50th Annual
SMALL IMAGE SHOW
Prospectus
Gallery 21
Village Arts Center
1770 Village Place
Balboa Park, San Diego
JANUARY 24 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
The Gallery 21 SMALL IMAGE SHOW marks its 50th year in January/February 2026. This celebrated juried exhibition was founded by Jim Brown in 1975. It provides a unique challenge for the artist by utilizing a small image format. Showcasing San Diego County artists, this event has built in popularity over its multi-year history and is an artist favorite. This years show is sponsored by Village Arts and Education Foundation and Gallery 21.
RECEPTION
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 4:30–7pm
Awards announced: 6pm
IMPORTANT DATES
ARTWORK ENTRY DEADLINE
(ONLINE ONLY)
Monday, December 15, 2025 at midnight
ARTWORK DELIVERY TO GALLERY 21
Friday & Saturday, January 16 & 17, 2026
10am – 5pm both days
SHOW OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – 11am
RECEPTION & AWARDS
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – 4:30–7pm
Awards announced at 6pm
SHOW CLOSES
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – 4pm
ART PICKUP AT CLOSE OF SHOW
Monday, February 23, 2026 – 10am–5pm
JUROR
Chuck Thomas
Chuck Thomas is the owner and curator at Techne Art Center in Oceanside. He is a distinguished artist, gallery owner, and curator acclaimed for his innovative mixed media paintings. Known for seamlessly integrating figures and landscapes into abstract compositions, Thomas’s artworks resonate with expressive depth and explorative qualities. Drawing inspiration from global travels, he blends urban landscapes, local cultures, and natural elements to create dynamic pieces that invite viewers into realms of imagination and contemplation. Beyond artistic expression, Thomas seeks to broaden perspectives and provoke emotional resonance through his work, fostering a vibrant artistic community as both a curator and gallery owner. His dedication to exploring new artistic possibilities and connecting with audiences underscores his influence in the contemporary art world.
Eligibility
• The exhibit is open to all San Diego County artists, ages 18 years and over.
• All work must be original and completed within the last year.
• Work done under the supervision of an instructor will not be accepted.
• Work requiring special installation, electricity or handling will not be accepted.
• Submitting artists must have an active email address as all communications are done via email.
Media Accepted
• Open to artists working in all art mediums except video/sound and installation art.
• All submissions must be hand crafted by the artist.
Entry Fee
• First and second entry $30 for both.
• Each additional entry is $10 each with a maximum of eight (8) entries per artist.
• Entry fee is non-refundable.
Preparation of Art
2-D Artwork
• Artwork MUST measure 10” x 10” or smaller, including the frame.
• Jewelry must include a proper display and with the jewelry measure 10” x 10” x 10” or smaller.
• Artwork must have wire attached to the back. Wire placement must be 1/3 down from the top of the frame (or artwork if not framed) and pulled fairly taut.
• Absolutely NO sawtooth hangers.
3-D Artwork
• Artwork MUST measure 10” x 10” x 10” or smaller, including any display items included.
Artwork Submission
All entries will be processed online on OnlineJuriedShows. Log in above and click Enter This Show to begin your submissions.
Images must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, images should be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi. For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351.
Sales
• WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING A COMMISSION ON ART SALES. 100% goes to the artist. Artists are responsible for their sales transactions.
• All exhibited artwork MUST be for sale.
• No artwork may be withdrawn from the show before the close of the show.
PLEASE NOTE
Each accepted artist will be required to sit the show for a full day. Those unavailable for a shift will be required to pay a $50 sitter fee.
Awards
Juror Selected Awards
$300 – First Place
$200 – Second Place
$100 – Third Place
$50 – Honorable Mentions
People’s Choice Award – Tallied at end of show.
Jim Brown Founder Award
$100 – An award is given in memory of Jim Brown, who was the founder of the Small Image Show in 1975. The award recipient will be selected by the Small Image Show juror.
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMISSION DAY
Please bring the following items to Gallery 21 when you drop off your accepted artwork:
Artwork (see Preparation of Art).
If artwork does not meet requirements it will not be accepted.
Artist Biography (8.5” x 11”) to be added to a gallery binder of artists.
Artwork Acceptance Letter from Online Juried Shows.
Your acceptance letter will be in your OnlineJuriedShows artist profile. Please print letter out and present at Gallery 21 with art delivery.
Copy of your Seller’s Permit.*
Sales tax from sales will be remitted to the artist for filing. www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/faqseller.htm
Copy of your Business Tax Certificate.*
https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/btax/btaxhow
*These documents are legally required from participating artists. You will be removed from the show if you don’t present these documents.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at director@villageartsoutreach.org.