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EXHIBITS


As an organization, one of SCVWS's goals is to promote our members artwork through exhibits.  Our members have the opportunity to show their works at a variety of venues, large and small.  Our "Annual Members Show" is our main event and has been held for the last five years at the Addison/Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos. It is a juried show, and the awards are substantial for our artists.  We also hold two to three additional exhibits per year at local venues. Occasionally, exhibits are held online, and we also sponsor a monthly Instagram Challenge.
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General Information
General Information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 

SCVWS Shows are open to MEMBERS ONLY, unless it is the Annual Online Watercolor World Show

 

SCVWS has created an online format for entering shows using Show Submit. All members must create a Show Submit account. Once created, you can enter your artwork online, view the prospectus and upload your painting photos. Payment for entries is made on Show Submit website.


SCVWS Members: Please read SCVWS's art exhibit policy as well as the prospectus for each show carefully. Each policy covers information about accepted artwork, acceptable water mediums, framing, judging, awards, etc. This is important information for new members and a refresher for long time members.

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Exhibit Rules
Exhibit Rules

Exhibit Rules

 

Artist Participation and Fees

  • Any SCVWS member in good standing is eligible to enter member shows.
  • On-time registration is required. If you do not receive registration confirmation, please contact show organizers or email exhibits email.
  • 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, or they will be subjected to a $10/day storage fee.
  • Entry Fees will be venue specific and are non-refundable.

 

Artwork Eligibility

  • Artwork must be primarily watermedia, a small amount of collage is accepted. Water based oils are not accepted.
  • Maximum image size is show specific- refer to current entry form.
  • Dimensions of framed artwork are show specific – refer to current prospectus & 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 & Framing of Artwork

  • All artwork on paper should be properly framed and ready to hang.
  • Frames should be plain metal or wood.
  • Glazing: plexiglass (acrylic plastic) 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.
  • 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-tooths, clamps, or screw eyes since they damage surfaces. No framing with pressure-spring clips used for attaching the hanging wire.
  • Wire should be stretched 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, phone number and/or email address.


Insurance and Sales

  • Insurance is the responsibility of the artist. SCVWS does not insure artwork at member shows. Although every care will be taken to protect your artwork, we are not responsible for any damage to art, frames or glazing.
  • When working a gallery shift, all efforts should be made to complete sales of the art.
  • SCVWS does not take a commission for artwork sold, although we do request that you tell us.
  • Commission may be payable to the venue at their discretion and with SCVWS Board approval. Please take this into account when pricing your work. Review the prospectus for information relating to commissions.
  • Artwork cannot be removed from the exhibit until pick-up at the end of the show.
  • A Storage fee of $10 per day will be accesses for any artwork not picked up at the end of the show.


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Framing Rules
Framing Rules

Note: SCVWS Judges look at frames and matting along with your artwork. Many times, paintings are not accepted into shows due to poor framing and matting. Before you bring in your painting check the overall look of your artwork. Artists have brought in paintings with frames that are scratched/chipped, artwork falling out of frames, dirty or spotted mats, buckled watercolor paintings, etc. Use one solid wire on your paintings to hang using only d hangers.

 

SCVWS is a professional organization. Make your artwork look as professional as possible!


GENERAL FRAMING RULES


Size: Frame & image dimensions for all paintings are limited to: Painting images must be no smaller than 12 x 12" and frame size must conform to the information listed in each prospectus.


ENTRY LIMITATIONS:

A painting may NOT be entered into a following show once accepted into any show.

All types of Frames, including metal are acceptable and only Plexiglas is allowed, NO GLASS.

Cradleboard with a finish, with or without a frame is acceptable. If framed, Must be securely mounted within frame rabbet. Taping artwork into frame is not allowed.

Hardware – Hardware for hanging must be flat type. SEE PHOTOS BELOW

No nails, eye screws, or protruding hardware allowed.

Wires – All paintings must be wired for hanging. Use one piece of wire for hanging. Hanger wires ends must be taped or covered with plastic sleeves or tape.

Paper Artwork - must be properly mounted to support or substrate. No scotch tape or other visible adhesives allowed.

No prints or paintings over photographs is allowed.


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Show Submit - How to Enter a Show
Show Submit - How to Enter a Show

First you must create your account for SCVWS shows here:

https://showsubmit.com


Steps to enter a show:

1. Click the link on the SCVWS website to go to the ShowSubmit online entry platform.

2. Upload your entry photos to your account on Show Submit before the closing date for entries. Crop your photos so frames are not showing.

3. You pay your entry fees online.

4. SCVWS and or a Juror will review all entries online for acceptance in the show. 

5. You will be notified by email if your entry has been accepted into the show.

6. If your painting(s) are accepted into the show bring them to Venue on drop off day. per the prospectus date.

7. If the show is juried, you will be notified by email per the prospectus date listed.

8. On back of painting, tape your label, listing: Your name, email address, phone number, title of painting, size, medium, price.

  1. After the show pick up your painting(s) at the venue per the prospectus date.

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          CURRENT EXHIBIT



Members June Show

"Nature's Inspiration"
NOW OPEN!

Prospectus - Nature's Inspiration


Venue:
The Great Bear Coffee Roasting Cafe, Los Gatos

Exhibition Dates: June 1 - 30, 2025

 


                                   

UPCOMING EXHIBITS


 

Members September Show

"Colorful Surprises"

 

Call for entries: July 14 - August 21, 2025
Exhibition Dates: September 2 - 29, 2025

Venue: Los Altos Public Library

Note: Entry for this exhibit will be per the online platform - ShowSubmit
Members will need to register and open an account: ShowSubmit


Prospectus
Enter now!

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Upcoming Events
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