ART EXHIBITS
Throughout each year, SRAL hosts five different types of art exhibits. All the artwork submitted to each of these exhibits must comply with the Criteria for Artwork, as well as the entry and delivery requirements listed on each prospectus. Each of these exhibits are listed below with a short description.
For clarity, a judged show is one in which one or two judges evaluate the artwork against each other to decide which ones should receive prizes for their recognition of merit. Judges are usually notable artists, gallery owners, or museum curators. A prospectus is a document that describes the exhibit, lists its criteria, and contains the application form.
- Annual Members’ Exhibits are help in March and December of each year at Canoa Hills Recreation Center. Both are judged shows open to all SRAL members. The framed size for all submissions for these shows must be no larger than or 24″ x 30″ or 720 square inches. The prizes include first, second, and third place awards, plus three honorable mentions. In addition, artists’ choice award will be selected by SRAL members. Each of these prizes includes a ribbon and a cash award. The awards are presented at a reception.
- The Ellen Sussman – Eva Briggs Memorial Abstract Art Competition is open to all SRAL members and is a judged show, which is held at the Community Performance and Art Center in February. This exhibit was established prizes anonymously for ten years to SRAL in 2025. Submissions can be in any medium: Acrylic, Watercolor, Oils, Pastel, Collage & Mixed Media. All substrates (canvas, wood panel, paper or cradle board) must be square measuring from 12″ x 12″ to 48″ x 48″. The prizes include first, second, and third place awards, plus three honorable mentions and a people’s choice award. Each of these prizes includes a ribbon and a cash award. The awards are presented at a reception.
- The Masters’ Show is open to all SRAL members. For this exhibit artists are asked to recreate a painting as closely as possible to the original of an artist that you consider to be a “Master.” This would include color, technique, form, brushstrokes, etc. It is not necessary for your reproduction to be the same size or done in the same medium as the original. Due to United States Copyright laws, which SRAL, enforces, the master artist selected must have been deceased at least 70 years. This exhibit is held at a GVR recreation center.
- Open Shows are open to all SRAL members. These shows may or may not include a theme. They are held at various GVR recreation centers. All submissions for this show must be no larger than 24″ x 24″ or 24″ x 30″. Usually, the artists who have entered these exhibits judge the artwork and Artist Choice ribbons are awarded. Sometimes other types of awards, such as best use of color, are selected and ribbons presented. The awards are presented at a reception.
- Special Interest Group (SIG) Shows are open to members of the SIG hosting the exhibit. The purpose of these shows is to feature artwork that represents the specialty of the SIG. The size limitations for artwork for these exhibits are determined by the SIG. They are held at various GVR recreation centers. Sometimes a reception is held for the artist to discuss their work with attendees.
GVR REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE OF ARTWORK
AT RECREATION CENTERS
GVR will not be part of any sale. Buyers must contact and decide with the artist, directly. The exchange of money and art is NOT to be conducted on GVR property. In most cases, it is best if the artwork remains in place until the end of the exhibit. In the event of an exception, at the time of removal, an appropriate replacement piece should be hung.”
LIST OF CURRENT AND UPCOMING SRAL EXHIBITS
Assemblage SIG
Desert Hills
September 1 – October 31, 2026
Open Show (previously called Permanent Show)
Co-Chairs: Deane Brooks (DeanneB@SantaRitaArt.org)
Paula Richards (PaulaR@SantaRitaArt.org)
West Center
September 1 – November 8, 2026
Entry Deadline: August 24, 2026
Portrait SIG
Canoa Hills
November 1 – November 30, 2026
Collage/Mixed Media & Acrylic SIG
West Center
November 9 – December 31, 2026
SRAL Fall Members Competition
Theme: Create a painting based upon your favorite song.
Canoa Hills
December 1 – December 31, 2026
Entry Deadline: TBD
Reception: TBD
Assemblage SIG at Desert Hills: September 1 – October 31, 2026
Open Exhibit at West Center; September 1 – November 8, 2026
- Entry Deadline: Postmarked by TBD
- Reception: TBD
Portrait SIG at Canoa Hills: November 1 – November 30, 2026
Collage/Mixed Media & Acrylic SIG at West Center: November 9 – December 31, 2026
SRAL Fall Members Competition at Canoa Hills: December 1 – December 31, 2026
- Theme: Create a painting based upon your favorite song.
- Entry Deadline: Postmarked by TBD
- Reception: TBD