A Rite of Passage: The American Road Trip

The California Art Club Gallery at The Old Mill invites submissions for "A Rite of Passage: The American Road Trip," an exhibition running May 14 through October 4, 2026. This exhibition commemorates both the 175th anniversary of California statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States by showcasing works that evoke the textures, colors, and moods encountered along a cross-country drive. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on how the open road celebrates the country's diversity, its shared histories, and the fleeting, nostalgic moments found between destinations.

The exhibition is open to current and active juried Artists, Out-of-State Artists, Mentorship Program Artists, and Signature Artists of the California Art Club. Associate Artists and non-members are not eligible. Accepted works may depict roadside attractions or views along Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite Valley, bridges, the Mojave Desert, the Grand Canyon, skylines, architecture, hiking trails, roadside motels, vintage gas stations, diner counters, souvenirs, maps, and similar subjects. The guest judge is Michael Godfrey, a CAC Out-of-State Signature Artist Member.

Submissions must be in oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache, or acrylic with unframed dimensions not exceeding 25 inches on the longest side. Only 35 works maximum will be selected. All artwork must be for sale. The submission deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2026. There is no entry limit; the entry fee is $30 for one work, with $8 per additional entry. Images must be jpg format and under 4 MB. Artists will be notified via email on or around Monday, March 9, 2026. Artwork drop-off is Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Out-of-town artists must ship artwork via Box & Ship in Pasadena, CA, arriving between Friday, April 10 and Friday, May 9, 2026. The artists' reception is Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Artwork pick-up is Monday, October 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Commission split is 60% Artist, 20% Old Mill, 20% CAC. For questions, contact Exhibitions Manager Eire Hoke at 626.583.9009 or [email protected].