Colorful Surprises

Location

Theme

Prizes

Artwork Eligibility

• Open to all water media on paper, canvas or cradle board, and may include some use of collage.
• Artist must be a current SCVWS member (dues paid by Deadline).
• Artwork must have been completed in the last 3 years and not previously exhibited in a SCVWS show.
• Up to 2 paintings per artist may be submitted. We think that the venue can accommodate 25-30 paintings. We reserve the right to accept one or two paintings depending on the total number of entries received.

• There is a size limitation of minimum 11” and maximum 28” framed size.
• NO GLASS allowed (plexi only), canvas or board okay. See SCVWS Exhibit Rules for framing instructions.
• Only D-rings please for wires on back of frames.
• Wires must be taped.
• Artwork may be subject to rejection if not framed and matted per Exhibit Rule guidelines.

Entry Fees

NEW Registration Process online through ShowSubmit

• Artists must register and establish an account on the ShowSubmit website to enter the exhibit.
• You may register up to Thursday, August 21, 2025 until midnight.
• Sign into the artists only section and click on the registration link. You may submit up to two (2) entries that meets the following:
  • A digital photo attached that meets the criteria as stated in the “Criteria for Photographs of Artwork” listed below and listed on the ShowSubmit website.
  • Artist’s name will be published in the online presentation, along with the title of the image, the image dimensions and the price given to ShowSubmit by the artist.
  • Entry must meet all the Exhibit Rules that are not otherwise stated herein.
  • A guide for registering and artwork submission is available to print and is also located on the ShowSubmit website.

Criteria for Photographs of Artwork

• All artwork submissions must be in digital format using the online site showsubmit.com.
• A maximum of two (2) images from each artist may be submitted.
• Images should depict the complete work and be cropped to show only the work and not the mat or the frame.
• Image should be clearly focused and be a jpg format, under 30mb and at least 1,500 pixels on the longest side (i.e. 5" at 300 dpi).
• Images that show frames and/or mats, are blurry or not properly cropped will not be accepted.
• Images that do not meet the criteria listed here will not be accepted.

Responsibilities of Participants

• Artists should make sure that they get confirmation of registration. Artist should check their spam/junk mail folder or their notifications in their ShowSubmit account prior to contacting SCVWS or ShowSubmit regarding lack of confirmation.
• Each artist must sign up for a volunteer job.
• Each artist will help to publicize the event to their networks (email, Facebook, post flyers, postcards, etc.)
• All insurance is the responsibility of the artist.
• Artists agree to follow all SCVWS Exhibit Rules
• Each artist will take a photo of their painting(s) before it is framed and provide a Bio for the Bio Book.

Labeling

Sales

• Sales transactions for this show are between the artist and buyer. SCVWS/Los Altos Library are not conducting sales and will not take a commission. An updated Bio page in the binder will help buyers find artists.
• A brochure with a list of prices and artist contact information will be available at the library desk so that prospective buyers can contact the artist directly.
• SCVWS does not take a commission for artwork sold, although we do request that you tell us ASAP.
• Artwork cannot be removed from the exhibit until pick up at the end of the show.

SCVWS Exhibit Rules

• Any SCVWS member in good standing is eligible to enter member shows.
• On-time registration is required. No late registrations.
• Participating artists are expected to help with tasks related to putting on the show.
• Artists must pick up their paintings at the designated times at the end of the show.

• Entry Fees will be venue-specific and nonrefundable.

• Artwork must be water media and may include significant collage.
• Maximum image size and dimensions of framed artwork are show-specific. Refer to current entry form.
• Artwork should be original work, not done in a classroom situation under supervision. Independently produced class work critiqued by a professional is OK. Direct copies of copyrighted material are not acceptable, including work by other artists, magazines and other printed material, or material from the internet.
• No diptych, triptych or other multiple works.
• ANY questions regarding artwork, framing, show criteria, etc., should be asked PRIOR to registration.

Presentation of Artwork

• All artwork on paper should be properly matted, framed and ready to hang.
• There is a size limitation of minimum 11” – maximum 28" framed size.
• Frames should be plain metal or wood. Less than 2” wide is recommended.
• Glazing: plexi glass (acrylic plastic) or protective sealant is required for artwork on paper. No glass will be accepted.
• Mats: Clean, well-cut mats required for artwork on paper. Color & value of the mat is at the discretion of the artist. White or off-white is recommended. The focus should be on the artwork, not the framing.
• Floated art requires spacers to hold it away from the glazing.
• Artwork on canvas does not require glazing but must be properly finished and ready to hang. This means either the canvas must be properly framed or the edges must be professionally wrapped and completely painted in a manner in keeping with the artwork. No visible staples.
• Wire: ONLY conventional flat holders such as D-rings are accepted. No saw-tooth, clamps, or screw eyes since they damage surfaces. No framing with pressure-spring clips used for attaching the hanging wire.
• Wire should be stretched almost taut, so that when hung it will not extend and be visible beyond the framed artwork. Ideally, stretched wire should reach about 2’’from the top edge. On larger pieces of work, the wire should be attached about 4’’ from the top edge to prevent angling away from the wall/panel.
• Raw ends of wire must be taped.
• Labeling: Identify artwork on the back with title, artist name, telephone number, price and e-mail address.
• Artwork will be rejected if all framing specification listed above are not met.

Insurance