Santa Cruz County artists and craftspeople are invited to apply to exhibit in the Santa Cruz County Government Center (701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz) during the 2024 exhibit year. Artwork will be displayed on the walls and in glass cases on the First and Fifth floors.

Eligibility/Guidelines:

Must be a resident of Santa Cruz County
Cannot have participated in the 2023 exhibits at the County Government Center
All submitted work samples must have been created in the last four years and be representative of the style and content that you plan to exhibit
All work should appropriate to a public office building - religious or political subjects, nudity, and violence are not acceptable

Application Process:

Entries will be accepted electronically and must be received by 5pm, Friday, December 8th.
You can save & return to edit your application if needed.

Entry Fees:

$25 non-refundable entry fee - can be paid online or by check.
Entry fees must be received by Monday, December 11th in order for your application to be screened.

About the Exhibits

Arts Council Santa Cruz County presents three exhibits each year at the County Government Center, featuring local artists. Co-sponsored by the County Department of Public Works, shows consists of work from five artists: two artists displaying on the First floor walls; two artists displaying on the Fifth floor walls; and one 3-D artist showing work in display cases on the First & Fifth Floors (display cases are 92" long x 19" deep x 21" high). Additionally, in March/April/May, the Arts Council produces a Youth Art Exhibit showcasing artwork created through our arts education programs in Santa Cruz County schools.

Santa Cruz County artists and craftspeople are invited to apply once a year. Exhibits begin in January and run for approximately 9 weeks. Arts Council provides all hanging & display hardware. Artists are eligible to exhibit every other year.

Applicants are screened by the selection committee, consisting of two professional artists, the Open Studios Art Tour Director, an Arts Council Board member, a Santa Cruz County Arts Commissioner, a representative from the County Public Works Department, and two County employees. The Selection Committee strives to provide quality exhibits representing the diverse talents of our local artists. Artists should be aware that the County Government Center is not a gallery and should plan their shows to be appropriate for a public office building. Inappropriate or unsuitable material will not be displayed.

Applicants may also be invited to exhibit their work at the Simpkins Swim Center and other County offices.

Facts for Applicants

Friday, December 8th: Electronic applications due to Arts Council no later than 5pm
Twelve 2-D artists and three 3-D artists are selected for each yearly exhibit cycle
Artists selected to exhibit will be notified the week of December 18th
Exhibit Year: January to December
Artist Eligibility: Every other year

County Government Center application

First Name *

Last Name *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Mailing Address *

Please describe the body of work you would like to exhibit. *

0/250 characters

Will your artwork be displayed on the wall or in the display cases? Wall hung work must be wired - we provide the hanging apparatus. Display cases are 92" long x 19" deep x 21" high (ideal maximum height is 18") *

Please title your 1st image with your name and image number, e.g. LastName_FirstName_Image1 *

Please title your 2nd image with your name and image number, e.g. LastName_FirstName_Image2 *

Please title your 3rd image with your name and image number, e.g. LastName_FirstName_Image3 *

Please title your 4th image with your name and image number, e.g. LastName_FirstName_Image4 *

Please title your 5th image with your name and image number, e.g. LastName_FirstName_Image5 *

Provide a detailed list of the five images submitted with your application. For each image provide the medium and dimensions. *

Provide an artist's statement about the body of work submitted with your application - state the medium, state the material(s)/media, and state the technique when significant.
*

0/750 characters

There will be three exhibit cycles: January 12-March 15; May 17-July 19; October 25-December 20, 2024.

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHICH DATES WORK FOR YOU AND YOUR CALENDAR YEAR . The program administrator creates the yearly exhibit schedule and will do their best to accommodate your availabillity if you are selected to exhibit.

Exhibit Guidelines

After submitting your application, mail check or make your payment online. If you have questions, contact Ann Ostermann, Open Studios & Events Director: 831-226-1189.