Submit Below Now!

UNCONVENTIONAL SURFACES

For Members and Non-Members

Exhibition Dates: September 2-26th 2026
Reception: September 19, 4-7pm

Submission Deadline: NEW Deadline August 21, 11:59pm PST

Acceptance/ Non-Acceptance Notification: August 27

Artwork Drop-Off: August 29 and 31, 11am-3pm

Pick-Up Date: September 28

Artist Guidelines

East County Art Association Presents

UNCONVENTIONAL SURFACES

Art doesn’t always belong on a traditional canvas.

The East County Art Association Gallery invites you to another year of celebrating the unconventional, the unexpected, and the wonderfully out-of-the-box.

Unconventional Surfaces brings together local artists who push beyond the boundaries of the traditional canvas, transforming ordinary and unusual objects into extraordinary works of art. Discover artwork created on shoes, skateboards, surfboards, textiles, clothing, wood panels, furniture, vinyl records, musical instruments, found objects, ceramics, metal, glass, book covers, boxes, doors, masks, gourds, reclaimed materials, and uniquely shaped canvases.

From playful experiments to carefully crafted mixed-media works, this exhibition celebrates imagination, reinvention, and the courage to try something different. Familiar objects become unexpected works of art, materials find new purposes, and creativity takes on forms you may not expect. Only thing we emphasize is PRESENTATION. Think about how you will elevate your work to be a gallery show piece! How will you hang it, showcase it, present it, in its most unusual, extraordinary way. Have fun experimenting outside of the box!

This is the exhibition where anything can become a canvas.

Join us for a lively reception featuring refreshments, music, art, and conversation, and meet the incredible local artists behind this imaginative collection.

Come curious. Leave inspired to look at the everyday a little differently.

• Maximum Size: 30 x 30 inches
• Entry Limit:SUBMIT up to 6 pieces, accepted up to 2.
  Presentation is everything! If your artwork is a 3-dimensional piece, please think of how you hang, mount, or stand them. All surfaces the artwork is attached to will have to look refined and presentable as well. 

Entry Fees

• Members: 1st entry $25, 2nd entry $10, 3rd entry $10, 4th entry $10..
• Non- Members: 1st entry $45, 2nd entry $20, 3rd entry $10, 4th entry $10..

All artwork must be wired [NO sawtooth hangers will be accepted].

Late fees will apply if other arrangements are not made for Artwork pick-up after

September 28