Yosemite Renaissance 41 - 2026 Exhibition

About the Open Call

Yosemite Renaissance is a non-profit art organization dedicated to encouraging artists to create diverse interpretations of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region, inspiring new generations to understand, preserve and protect our wild lands. This annual exhibition is open to visual artists and artisans worldwide working in all media including but not limited to: oil & acrylic painting, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, printmaking, photography, digital art, drawing, fiber art, glass, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture. Film, video, interactive media, or performance art are not accepted. Original works created in the last 5 years are required. Subject matter must be related to the landscape, environment, wildlife, and people of Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada region, encompassing a wide geographic range from Lake Tahoe to Tehachapi. Both representational and non-representational approaches are encouraged, including exploration of environmental issues, ecology, and cultural themes. Mastery of traditional media, technical expertise, style, personal vision, and innovation are important selection factors. All works submitted must be available for sale, with Yosemite Renaissance retaining a 40% commission on sales. The exhibit opens at Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst, then travels on to other art centers in California, which may include Kings Art Center in Hanford, Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, and Madera County Art Council Circle Gallery, through February 2027.

What is Offered

$4,000 in cash awards will be announced at the opening reception.

Requirements

Open to artists worldwide. All submissions must be completed in English and participating artists must be able to communicate in English. Submitted works must be original, created in the last 5 years, and available for sale. Two-dimensional works should not exceed framed dimensions of 30x40 inches and must be framed and wired for hanging (no saw tooth hangers). Three-dimensional works should not exceed 72 inches in height and must be ready for presentation with any special display hardware provided by the artist. All artwork must be packed in sturdy, reusable shipping containers (no packing peanuts). Exhibiting artists must ship accepted artworks to Yosemite Gateway Art Center, 40982 Hwy 41, Oakhurst CA 93644 at their own expense, and provide a pre-paid return label. Subject matter must be related to the landscape, environment, wildlife, and people of Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada region. No film, video, interactive media or performance art submissions.

How to Apply

Entry is exclusively through SmarterEntry.com. Payment is the first step in the submission process. Artists must submit an Artist Statement, Artist Biography, and digital image files (.jpg format, less than 8 megabytes) for up to eight entries, following the specific guidelines on SmarterEntry.com regarding image format and file names.