TOCA Foundation
2026 Visual Arts Juried Show Prospectus
This call is specific to the Visual Arts Juried Show. Artists working in photography should apply to the Photography Juried Show: https://onlinejuriedshows.com/Default.aspx?OJSID=58989
Overview
The TOCA Foundation 2026 Visual Arts Juried Show celebrates excellence in original two-dimensional mixed-media art and recognizes the creative work of artists from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.
Up to 30 artworks will be selected for exhibition at the June 27, 2026, TOCApalooza event (formerly the South Bay Festival of the Arts). This juried exhibition offers both emerging and established artists the opportunity to share their work with the community, gain recognition, and be part of a vibrant, arts-focused event.
TOCApalooza is a community celebration that draws approximately 4,000 attendees and includes live performances, art demonstrations, food and beverage offerings, and interactive experiences for all ages. The Visual Arts Juried Show is a featured component of this event and will be held in the Ken Miller Center at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
Key Dates
• Entry Deadline: May 31, 2026
• Jury Session: June 1–7, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: Email by June 8, 2026
• Artwork In-Person Delivery: June 24–25, 2026 (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
• Shipping Deadline: Delivered by June 24, 2026
• Exhibition: June 27, 2026 (11:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• Awards Announced: June 27, 2026 (2:30 PM On Stage at the Torino Plaza)
• Artwork Pickup: June 27, 2026 (5:00–6:00 PM)
Event & Exhibition Location
Ken Miller Center
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3300 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, CA 90503
Eligibility
This exhibition is open to all representational artists worldwide in any two-dimensional media, excluding photography.
A youth category is available for artists who are 17 years of age or younger as of June 27, 2026.
All submitted work must be original, created by the entering artist, and must not have been previously exhibited in a TOCA juried show.
Entry Process
All entries must be submitted through OnlineJuriedShows by the stated entry deadline. Log in and click Enter This Show above to begin your submissions.
Artists will be asked to complete the entry application, upload their digital images for jury review, and submit payment of entry fees through the platform.
For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351
Entry Fees
• $30 for the first image
• $15 for each additional image
• Unlimited entries permitted
All entry fees are non-refundable and must be paid by the entry deadline. There will be no refunds for any reason. By entering the competition, you are confirming that you accept the no-refund policy.
ACCEPTANCE IN THE EXHIBITION IS NOT GUARANTEED.
Image Submission Requirements
To ensure a fair and consistent jury process, please follow the image guidelines carefully:
• JPEG format, sRGB color space
• Minimum 1920 pixels on the longest side at 72 dpi.
• Maximum file size of 4MB
• Images must be correctly oriented and cropped to show only the artwork (no frame or mat)
• List artwork size up to the nearest inch
Multi-panel works (diptychs, triptychs, etc.) must be presented as a single framed piece to be considered one entry.
Accepted artwork must match the submitted image exactly. No substitutions will be permitted.
Help in photographing your work and properly sizing your images for submission can be found at: www.OnlineJuriedShows.com/help.aspx
For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351
Jury Process
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of local professional artists with experience in the field.
Up to 30 works will be selected for exhibition. Final acceptance decisions are made at the Program Coordinator's discretion.
Email notifications will be sent via email. Please add Services@OnlineJuriedShows.com and Manager@OnlineJuriedShows.com to your safe sender's list to ensure notifications are received.
Awards
Adult Category
• Gold Award: $500
• Silver Award: $200
• Bronze Award: $100
Youth Category
• Gold Award: $150
Awards will be announced and presented at the event exhibition. Recipients will also receive recognition on the TOCA website and in select promotional materials, as well as unlimited rights to use the TOCA award logo.
Artwork Size, Weight, and Presentation Requirements
All accepted art must be delivered ready to hang. Only wall-hung artwork will be accepted. Due to space limitations and installation requirements, size and weight limits will be strictly enforced.
Accepted work must meet the following requirements:
• An unframed, ready-to-hang canvas may be accepted if the edges are painted
• The outside dimensions of the frame may not exceed 36 inches in height or 36 inches in width
• The total weight of the framed work may not exceed 30 pounds
• All work must be securely framed and professionally presented
• Submitted work should be correctly oriented (vertical or horizontal)
• Works on paper must be protected under glass (Museum or Anti-Reflective Glass is preferred or Plexiglas (Plexiglas is recommended for larger pieces)
• Accepted work must match the image submitted for jury review
Work that does not meet these requirements may be disqualified at intake
Framing and Hanging Requirements
Proper presentation is essential for the safe display of artwork and the overall quality of the exhibition. Aesthetics is also a major factor in frame and matte selection, which should complement, not distract from, the work. Presentation may also be considered as part of the award judging.
All accepted artworks must meet the following requirements:
• Each piece must have two D-rings securely attached to the left and right sides of the frame
• A taut, braided steel hanging wire must be securely looped through both D-rings
• The hanging wire must be rated to support the weight of the artwork (recommended: at least four times the weight)
• The highest point of the hanging wire must sit at least 1.5 inches below the top of the frame, so hanging hardware is not visible
• Sawtooth hangers, spring clips, string, thread, fishing line, or other non-wire hanging systems are not permitted
Work that is unsafe to hang or poorly presented may be disqualified at intake.
Labeling Requirements
Each accepted artwork must be securely labeled on the back of the piece at the time of delivery or shipping.
Labels should include the following information:
• Artist’s Name
• Painting Title
• Art Medium
• Painting Size (including frame)
• Sale Price (if applicable)
In addition, the artist’s name must be clearly printed on the back of the painting, stretcher bar, or frame so the artwork can be identified if the label is inadvertently detached.
Artwork that is not properly labeled may be delayed in processing or disqualified at intake.
Content Guidelines
TOCApalooza is a family-oriented event. Submitted work should be appropriate for a broad public audience, including youth.
Artwork that includes explicit or offensive content, including sexual imagery, nudity, violence, drug use, or other objectionable subject matter, may be declined at the discretion of TOCA staff and the Program Coordinator.
Delivery and Shipping
In-Person Delivery Accepted artwork must be delivered on: June 24–25, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Garden Rooms, Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503
Shipping to TOCA
Artists who are unable to deliver in person may ship their work. Shipped artwork must be received no later than June 25, 2026.
Artists are responsible for all shipping and handling costs to the exhibition. Artwork must be packed securely in reusable packaging suitable for return shipment.
Ship to:
TOCApalooza Visual Arts Show
2390 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite E #150
Torrance, CA 90501
Return of Artwork
To have artwork returned by mail, artists must include the following with their shipment:
• A prepaid return shipping label (UPS, FedEx, or equivalent)
• Reusable packaging suitable for safe return shipment
TOCA will use the provided label and packaging to return artwork after the exhibition. TOCA is not responsible for damage caused by insufficient packaging.
If a prepaid return label is not included, TOCA will not be able to return the artwork by mail.
Artwork Pickup and Unclaimed Work
Artists are responsible for picking up their artwork at the designated time or arranging for return shipping.
Any artwork not picked up or provided with prepaid return shipping by July 31, 2026, will be considered unclaimed.
Unclaimed artwork becomes the property of TOCA and may be donated or sold to support the mission of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation.
Sales and Commission
Artwork may be listed as For Sale, or Not For Sale (NFS).
TOCA will retain a 20% commission on all sales. Payment to artists will be issued within 30 days following the close of the exhibition. Pricing may not change from what is listed in the entry.
Accepted work must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition, even if sold.
Artists agree to allow TOCA to use low-resolution images of accepted work for promotional and sales purposes.
Liability
Every effort will be made to handle artwork with care. However, TOCA and its representatives are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to artwork at any time, including during transit, exhibition, or sale.
Artists are strongly encouraged to insure their work. A waiver will be required upon intake of accepted works.
Agreement
Submission of an entry, including payment of fees, constitutes agreement with all terms and conditions outlined in this prospectus.
Artist agrees to permit TOCA to reproduce the accepted artwork for TOCA publicity and documentation purposes.
Additional Notes
• Model releases are the responsibility of the artist
• Accepted work must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition
• No substitutions of accepted work will be permitted