 22, 2025 – February 27, 2026
Reception & Awards: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Art Walk: Thursday, February 20, 2026
Call for Artists:
What does it mean to shine light on a community? Collective Illumination invites multidisciplinary artists to explore literal and symbolic uses of light as a force for connection, transformation, and collective uplift. Open to all ages and artistic backgrounds.
Who Should Apply:
Fiber artists exploring shimmer and light-reactive materials
Sculptors incorporating illumination or shadow
Mixed media artists exploring visibility and joy
Collaborative or community-based works
Tone: Inspiring. Reflective. Visionary. Warm. A celebration of art that uplifts and connects.
Important Dates:
Submissions Close: November 13 at 11:59 PM (via Smarter Entry)
Acceptance Notification: November 20
Artwork Receiving: Friday, December 19, 11 AM – 2 PM
Exhibition Opens: Monday, December 22
Exhibition Closes: Friday, February 27
Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, February 28, 11 AM – 2 PM
Members discount Code: WINTER25
Title: Youth in Bloom
Exhibition Dates: March 23 – June 5, 2026
Reception & Awards: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Art Walks: April 16 & May 21
Call for Artists:
A celebration of the creative voices of emerging and young artists ages 3 to 25. Youth in Bloom honors imagination, growth, and bold expression across generations. Artists of all ages inspired by the theme may submit for consideration.
Tone: Vibrant. Hopeful. Affirming.
Special Notes: All youth artists will have at least one piece accepted. Additional works are space-dependent. Student/Family members can enter one free piece with code YIB26.
Important Dates:
Submissions Close: March 5 at 11:59 PM (via Smarter Entry)
Acceptance Notification: March 12
Artwork Receiving: Saturday, March 21, 11 AM – 2 PM
Exhibition Opens: Monday, March 23
Exhibition Closes: Friday, June 5
Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, June 6, 11 AM – 2 PM
Members discount Code: FAM100
Title: Our Radiant State: Artfully United
Exhibition Dates: June 29 – September 25, 2026
Reception & Awards: Wednesday, September 23, 5:00–7:00 PM
Art Walks: July 16, August 20, September 17
Call for Artists:
Our Radiant State is a joyful and multidisciplinary celebration of California’s 175th anniversary and the United States’ 250th. This juried exhibition invites artists to reflect on unity, diversity, creativity, and place—how our shared history and dreams shape the future.
Great For:
Artists exploring legacy, identity, and cultural history
Works highlighting CA's natural beauty or cultural contributions
Collaborative, intergenerational, or multilingual art forms
Performance, installation, and visual art in any medium
Tone: Joyful. Colorful. Empowering. Hopeful.
Important Dates:
Submissions Close: May 21 at 11:59 PM (via Smarter Entry)
Acceptance Notification: May 28
Artwork Receiving: Saturday, June 27, 11 AM – 2 PM
Exhibition Opens: Monday, June 29
Exhibition Closes: Friday, September 25
Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, September 26, 11 AM – 2 PM
Members discount Code: CA175
California Native
Flora & Fauna
This exhibition will celebrate the beauty, diversity, and significance of the native plants and animals of our region.
June 4, 2025 - June 27, 2025
This exhibition will celebrate the beauty, diversity, and significance of the native plants and animals of our region and the natural beauty and ecological significance of Central California’s native species. This a unique opportunity to celebrate and support local art while drawing attention to the incredible natural world around us. We encourage artists of all backgrounds to participate and share their perspectives. The exhibition will be held at the Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: June 5th - June 27th 2025
Saturday, May 10th : Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
Wednesday, May 14th: Notice of Acceptance
Friday, May 30th: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12- 6p.m.
Thursday, June 5th : Exhibition Opens
Friday, June 27th: Exhibition Closes
Thursday, June 19th: 3rd Thursday Art Walk 5 - 8 pm
Friday, June 20th: Artist Reception, 5-7PM at 1315 J Street, Awards will begin at 5:45PM
Saturday, June 28th: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 1-4 p.m.
Fragments of the Mind; The Healing Power of Creativity
This powerful exhibition will explore the intersection of art and mental health, fostering awareness and promoting the healing power of creativity.
May 7, 2025 - May 29th, 2025
We invite artists to submit work for an upcoming exhibition focusing on Mental Health, Art, and Healing. The exhibition will run alongside "To Whom it May Concern," a special project by SAC Grant Recipient Andi Palma, which highlights the lived experiences of individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
Our goal is to create a platform for meaningful dialogue on mental health. This exhibition will bring together artists whose works shine a light on the profound connection between mental health and creativity, fostering understanding and promoting healing within our community.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: May 7th - May 29, 2025
April 12th : Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
April 15th: Notice of Acceptance
May 3rd: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 1 - 4 pm
May 8th : Exhibition Opens
May 24th : Artist Reception, 2 - 4pm, Artist Talks will begin at 2:45pm
May 15th: Third Thursday Art Walk 5 - 8 pm
May 30th: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 12 - 6 p.m.
“Emerging Artist “
This exhibition will highlight the exceptional work of emerging artists within Stanislaus County.
April 2, 2025 - May 2, 2025
This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, engage with the community, and gain visibility in a professional gallery setting. Open to all artists in Stanislaus County, California. Artists must be within their first 5 years of exhibiting artwork, or have not shown work in an exhibition previously.
The theme is open to any subject matter and style. We welcome works that reflect your personal journey as an emerging artist and resonate with contemporary artistic practices. This exhibition celebrates the diversity, creativity, and unique perspectives of artists who are shaping the future of the arts in Stanislaus County.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: April 2nd - May 2nd, 2025
March 15th : Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
March 20th: Notice of Acceptance
March 29th: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 3 - 6 p.m.
April 2nd : Exhibition Opens
April 17th: Third Thursday Art Walk 5 - 8 pm
April 26th: Artist Reception
May 3rd: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 1-4 p.m.
“Young At Art “
An Exhibition by Stanislaus Arts Council for Young Creatives
March 5, 2025 - March 29, 2025
The Stanislaus Arts Council is thrilled to announce our upcoming exhibition, "Young at Art," celebrating the talent and creativity of young artists aged 2 to 18 years old in Stanislaus County!
This exhibition aims to highlight the creativity, imagination, and talent of our youngest community members.
We invite parents and guardians of young artists to submit their child's artwork for this special annual exhibition!
All young artists are welcome to submit to this show but young Members with a student or are part of a Family membership can submit their first entry for free with their members code. See our membership page if you would like to become a member.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: March 5th - March 29, 2025
February 22nd: Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
February 25th Notice of Acceptance
March 1st: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12-5 p.m.
March 5th : Exhibition Opens
March 20th: Third Thursday Art Walk 5 - 8 pm
March 29th: Artist Reception and Awards 12:30 - 2 pm
March 29th: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 2-4 p.m.
Celebration in Black
An Exhibition that Honors African American Life and Culture
February 5, 2025 - March 2, 2025
The Celebration In Black exhibition honors African American life and culture, showcasing visual art that explores themes from history, civil rights, and culture to music, poetry, and politics. This powerful exhibit is intended to provoke thought, foster dialogue, and celebrate often-overlooked artists and contributions.
This open call invites all artists to submit works exploring African American themes. While African American artists are encouraged to submit, the exhibition welcomes all artists regardless of ethnicity or SAC membership status.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: Feb 5th - March 2nd 2025
January 24th : Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
January 29th: Notice of Acceptance
February 1st : Receiving at 1315 J Street, 1 - 4 p.m.
February 5th : Exhibition Opens
April 17th: Third Thursday Art Walk 5 - 8 pm
March 5th: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 1-4 p.m.
The Stanislaus Art Exchange Exhibition
The Stanislaus Arts Council is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with California State University, Stanislaus, to present "The Stanislaus Art Exchange," a dual exhibition set to take place in February 2025. This innovative collaboration marks the first of its kind, showcasing the artistic talents of BFA students alongside the exceptional work of our member artists.
February 5, 2025 - February 28, 2025
The primary aim of The Stanislaus Art Exchange is to foster a vibrant artistic dialogue between emerging and established artists within our community. By providing a platform for BFA students to exhibit their work at the Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery and for our member artists to showcase their creations at the University’s gallery,
Not a Member yet, but want to participate? Join today at stanislausarts.org/membership
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: February 5th - February 28, 2025
January 18th: Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
January 22nd: Notice of Acceptance
February 1st: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12-5 p.m.
February 5th : Exhibition Opens
February 28th: Final Open Day
March 1st: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 12-5 p.m.
February 15th: Artist Talk/ Reception at the SAC Gallery, 2-5p.m.
Our Collective Spirit
January 8, 2025 - January 31, 2025
This exhibition is intended to be a vibrant celebration of our member artists, showcasing the rich diversity of creativity and talent within our community. We invite all member artists to contribute their unique voices and perspectives to this collective homage to the art we create together.
Not a Member yet, but want to participate? Join today at stanislausarts.org/membership
Member Artists accepted into this exhibition will be invited to participate in one of three Artists Talks to be held on
Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:30-7:30PM
Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 3-5PM
Friday, January 24, 2025 from 5:30- 7:30PM
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: January 8th - January 31st, 2025
December 20: Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
December 23rd: Notice of Acceptance
January 3rd: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12-5 p.m.
January 8th : Exhibition Opens
January 31st: Final Open Day
February 1st: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 12-4 p.m.
A Year of Reflection: An Exhibition about Life and World Events
The Stanislaus Arts Council invites artists to join A Year of Reflection: Life and World Events, an exhibition from November 20th to December 19th, 2024, exploring the significant personal, social, community impacts, and personal stories of the past year. In a broader perspective of anything you have reflected on this year: a family trip, a birth or death in the family, personal growth as an artist or individual.
or
If our theme does not resonate with you, we would like to open submissions to all works of art. This has been a year of change for the Gallery, the Stanislaus Arts Council, our SAC Members and our artist community. We would love to see your work displayed in the Gallery as 2024 comes to an end. Submit a new or favorite piece for A Year of Reflections.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: November 20th - December 20th, 2024
November 2nd: Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
November 8th: Notice of Acceptance
November 15th: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12-4 p.m.
November 20th : Exhibition Opens
December 20th: Final Open Day
December 21st: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 12-4 p.m.
Finding Peace
An exhibition of inspirational art and writing created by cancer survivors and caregivers of the complimentary therapy programs.
Exhibition Dates: October. 16th - November 15th, 2024
October 16: Exhibition Opens
1800 Coffee Road
In the hallway between the Infusion Center and the Cancer Services offices
These programs are made possible by a grant from Memorial Medical Center to the Stanislaus Arts Council and generous donations made to the Memorial Hospital Foundation. For more information about these programs call 209-535-2226
Dia de los Muertos Exhibition
Oct 16, 2024 – Nov 21, 2024
The Stanislaus Arts Council invites you to participate in the Dia de los Muertos exhibition, celebrating the vibrant and culturally rich Mexican tradition of honoring deceased loved ones. This exhibition, running from October 16th through November 21st, 2024, at Showtime Studios (1313 J St., Modesto, CA), will feature artwork that embraces themes of remembrance, cultural traditions, and the joyful celebration of life. Artists are encouraged to submit works that pay tribute to ancestors and explore the rich symbolism associated with Dia de los Muertos. All mediums are welcome.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: October. 16th - November 21st, 2024
October 3: Entry Deadline via SmarterEntry
October 5: Notice of Acceptance
October 11: Receiving at 1315 J Street, 12-4 p.m.
October 16: Exhibition Opens at Showtime Studios
October 17: Art Walk, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
November 21: Final Open Day
November 22: Artists Pick Up Artwork, 12-4 p.m.
Autumn Art Exhibition
September 3rd - October 11th
Join us for an inspiring journey into creativity and innovation at the Autumn Art Exhibition, presented by the Stanislaus Arts Council. This esteemed exhibition, once exclusive to members, now welcomes submissions from artists of all backgrounds and mediums from all over California. Held at our new location at 1315 J Street, Modesto, CA, this juried showcase invites artists working in water media, oil, pastel, graphics, mixed media, and sculpture to share their unique perspectives. Celebrate artistic excellence and community spirit with us from September 3rd to October 11th, 2024. Join us for Art Walk on September 19th from 5-8pm. Additionally, this exhibition will host an invitation only artist reception for the participants of this exhibition and its sponsors.
Artist Call | Smarter Entry | Hanging Guidelines
Exhibition Dates: September 4th - October 10th, 2024
Entry Deadline: August 16, 2024
Acceptance Notifications: Sent by August 23, 2024
Artwork Drop-off: August 30, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm
Reception: Invitation Only - September 13, 2024
Third Thursday Art Walk on September 19, 2024, 5 pm - 8 pm
Artwork Pickup: October 11, 2024, 2pm - 6pm