San Diego Regional: 50 to Watch 2016

50 TO WATCH is a regional exhibition and national publication of visual art highlighting San Diego's best visual artists. The exhibition runs April 1-24, 2016 at The Studio Door, with a preview reception on April 2, 2016 from 6-9 PM. This biennial event will not return until 2018. The publication will be mailed to 2,000+ galleries across the country, and 50 artists will be selected for exhibition at participating galleries and online. Each featured artist will receive one hard copy of the publication and a discount on additional copies.

Eligibility is limited to artists residing in San Diego County. The entry fee is $25 per artist. Submissions must include 5-10 images of original work. Accepted categories include painting, drawing, photo, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, ceramics, stained glass, and sculpture. The exhibition does not accept jewelry, video, film, performance art, installation, or works requiring external electrical sources. For 2-dimensional work, maximum size is 8 feet height by 4 feet width including frame. For 3-dimensional work, pieces must fit a 16-inch by 16-inch pedestal or occupy no more than 4 feet of gallery floor space. Artwork must arrive gallery-ready and professionally presented, with framed work using black or natural wood frames, plexi only (no glass), and no color mats.

Jurors are Jenna S. Jacobs (Curatorial Manager, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego) and Christine Knoke (Director of Exhibitions and Chief Curator, Mingei International Museum). Award prizes for top 3 juried works include: First Prize - $300 plus publication ($650 value); Second Prize - $100 plus publication ($450 value); Third Prize - publication only ($350 savings). Artists selected for the show agree to share publication production and distribution costs totaling $350 per artist (the $25 entry fee applies toward this cost). Selected artists must make inclusion payments by March 15, 2016. Each juried artist receives two editorial pages in the publication. Additional opportunities include extra pages ($150), front cover ($1,000), and back cover ($750). Artists receive 60% of sales; The Studio Door receives 40%. Artwork must be hand-delivered or shipped by March 27, 2016. Pickup is available April 25, 2016.