The CAIN National Show (fka The Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show ) attracts works by contemporary artists across the country and is judged by a guest juror of national stature. Resulting Purchase Awards have built an impressive Permanent Collection at Del Mar College.
This year's 60th show runs February 13, 2026, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. and closes April 17, 2026. Accepted artwork is displayed in the distinctive Joseph A. Cain Memorial Gallery.
ABOUT THE JUROR
Tabitha Whitley, born in Brooklyn, New York, is a multifaceted artist known for her vibrant paintings, luminous drawings, and bold prints. Her work delves into themes of identity, heritage, and our interconnectedness with nature. Through the use of vivid colors in her paintings, Whitley adds a dynamic layer of expression to her art. Whitley earned her BFA in Painting from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2009. Followed by an MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art in 2011, where she also served as the President of the Alumni Association and on the Board of Trustees. Her work has been widely exhibited, with notable shows including a prestigious group show at the Brooklyn Museum — Brooklyn Artist Exhibition — and a solo show at Gracie Mansion — From Roots to Radiance: Embracing Her Soft Era. Whitley’s art has also garnered attention in esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian. Currently residing in her native Brooklyn, New York, Tabitha Whitley continues to pursue her studio practice, creating art that reflects her deep engagement with personal and universal themes.
ELIGIBLE ENTRIES
The exhibition is open to all* U.S. artists. Only work created in the last three years can be entered. Previously exhibited works in the Annual Show will not be eligible. Each artist may submit three works. All accepted artwork can be considered for purchase.
*Full-time Del Mar Art faculty members are excluded.
ENTRY PROCEDURE - ONLINE ONLY
All submissions will be through www.callforentry.org. Entries must be submitted on or before November 30, 2025, and will not be accepted after this date.
Upload requirements for image files:
- File Type: JPEG or JPG only.
- File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side.
- File Size: Under 5 MB.
- Color Profile: sRGB
- Image must be correctly oriented (vertical or horizontal)
- One image per entry only
Further information on the image requirements for submission and resources for editing the digital image size can be found on callforentry.org's Help section.
FEE
$20 for 2 entries, one image per artwork. If you would like to submit additional entries, the fee is $5 per entry. All fees are non-refundable and payable through callforentry.org.
ACCEPTED WORK
Artists will be notified via email; status updates can be found by logging into your CaFÉ account. The digital image and information for the piece submitted must be the same piece delivered to CAIN Gallery if selected by the juror. Any alterations or differences in submitted information will result in disqualification of eligibility. The juror may elect to reject artwork after arrival.
2-D ARTWORK
All original works will be considered; this includes drawing, painting, printmaking in traditional media, original watercolor, and photography. A professional presentation of accepted artwork is required. Acetate covering is acceptable with white museum-quality mat board with at least 2" mounting and over-mat visible on all sides. To ensure consistency in presentation, if your work is framed, please use simple frames. Ship framed works with Plexiglas ONLY. Artwork must be shipped in stiff, reusable cardboard packaging and securely packed to ensure safe delivery (no peanuts). Refer to the size specifications below.
SCULPTURE
Sculptures of any media will be considered. However, sculptures requiring ceiling-suspended installation will not be accepted. Accepted sculptures should be securely packed within one crate to ensure safe delivery. If the crate is wooden, use screws—not nails or bolts—to secure the lid. Refer to the size specifications below.
All submissions must be "ready to hang" on the gallery walls or placed on pedestals. We cannot hang any artwork from the ceiling.
DELIVERY OF WORK - Accepted work must arrive no later than January 25, 2026.
- All 3-D sculptures must weigh less than 50 lbs.
- The Cain Gallery can provide a pedestal for accepted 3D artworks in most situations, but please confirm with art@delmar.edu if the sculpture requires a pedestal larger than 25”x 25”.
- All 3-D wall artwork must not exceed 60” in the longest dimension.
- Work may be sent to Del Mar College by any transportation mode, including hand-delivery.
- For hand-delivery, please call to schedule a date with the Art office at 361-698-1216 or email art@delmar.edu.
- All accepted work must have an identification card.
RETURN Of Artwork
- De-installation will begin April 18, 2026. Please allow up to 4 weeks for artwork to be re-packaged and shipped. All shipping goes through Del Mar College's Shipping Department.
- Pre-paid return shipping labels can be included in the original packages or emailed to art@delmar.edu.
- Hand-delivered work must be picked up by May 8, 2026. Special arrangements can be
made for alternate pickup dates. - Artists are responsible for all costs associated with returning artwork.
- Artwork left after 6 months will become the property of Del Mar College.
LIABILITY
- Artists are responsible for insuring their artwork while in transit to and from the gallery and for the exhibition's duration.
- All accepted artwork will be handled with professional care; however, Del Mar College will not be responsible for any loss or damage to artwork while in transit to and from the gallery and while on the premises.
- Damaged crates will remain unopened pending notification to the artist.
- Del Mar College is not responsible for work unclaimed by the sender at the return address on the crate.
- Del Mar College is not responsible for hand-delivered work that the artist does not claim after the show ends and the spring semester ends.
Sale of Work
Artwork does not have to be for sale. Cain Gallery will publish a price list and connect artists to interested buyers but will play no other part in the sale.
AGREEMENT AND COPYRIGHT
Acceptance to the 60th CAIN National Show is an agreement by the artist to all terms outlined in this "Call for Entries." Permission is granted to photograph and reproduce artwork for the catalog, other print or electronic media, future show promotions, education, and publicity.
AWARDS
- Sculpture Purchase Award: 2 @ $3,000 each
- 2-D Purchase Award: 1 @ $1,500
SHOW SCHEDULE
November 30, 2025 - Entry deadline
January 8, 2026 - Notification via email
January 25, 2026 - Deadline for accepted work to arrive at Del Mar College
February 12, 2026 - Slide lecture by juror
February 13, 2026 - Opening reception, 6 - 8 p.m.
April 17, 2026 - Exhibition Closes
April 18 - May 18, 2026 - Return of artwork
For more information, call 361-698-1216 or email art@delmar.edu
