Organizer Information:
The host organisation is the Museum of Northern California Art (monca), a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) museum located in Chico, California. The museum presents exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement around visual art. It is known for yearly thematic calls for art, inviting regional artists to contribute to its gallery program and engage in curated exhibitions.
Title & Description:
Call for Art: Perch, Flutter, Soar
The museum invites original artworks for its annual bird-themed exhibition, which will coincide with Chico’s 2026 Snow Goose Festival. The theme addresses “birds of all sorts” — encouraging creative approaches to avian subject matter. All media (2D or 3D) are considered, with the caveat that giclée prints of non‐photographic art and AI-generated works will not be accepted. The exhibition seeks to fill the galleries with imaginative, high-quality work that reflects the theme and engages the community during the festival period.
Categories:
Visual Art (including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, installation) — artists working in any media are eligible, provided they submit original work (not giclée reproduction prints of non-photographic art).
Eligibility:
- Artists must reside in Northern California — defined by the museum as San Jose and all points north, east, and west up to the state border.
- Original artworks only.
- No AI-generated works.
- Note: If you do not reside in the eligible region, you are not eligible, and no refunds will be given for entry.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Accepted artworks will be exhibited at the museum during the annual bird-themed show (opening January 22, 2026) and remain on view until March 15, 2026.
- The museum uses its exhibition space and promotional network, giving artists exposure to the museum’s audience and to the community during the Snow Goose Festival.
- Works may be for sale: artists providing a retail price acknowledging a 50% museum commission may sell their work.
- Note: Artists retain responsibility for packaging/shipping and insurance of artworks.
Application Fee:
The entry fee is US $35 for up to 3 entries (US $25 if you are a monca member). Each additional entry beyond 3 is US $10. All fees are non‐refundable.
Application Requirements:
- Submission of up to 3 distinct original works for an initial fee. For more than 3, fill out the form again and pay an additional fee per piece.
- Work must be ready for display: wall-hanging pieces must have framing wire (sawtooth hangers are disqualified).
- Each artwork must have the artist’s name, phone number and title on the back. All work must be dry and clean.
- Packaging/shipping/insurance for delivery and return (if applicable) is the artist’s responsibility. If the work is shipped to the museum, the return shipping label must be prepaid by the artist.
- Entry form: uses a Google Docs submission form.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 5 December 2025
- Notification Deadline: 21 December 2025
- Exhibition Period: January 22, 2026, to March 15, 2026
Location:
Chico, California, United States
Additional Details:
- The museum emphasises that only original artworks will be accepted; giclée prints of non‐photographic art and AI-generated work are explicitly excluded.
- The museum uses a cable-and-hook hanging system; wall works must comply (wired). Works not fitting the system will be disqualified.
- Shipping: If you ship your work, you must provide a prepaid return label; shipping costs and insurance are artist’s responsibility. The museum will not assume liability for damage in transit.
- Works left after pickup deadlines incur storage fees ($5 per piece per day Thurs-Sun) and may forfeit ownership if left past April 30.
- Sales: If works are for sale, the museum takes 50% commission; prices will not appear on signage.
Website Link: https://monca.org/blogs/call-for-artists/call-for-art-perch-flutter-soar
