61st CAIN National

Contact InformationDel Mar CollegeContact Email: [email protected] Phone: 361-698-1216

Requirement OverviewLocation Eligibility Type: NationalEligible Applicant Types: ArtistSubmission Limit: 1Media RequirementsImages | Min: 2, Max: 8Audio | Min: 0, Max: 0Video | Min: 0, Max: 0Total | Min: 2, Max: 8

Opportunity SummaryABOUT THE SHOW$10,000 in PURCHASE AWARDSThe CAIN National Show attracts works by contemporary artists nationwide and is judged by a guest juror of national stature. Resulting Purchase Awards have built an impressive Permanent Collection at Del Mar College.This year's 61st show runs February 19, 2027, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. and closes April 19, 2026. Accepted artwork is displayed in the distinctive Joseph A. Cain Memorial Gallery.

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General InformationABOUT THE SHOW$10,000 in PURCHASE AWARDSThe CAIN National Show attracts works by contemporary artists across the country and is judged by a guest juror of national stature. Resulting Purchase Awards have built an impressive Permanent Collection at Del Mar College.This year's 60th show runs February 19, 2027, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. and closes April 19, 2027. Accepted artwork is displayed in the distinctive Joseph A. Cain Memorial Gallery.ABOUT THE JURORJamie Bates is a ceramic artist and educator whose figurative sculptures explore identity, psychological experience, and the forces that shape how bodies are perceived and remembered. Drawing on psychology, folklore, witchcraft, and histories of persecution, Bates creates works that examine vulnerability, transformation, resistance, and collective memory. Their recent research focuses on witch persecution and the regulation of gendered bodies, using symbolic imagery to explore how historical power structures continue to shape contemporary ideas of identity and autonomy.Bates holds an MFA in Ceramics from the University of Kansas and a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Central Missouri. They are currently Associate Professor of Ceramics at the University of Oklahoma and have participated in numerous residencies, fellowships, and workshops at arts institutions across the United States. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has received support through grants and research fellowships focused on arts-based inquiry and public scholarship. Bates’ work has been featured in art magazines like Ceramics Monthly, Hi-Fructose, and Create! Jamie has also taken part in various podcasts, and panel discussions addressing contemporary ceramics, censorship, identity, and the role of art in processing collective trauma.ELIGIBLE ENTRIESThe exhibition is open to all* U.S. artists. Only original work created in the last three years can be entered (no reproductions). Previously exhibited works in the Annual Show will not be eligible. Each artist may submit three works. All accepted artwork can be considered for purchase.*Full-time Del Mar Art faculty members are excluded.ENTRY PROCEDURE - ONLINE ONLYAll submissions will be through callforentry.org (www.callforentry.org). Entries must be submitted on or before November 30, 2026, and will not be accepted after this date. Upload requirements for image files:File Type: JPEG or JPG only.File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side.File Size: Under 5 MB.Color Profile: sRGBImage must be correctly oriented (vertical or horizontal)One image per entry onlyFurther information on the image requirements for submission and resources for editing the digital image size can be found on callforentry.org's Help section. FEE$20 for 2 entries, one image per artwork. If you would like to submit additional entries, the fee is $5 per entry. All fees are non-refundable and payable through callforentry.org. ACCEPTED WORKArtists will be notified via email; status updates can be found by logging into your CaFÉ account. The digital image and information for the piece submitted must be the same piece delivered to CAIN Gallery if selected by the juror. Any alterations or differences in submitted information will result in disqualification of eligibility. The juror may elect to reject artwork after arrival. 2-D ARTWORKAll original works will be considered; this includes drawing, painting, printmaking in traditional media, original watercolor, and photography. A professional presentation of accepted artwork is required. Acetate covering is acceptable with white museum-quality mat board with at least 2" mounting and over-mat visible on all sides. To ensure consistency in presentation, if your work is framed, please use simple frames. Ship framed works with Plexiglas ONLY. Artwork must be shipped in stiff, reusable cardboard packaging and securely packed to ensure safe delivery (no peanuts). Refer to the size specifications below.SCULPTURESculptures of any media will be considered. However, sculptures requiring ceiling-suspended installation will not be accepted. Accepted sculptures should be securely packed within one crate to ensure safe delivery. If the crate is wooden, use screws—not nails or bolts—to secure the lid. Refer to the size specifications below.All submissions must be "ready to hang" on the gallery walls or placed on pedestals. We cannot hang any artwork from the ceiling.DELIVERY OF WORK• Accepted work must arrive no later than January 25, 2026.• All 3-D sculptures must weigh less than 50 lbs. • The Cain Gallery can provide a pedestal for accepted 3D artworks in most situations, but please confirm with