Overview:
The Connected exhibition brings together artists from diverse backgrounds to explore the theme of connection through the medium of sculpture. This exhibition delves into the multi-faceted nature of connections whether they be physical, mechanical, emotional, digital, or environmental, emphasizing the invisible bonds that hold our world together. In a time when technology simultaneously bridges and divides, and nature’s interconnections are increasingly disrupted, this exhibition invites visitors to reflect on what it truly means to be connected in the 21st century.
Theme:
Connected asks artists to examine the intricate relationships between people, places, and things. The sculptures will explore ideas of interdependence, community, technology, nature, and the self in relation to others. Whether portraying the connection between the human body and the environment, the ties between tradition and modernity, or the ways in which technology shapes human interaction, the artworks will speak to the various ways in which connection manifests in our lives.
Exhibition Objectives:
To Reflect on Human Interaction: Encourage dialogue about the significance of personal relationships and human connectivity in a rapidly changing world.
To Explore Environmental and Technological Interdependence: Showcase art that questions humanity's connection to the environment and the role of technology in our lives.
To Foster a Sense of Global and Local Community: Bring together diverse artistic voices, connecting artists and audiences across different cultural, social, and geographical backgrounds.
To Engage Audiences Through Interactive Art: Offer sculptures that invite participation, further enhancing the experience of connection.
Curatorial Vision:
The curatorial approach will focus on a balanced display of abstract and figurative works, encouraging a wide range of interpretations. Artists are encouraged to utilize the full spectrum of materials and techniques that sculpture as a medium encompasses. From traditional methods like stone, wood, and metal carving or casting to contemporary practices using recycled materials, 3D printing, digital elements, light, and sound, the exhibition can showcase the broad range of approaches that sculpture can embody.
Sculptors may address the theme with art made by using physically connected materials, such as by welding, sewing, assemblage, using fasteners, etc. or by visually expressing the idea of connection.
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Exhibition Dates: January 17th, 2026 - February 22, 2026
Entry Deadline: Dec 10, 2025 by 11:59pm
Drop off: Sunday, January 11th, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 17th, 2026 (time TBD)
First Friday Reception: February 6th, 2026 6-8pm
Valentine’s Day Party: Saturday, February 14, 2026 (time TBD)
Pick up unsold art: Sunday March 1, 2025
Venue: MK Contemporary Art Gallery 703 Front St., Santa Cruz CA
Application Requirements:
There is no entry fee to apply. Maximum of three submissions per artist.
Artists are invited to submit sculptures that explore the theme of connection. Submissions should include a concept description, material list, dimensions, and installation requirements. Works can include traditional sculptures, mixed-media pieces, kinetic works, or digital/virtual installations that engage with the theme in innovative ways.
All art must be 3 dimensional. Wall mounted art may be attached to the concrete walls but repairs to the wall are expected and at the expense of the artist.
Work must be original to the submitting artist, ready to display, and must meet the size specifications. Art must fit through the door which measures 82" high and 72" wide.
Accepted artwork must be the actual artwork as seen in the submitted images, no substitutions.
Artists are welcome to provide a statement, although it is not a requirement.
MK Contemporary Art Gallery will retain a 40% commission of sold artwork. The Artist's 60% commission will be paid out at the close of the show. (Specific details on payout timeline to be discussed/contracted between artist and MK Gallery.)
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to all sculptors who can hand-deliver to and pick up art from MK Contemporary Art Gallery, 703 Front St., Santa Cruz CA.
Rules and Terms to Apply:
By submitting to this exhibition you give to Pacific Rim Sculptors (“PRS”) non-exclusive permission to display and reproduce (“Use”) images of your art work, as submitted herein or taken by photographers on behalf of PRS (collectively, “Your Images”), as follows:
You agree that PRS, and others who are working with PRS, may resize, crop, or otherwise adjust Your Images as necessary for these purposes. You understand that you will not receive monetary compensation for granting this permission, and that PRS will use its best efforts to ensure that Your Images will be credited to you, the artist, whenever possible; however, a missing credit will not be considered a breach of this agreement. You retain all copyrights to your artwork. (If you are not the copyright owner of your artwork, please contact us.)
You hereby release and discharge PRS, its successors, assigns, licensees, publishers, sponsors, representatives and agents from any claim or cause of action which you may have arising out of Uses granted herein, including without limitation any claim of alleged defamation or alleged violation of rights to privacy or publicity. This release includes without limitation any alleged liability related to any alteration of Your Images or Use of Your Images with text or other images. You waive any right you might have to review the form of Use for Your Images, including any text to accompany images. You are of full age and competent to sign this release.
This agreement shall be binding upon your heirs, successors, representatives and assigns; constitutes the entire understanding between yourself and PRS with respect to the subject matter herein; may not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties; and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of California.
Artists accepted into the show must sign and return a Consignment Agreement (pdf copy provided with the acceptance email). By submitting your work to Connected, you provide Pacific Rim Sculptors and the MK Contemporary Art Gallery all rights to use images of accepted work for promotional purposes, in print and on-line on the Gallery website, on-line exhibition listings and social media. Artists retain the copyright to their work/images.
The PRS and gallery will not be responsible for email failures.
Please contact us at exhibitions@pacificrimsculptors.org with any questions regarding Connected.