60th CAIN National

The CAIN National Show attracts works by contemporary artists across the country and is judged by a guest juror of national stature. This year's 60th show offers $7,500 in purchase awards: two Sculpture Purchase Awards at $3,000 each and one 2-D Purchase Award at $1,500. The exhibition runs February 13 through April 17, 2026, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. on February 13. Accepted artwork is displayed in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Gallery at Del Mar College.

The exhibition is open to all U.S. artists, with full-time Del Mar Art faculty members excluded. Only original work created in the last three years can be entered, and works previously exhibited in the CAIN National Show are not eligible. Each artist may submit up to three works. All 2-D artwork must not exceed 72" in the longest dimension, while 3-D wall artwork must not exceed 60" in the longest dimension. Sculptures must weigh less than 50 lbs and cannot require ceiling-suspended installation.

This year's juror is Tabitha Whitley, a multifaceted artist from Brooklyn, New York, known for her vibrant paintings, luminous drawings, and bold prints. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Brooklyn Museum and Gracie Mansion, and featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian. Entry fee is $20 for up to two entries, with additional entries at $5 each. All submissions must be made through callforentry.org by November 30, 2025.