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Call for Art Submissions:
San Diego Pastoral – From the Desert through the Mountains to the Sea

The United States District Court for the Southern District of California has created an exciting new display space right on Broadway in the heart of downtown San Diego.

The inspirations for this on-going, rotating art display are: making art more accessible to the public, enhancing civic engagement through the arts, and creating an opportunity for local artists to increase exposure to their work.


THEME:
Submit your original artwork to San Diego Pastoral – From the Desert through the Mountains to the Sea, a juried exhibition showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Southern District of California, which covers San Diego and Imperial Counties.

WHERE:
The Courthouse Gallery of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Artwork will be displayed in a large window on the north side of the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse. The window faces Broadway and is near the intersection of Broadway and Front Street.

ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all emerging and established artists 18 and older residing in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

FEES:
No fees to apply. We regret that we do not have a budget for shipping cost reimbursement. Artists that are selected for the show must drop off art for this exhibition.

Artists may submit up to 3 pieces, two-dimensional, original painting and mixed media only. All art must be “hang-ready” with D rings, no cable please. AI generated art will not be accepted.

DIMENSIONS:
Maximum: 76” high, 60” wide
Minimum: 20” high, 24” wide
Weight: no more than 30 pounds.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & DEADLINES:

Submission deadline is midnight on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Sorry, no late submissions.

STEPS TO SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK:
1. Download and complete the San Diego Pastoral – From the Desert through the Mountains to the Sea submission form below;
 Call for Art Submission Form


2. Email the completed form and the images of your work to
 casd_courthousegallery@casd.uscourts.gov


JURY PROCESS:
All works will be juried in digital format. The artistic work will be juried based upon the following criteria:

  1. How it responds to the theme; and
  2. Technique, skill, degree of difficulty, mastery of materials.

NOTIFICATIONS: Artists will be notified by September 16, 2025.

EXHIBITION DATES: October 6, 2025 – February 2, 2026.

LIABILITY & AGREEMENT:
The Court will exercise all reasonable care in handling and hanging the art, however the Court assumes no responsibility for damage or loss to works submitted. Insurance is the responsibility of the exhibiting artist.

Participating artists agree to hold the Court harmless and to indemnify the Court against all claims resulting from losse

QUESTIONS should be submitted to casd_courthousegallery@casd.uscourts.gov.