Call For Entries: The Art of Nature 2026

Submit your work to be featured in our celebrated annual showcase of science illustration!

Each year, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History invites local artists to share their work that celebrates the intersection of art and science. From detailed scientific renderings to field sketches, this juried exhibition highlights the remarkable talent of artists who help us create understanding of the natural world.

WHO CAN SUBMIT: This exhibit is open to Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay Area artists over 18.  Both emerging and established artists are welcome to apply.

WHAT TO SUBMIT: Submissions should be artwork in the service of science, which creates images of organisms or processes that teach, inform, and create an understanding of our world, while exemplifying fine attention to detail and scientific accuracy. Special consideration will be given to pieces featuring species native to California. We welcome submissions in a variety of artistic media, excluding photography. Any 3D work must be fully created at the time of submission, renderings will not be accepted.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Complete the online submission form for up to two (2) pieces of artwork.

Submit Here

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026

Artist Notification: mid-February

Exhibit Dates: March 28 – May 31, 2026

Questions? Contact liz@santacruzmuseum.org for more information.

Exhibit Design, Construction, and Installation

• This show is juried by Museum staff and a professional science illustrator. Staff will make all curatorial decisions related to installation.
• The Museum will prepare and provide wall space, and hang the show
• The artist must provide framed artwork that is wired for hanging (if applicable)
• The exhibit elements will be created off site by the artist and brought to the Museum on or before the installation window.

Compensation

• The artist will complete any research, design, art production and installation as a volunteer and will not receive compensation for the exhibit.
• The Museum will not broker the sale of any artwork on the wall and labels may not include prices. However, the Museum will provide business cards to interested parties as requested, and keep a price list at the Front Desk.
• Consignment prints or cards may be sold in the Museum gift shop- the Museum will retain a 50% consignment fee on the sale of all items and will return unsold items along with a check for consignment sales within 30 days of the close of the show.

Ownership of the Exhibit

• Ownership of the artwork will remain with the artist.

Publicity

• The artist will provide promotional images for advertisements and press, if requested.
• The Museum shall have the right to photograph and/or reproduce artwork in full or in part for educational, or publicity purposes, including social media.
• Use of images for promotional purposes will credit the artist.
• The Museum will cover expenses associated with First Friday fees, the reception, and all related promotion.

Disclaimer/Legal

• The Museum assumes all responsibility for the protection of artist’s work while on exhibit.

Featured image: Delta Green Ground Beetle by Tina Curial, Art of Nature 2025