top of page

Art Show, 2026

June 26 - October 25

Theme: Home

The Campbell Museums’ Art Show is held every 2 years, with 2026 being our fourth show.

​

The theme for 2026 is “Home,” and is open to the artist’s interpretation.

 

This is a juried art show, and interpretation of the theme is the most important factor in selection. The Campbell Museums encourages the artist to create a unique artwork for the theme, though existing artworks may also be submitted.

Submit Your Art

Parameters for Entry

  • Artists must be local to Santa Clara County.

  • Work must be the original, unaided endeavor of the entrant, except where work is a collaboration. In such cases, the entry form must include the names of all the artists.

  • 2D art preferred (photos, drawings, paintings, prints, digital art printed on paper, etc)

    • Max OVERALL size is 20” wide x 24” high, this includes the frame. If a painting is selected by the jury and upon delivery, the size is larger than what you reported on your entry form, then the Museum has the right to REFUSE the work.

    • Artwork must be framed and ready to hang with a wire hanger. A stretched canvas or panel may be considered framed. Learn how to install a wire hanger.

    • If entrants want to be considered for the main prize of having their work be reproduced on a large banner mural (see more details below in “Mural” section) then the work must be accessible in a digital format (TIF or JPG) at a resolution of at least 2400ppi (3600ppi is better) to be printed onto the banner.

  • 3D art has limited space, but small 3D works will be considered.

    • Max size 14”w x 14”d x 24”h (if on pedestal) or 48” h (if on floor).

    • We can display art on a short pedestal, or it can be displayed on the floor if that is the artist’s preference (Campbell Museums is not responsible for damage that occurs if item is placed on floor. We recommend never placing valuables on the floor).

    • Plexi covers are not guaranteed, but will be used if possible.

  • No violence, gore, or nudity.

  • Exhibition space cannot accommodate work involving sound, light, or movement.

  • Entrants may submit up to two works for adjudication; however, only one work can be selected for exhibition. A separate entry form must be completed for each work submitted.

  • No cost to submit!

  • We will have two age groups: ages 6-17 and ages 18+

    • We will have distinct winners for each group: 2D 6-17, 2D 18+, 3D 6-17, 3D 18+

  • Work must be available for display for the entire duration of the Exhibition. See “Key Dates” section.

  • Entrants will allow Campbell Museums to reproduce their work by print and electronic media for the purpose of advertising and promoting the Campbell Museums’ Art Show.

Selection for Display in the Exhibition

  • Entries must meet the requirements laid out in the “Parameters for Entry”. Work that does not meet the requirements will not be adjudicated.

  • Jury will consist of at least 3 jurors made up of community members from the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, Civic Improvement Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Campbell City Council, or Campbell Museums Foundation board.

  • Art will be selected based on technique and, most importantly, concept and execution of the theme, “Home.”

  • The jurors will be blind to the identity of the entrants during the initial voting process.

  • Artists will be informed of their selection and be responsible for delivering their art on time and ready to hang (see “Key Dates” section).

  • Inclusion in the Exhibition is at the sole discretion of the jurors and their decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

  • The Campbell Museums reserve the right to determine the most appropriate method for displaying work. Where the work can be considered a health hazard, or other physical risk to any member of the public or Museum volunteers and staff, the Campbell Museums reserve the right to withdraw the work.

Selection of Final Winners

  • Winners will be determined by adding up the following scores:

    • Votes from public visitors using paper ballots located in the gallery

    • The jury

Prizes

  • Prizes will be a certificate from the museum noting the winner for 1st-3rd place in each of the age groups. Winners will also be shared on campbellmuseums.com and Campbell Museums social media accounts.

  • First Prize in each 2D age group will be eligible to have a banner mural made of their piece that is displayed for 2 years at either the Campbell Historical Museum or City Hall (see “Mural” section for details).

  • A closing reception will with be held to honor the winners.

Mural

  • In the 2D category, the First Prize winners for each age group (age 6-17 and age 18+) will be eligible to have their winning piece be turned into a banner mural that is displayed for approximately 2 years (until the next winning mural is displayed). The First Prize 18+ winner will be displayed at the Campbell Historical Museum on an exterior wall facing Civic Center Drive and the First Prize youth winner will be displayed indoors at City Hall.

  • Artists must opt into the mural competition (there will be a check box on the Entry form)

    • Artist must be able to provide a digital copy of the art (TIF or JPG) at a resolution of at least 2400ppi, but 3600ppi is ideal.

  •  If a First Prize winner cannot or does not want to provide their work for the mural, then the Jury has the discretion to review the final results and work down the list of winners to offer the banner mural to another artist.

    • The First Prize winner will still receive a certificate noting they won first place, even if they do not opt in for the mural.

How to Enter

  • Please complete our “Campbell Museum Art Show 2026 - Entry Form,” which can be completed through this link.

  • Submit one form for each separate entry; we will accept two entries per person.

  • Deadline for entries is: May 17, 2026 at midnight

Key Dates, 2026

Deadline for entries: May 17

​

Jury announces decision: June 1

​

Selected artists drop-off items: June 22-25 (appointments will be made with Curator, and Loan Paperwork will be completed)

 

Exhibit Opens: June 26

 

Artist reception: TBD (July)

 

Voting ends: September 20

 

Closing Reception and Winners Announced/Awarded: TBD (Late September or October)

 

Exhibit closes: October 25

 

Art Returned: October 26 - 30 (appointments will be made with Curator)

​

Winning banner mural displayed at Campbell Historical Museum or City Hall Atrium: Approx. January 2027 - January 2029.

bottom of page