Society of West Coast Artists
Online
The Pacific Artistry Showcase
2025 Annual Online Open Exhibition September 2 – November 2, 2025 |Online
Deadline is August 22nd.
Open to Members and Non-Members.
Deadline is August 22nd. Open to Members and Non-Members. To enter, visit:
showsubmit.com/show/swa-the-pacific-artistry-showcase-2025
showsubmit.com/show/swa-the-pacific-artistry-showcase-2025
Coastal Harvest by Warren Chang
Open Calls
Opens July 1, 2025.
Open for entry on July 1, 2025.
Deadline for entry: August 22, 2025
In 1939, the San Francisco Chapter of The Society for Sanity in Art, located in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, held their first art exhibition at California Palace of the Legion of Honor. In the 1940’s, the name was changed to the Society of Western Artists to better represent the society. The name changed again in 2019 to Society of West-Coast Artists.
The San Francisco Chapter and our Sister Chapter located in the San Joaquin Valley continue to carry on the tradition of supporting the dissemination, exhibition and education of representational art, with non representational art being added in 2019.
Membership is open to all artists and art supporters.
The Annual Exhibition of Excellence: SWA’s international online exhibition, the Pacific Artistry Showcase is an annual highlight, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment among SWA members and art associations across the country
.
In addition, Chang also paints interior scenes depicting his home, studio and classroom environments. Many of these paintings include self-portraits, where he is depicted teaching or painting in his studio. He has coined the phrase "autobiographical interiors" to describe this body of work.
His work has been purchased for the permanent collections of the Monterey Museum and the Hilbert Museum of Art in Orange, California. He was honored with solo exhibitions at the Monterey Museum of Art, the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, New Museum Los Gatos and most recently at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, California in 2021. He is the subject of a 112 monograph book on his paintings published by Flesk Publications in 2012. Warren is a Signature member of the California Art Club and a Master Signature member of the Oil Painters of America.
Jim is Past President and a Signature Member of the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA) San Francisco Chapter, San Bruno, CA. While working primarily in watercolor, he occasionally works in multi-media and acrylic. Largely self-taught, he has taken numerous workshops over the years with watercolor instructors such as John Salminen, Lian Zhen, Skip Lawrence, Tim Saternow, Iain Stewart, Fealing Lin and Keiko Tanabe to refine his technique. His list of award is growing, having won Best of Show from the Menlo Art League in 2013 and Third Place in watercolor at the 2020 Annual Exhibit of the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA). He is a member of the following art associations, Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California and Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society (SCVWS), Santa Clara, California.
Lillian M. Wu is an artist with skills of Chinese brushwork painting and in the medium of watercolor in a Western art style. She formally studied Art for many years during her childhood in Southeast Asia and later earned her B.A. degree under the mentorship of Sister Corita Kent at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She obtained her B.S. in Landscape Architecture in 1978 at Cal Poly. Lillian has studied under the mentorship of Art Masters from Hong Kong, Manila, Taipei and San Francisco in Chinese brushwork painting. She travels to Asia annually which continues to inspire the vision and passion for her art. Lillian has combined her connection with nature and the knowledge gained from her Masters along with her personal vision and keen imagination to create her own style and techniques. Lillian holds a signature status with the Society of West-Coast Artists in San Francisco, CA. Masterpiece Gallery in Millbrae, CA is her venue for displaying art works, art collections, and holding educational and art-related workshops.
Please read this Prospectus information carefully!
Note: *Collage must also meet copyright standards. For clarification, please see: Creativity & The Law: Collage and Fair Use under the Copyright Laws
Deadline for entry: August 22, 2025
About the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA)
Originally named “The Society for Sanity in Art”, our non-profit organization was founded by Josephine Hancock Logan and incorporated in Chicago, Illinois in 1937. Branches were established in Boston, Los Angeles, Des Moines, Philadelphia, with our San Francisco Chapter being formed in 1938.
In 1939, the San Francisco Chapter of The Society for Sanity in Art, located in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, held their first art exhibition at California Palace of the Legion of Honor. In the 1940’s, the name was changed to the Society of Western Artists to better represent the society. The name changed again in 2019 to Society of West-Coast Artists.
The San Francisco Chapter and our Sister Chapter located in the San Joaquin Valley continue to carry on the tradition of supporting the dissemination, exhibition and education of representational art, with non representational art being added in 2019.
Membership is open to all artists and art supporters.
About the Online Exhibition
The Pacific Artistry Showcase is presented by the esteemed Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA) and is an exclusive online competition and exhibition that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of fine art and has become a national beacon for artistic talent.
The Annual Exhibition of Excellence: SWA’s international online exhibition, the Pacific Artistry Showcase is an annual highlight, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment among SWA members and art associations across the country
.
A Platform for Artistic Achievement: This juried showcase not only offers artists the opportunity to vie for prestigious awards and critical acclaim but also serves as a conduit to esteemed jurors, renowned galleries, and discerning art collectors who will view the online showcase. Embracing a spectrum of artistic expression, the Pacific Artistry Showcase welcomes all forms of two-dimensional fine art, providing a premier platform for artists to share their vision with the world.
Juror of Awards
Warren Chang (b. June 9, 1957) is a California based Fine Artist, best known for his paintings depicting the fieldworkers of Monterey County. His realist paintings are reminiscent of 19th century painters, in particular Francois Millet (1814-1875) who also depicted scenes of peasant farmers in rural France. Chang's paintings depict subtle narratives that celebrate the human spirit.
In addition, Chang also paints interior scenes depicting his home, studio and classroom environments. Many of these paintings include self-portraits, where he is depicted teaching or painting in his studio. He has coined the phrase "autobiographical interiors" to describe this body of work.
His work has been purchased for the permanent collections of the Monterey Museum and the Hilbert Museum of Art in Orange, California. He was honored with solo exhibitions at the Monterey Museum of Art, the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, New Museum Los Gatos and most recently at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, California in 2021. He is the subject of a 112 monograph book on his paintings published by Flesk Publications in 2012. Warren is a Signature member of the California Art Club and a Master Signature member of the Oil Painters of America.
Jurors of Selection
James Richard “Jim” Stinger, SWA
Facebook: @JamesRichardStinger
Facebook: @JamesRichardStinger
Jim is Past President and a Signature Member of the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA) San Francisco Chapter, San Bruno, CA. While working primarily in watercolor, he occasionally works in multi-media and acrylic. Largely self-taught, he has taken numerous workshops over the years with watercolor instructors such as John Salminen, Lian Zhen, Skip Lawrence, Tim Saternow, Iain Stewart, Fealing Lin and Keiko Tanabe to refine his technique. His list of award is growing, having won Best of Show from the Menlo Art League in 2013 and Third Place in watercolor at the 2020 Annual Exhibit of the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA). He is a member of the following art associations, Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California and Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society (SCVWS), Santa Clara, California.
Lillian M. Wu is an artist with skills of Chinese brushwork painting and in the medium of watercolor in a Western art style. She formally studied Art for many years during her childhood in Southeast Asia and later earned her B.A. degree under the mentorship of Sister Corita Kent at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She obtained her B.S. in Landscape Architecture in 1978 at Cal Poly. Lillian has studied under the mentorship of Art Masters from Hong Kong, Manila, Taipei and San Francisco in Chinese brushwork painting. She travels to Asia annually which continues to inspire the vision and passion for her art. Lillian has combined her connection with nature and the knowledge gained from her Masters along with her personal vision and keen imagination to create her own style and techniques. Lillian holds a signature status with the Society of West-Coast Artists in San Francisco, CA. Masterpiece Gallery in Millbrae, CA is her venue for displaying art works, art collections, and holding educational and art-related workshops.
Andrew Brazier is a Signature Member of the Society of West-Coast Artists (SWA) San Joaquin Valley Chapter. He works in oils, specializing in figurative work in a classical style. Andrew is drawn to compelling narratives presented by the human figure and character-driven portraits. You can find his work at various art shows in California, some doctors' offices, or while you're drinking a beer at a local Fresno brewery.
Please read this Prospectus information carefully!
Jury Process
A panel of three jurors will make initial selections & 1 judge will make the final selections for awards. Artist will receive an email with acceptance & award information. See Jurors of Selection and Juror of Awards above for their information.
Entry Fees
- SWA Members: $45 first entry, $15 per additional entry
- Non-Member: $65 first entry, $15 per additional entry
- MAXIMUM of five (5) entries total.
Note: Up to 3 entries per artist may be accepted. Fees must be paid online when you register on ShowSubmit. All fees are non-refundable.
Medium Categories
Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic/Mixed Media, Pastel, Non-representational.
Awards
- Best in Show: $700
- First Place, $300 awarded in each of the five (5) categories.
- Honorable Mention, $25 awarded in each of the five (5) categories.
Rules
- Artwork must be 2D only and completed in the last five (5) years.
- Artwork must be the artist’s original work and conceived by the artist.
- Artwork cannot be a direct copy of a copyrighted** work, including work by other artists, images from magazines or other printed material, or materials/images from the internet.
- Artwork created through a reference photograph is allowed if the image used was also an original image/photograph taken by the artist or the artist has permission in writing to use the photo.
- There is no size limitation, but images of artwork must meet the criteria as stated in the “Criteria for Photographs of Artwork”.
- Diptych, triptych or other multiple works are not currently accepted for online shows.
- Images that are unclear or show mats or frames will automatically be disqualified.
- Artwork accepted into a previous Pacific Artistry Showcase is not eligible.
- ANY questions regarding artwork, show criteria, etc., should be asked Prior to registration. Contact an SWA Show Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding artwork eligibility or for help with entry.
- ANY questions regarding artwork, show criteria, etc., should be asked PRIOR to registration.
Contact an SWA Show Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding artwork eligibility or for help with entry.
Note: *Collage must also meet copyright standards. For clarification, please see: Creativity & The Law: Collage and Fair Use under the Copyright Laws
**Copyright and Fair Use Exceptions - for clarification, please see:
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 Friday, August 22, 2025 until midnight
- To register go to showsubmit.com/register.
Entry Process
You may submit up to five (5) entries that meet 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 SWA Exhibit Rules.
- A guide for registering and artwork submission is available to print and is also located here: showsubmit.com/entry-guide.
Criteria for Photographs of Artwork:
All artwork submissions must be in digital format using the online site showsubmit.com. A maximum of five (5) 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, at least 1,500 pixels on the longest side. 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.
Sales
Artwork may or may not be for sale. All sales will be handled by the artist.
Responsibilities of Participants
- Upon submitting their entry, Artists should make sure that they receive their Entry Confirmation email. The artist should check their spam/junk mail folder prior to contacting SWA or ShowSubmit regarding lack of confirmation.
- Each artist will help to publicize the event. (email, Facebook, Instagram, post flyers, postcards, etc.).
- Artists should make sure that they receive their Acceptance/Non-Acceptance email. The artist should check their spam/junk mail folder or view their Entry History in their ShowSubmit account (see the Additional Notification Information section below).
- All insurance, if deemed necessary, is the responsibility of the artist.
- Artists agree to follow all the SWA Exhibit Rules that are not otherwise stated herein.
Terms and Conditions
SWA reserves the right to use Artist images for promotional purposes of the exhibition and by entering this show, the artist consents to the use of any and or all their images in future. Any copyright issues will be the liability of the artist.
Questions
For questions about SWA or this Prospectus contact:
Show Coordinators
Susan Jochheim & Yvonne Newhouse
Show Coordinators
Susan Jochheim & Yvonne Newhouse
Additional Notification Information
Notifications will be emailed and posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on August 27, 2025.
You may view the notification in your ShowSubmit account by logging in and clicking tapping the Notifications at the top right of the screen, or in your Entry History.
If you do not receive your email, login and view the notification in your account. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of notifications.
Note: Entries made prior to 2023 may not display the View Notification link.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (August 22, 2025.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Support
For questions about SWA or this Prospectus, please contact Susan Jochheim ([email protected]).
For technical support or entry questions, first check our Help Center or Entry Guide. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We’ll respond between 9am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.