2026 Convergence of Creativity: Unexpected
Submit up to 3 original artworks exploring the theme "Unexpected" through photography, mixed media, printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, or digital art, with a 200-word artist statement per entry.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 38 days left
- Entry fee
- $15
- Award
- $150
- Location
- San Ramon, California
- Exhibition window
- Nov 14, 2026 → Dec 16, 2026
- Applicants notified
- Oct 16, 2026
- Size cap
- ≤ 40" max dimension
About
Overview
The 2026 Convergence of Creativity: Unexpected invites artists ages 16 and older to explore surprising, unconventional, humorous, mysterious, or unforeseen themes. Artists may interpret the theme literally or conceptually, discovering the unexpected in everyday objects, nature, relationships, memories, materials, or imagination. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work are accepted in photography, mixed media, printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, and digital art.
Key Dates
- August 14, 2026: Online applications open
- October 4, 2026: Online applications close
- October 16, 2026: Selection notification via email
- November 5-6, 2026: Artwork drop off, 8:30am–8:30pm
- November 14, 2026: Public artists' reception and awards announcement, 6:00–8:00pm
- December 17-18, 2026: Artwork pick up, 8:30am–8:30pm
- Exhibition on display: November 14 – December 16, 2026
Eligibility
Artists 16 years and older. Original work only, conceived and created entirely by the entering artist (no AI-generated work). 2D work may not exceed 30" × 40", including frame, and must be under 40 lbs. 3D work should not exceed 18" × 18" × 18" and be under 50 lbs. Pieces displayed in last year's juried exhibits are not eligible. Work does not contain nudity, violence, or otherwise inappropriate imagery or themes.
Media
- Photography
- Mixed Media/Printmaking
- Painting
- Drawing
- Ceramics/Sculpture
- Digital Art
Application Requirements
Submit via CAFe at cityofsanramon.info/unexpected. Artists may enter up to 3 works. Images must be in JPEG file format (1–3 images per entry, plus up to 3 videos, totaling 1–6 assets). An artist statement describing each entry and how it relates to the theme is required (200 words or less). Selections and award winners will be made by a blind jury.
Fees
- $15 entry per work, plus convenience fee (non-refundable)
- Students: $5 coupon, Code: StudentHi5
Awards
- Best in Show: $150 gift certificate
- Blue Ribbon (per category): $100 gift certificate
- Red Ribbon (per category): $75 gift certificate
- White Ribbon (per category): $50 gift certificate
Contact
Recreation Coordinator Ri Thomas, [email protected], 925-973-3322
- Award
- Best in Show: $150 gift certificate; Per Category - Blue Ribbon: $100 gift certificate, Red Ribbon: $75 gift certificate, White Ribbon: $50 gift certificate
- Entry fee
- $15 entry per entry, plus convenience fee (Non-Refundable). Students $5 coupon Code: StudentHi5
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Theme
- Unexpected invites artists to explore the surprising, unconventional, humorous, mysterious, or unforeseen—discovering the unexpected in everyday objects, nature, relationships, memories, materials, or imagination.
- Eligibility
- Artists 16 years and older working in photography, mixed media/printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, or digital art.
- Audience
- Artists ages 16 through senior adults
- Size & format
- 2D work may not exceed 30" x 40", including the frame, and be under 40 lbs. 3D work should not exceed 18" x 18" x 18" and be under 50 lbs.
- Also worth noting
- 2D work may not exceed 30" x 40", including the frame, and be under 40 lbs. 3D work should not exceed 18" x 18" x 18" and be under 50 lbs.
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.