Yosemite Renaissance 42 Art Exhibition and Competition

About this call

Yosemite Renaissance is a non-profit art organization that encourages diverse interpretations of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. Its 42nd annual exhibition, open to artists worldwide, opens at Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst, California, United States, on March 20, 2027, and then travels to other art centers in California (Hanford, Turlock, Madera) through about February 2028. Subject matter must relate to the landscape, environment, wildlife and people of Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada, from Lake Tahoe to Tehachapi; representational and non-representational work are both welcome, as are environmental, cultural and political themes. Visual artists and artisans in all media may enter, except film, video, interactive media and performance. About 50 pieces are selected from digital images, and USD 4,000 in cash awards are announced at the opening reception.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Painting / Photography / Printmaking / Drawing / Mixed Media / Textile / Ceramics / Sculpture / New Media
• Entry fee: $25
• Open to artists worldwide; all submissions in English, and participating artists must be able to communicate in English, directly or through an interpreter. Visual artists and artisans in all media except film, video, interactive media or performance. Original works only; limited edition prints and multiples (photographs and digital art) allowed, no reproductions. Works must be created in the last 5 years and relate to the landscape, environment, wildlife and people of Yosemite and the California Sierra Nevada. All works must be for sale, and prices cannot be changed after submission; accepted works must be sold through Yosemite Renaissance until the exhibit closes, with a 40% commission after card fees. Up to eight entries per artist, at most two accepted. Fees: first entry USD 25, additional entries up to 4 USD 15 each, entries 5 to 8 USD 10 each, non-refundable, paid by card through SmarterEntry only, before uploading. Submit an artist statement specific to the work and an artist biography, then one .jpg per piece, under 8 MB, at least 800 pixels on the long side (1280 recommended), named with the artwork title. Works that differ significantly on delivery are not included. Recommended maximum: 2D works 30 x 40 inches framed, 3D works 72 inches high. Accepted 2D work must be framed and wired (no saw tooth hangers; metal prints and gallery wraps may be unframed); multi-panel pieces framed as one unit. Artists ship or deliver work, in reusable packing with no packing peanuts, to Yosemite Gateway Art Center, Oakhurst, California, March 12 to 15, 2027 (a pre-paid return label if possible), and insure it themselves. Say on the application if the work may join the traveling exhibit. Images may be used for publicity. Notification mid-February 2027.