Cain Art Gallery

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Welcome to the Cain Art Gallery

58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show

February 16 - May 1, 2024

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.

This year’s esteemed juror is Mark H. Cowardin, an accomplished sculptor whose work centers on the complex relationship to natural resources embodied by the American Midwest. Cowardin lives and works in Kansas, and he is an Associate Professor of Art at Johnson County Community College.

Order the Exhibtion Catalog

"Canned" sculpture of a rabbit by Deana Bada Maloney

Deana Bada Maloney. “Canned.” ceramic, oxide, ink, and found object. 8” x 6” x 5”.

"Six Glass Vessels III" painting by Benjamin McVey

Benjamin McVey. “Six Glass Vessels III.” oil on linen. 24” x 24”

"Watchtower" drawing by Sheila Ghidini

Sheila Ghidini. “Watchtower.” graphite and colored pencil on mylar. 39” x 38”

Participating Artists

Deana Bada Maloney, David Baird, Robbie Barber, Jason Bly, Kate Borcherding, Jonathan Bryson, Keith Buswell, Danville Chardbourne, Ruby Chen, Cori Crumrine, Karla Cruz, Erin Cunningham, Lisa Devlin, Asya Dodina, David DuBose, Chenxi Gao, Agop Gemdjian, Sheila Ghidini, Kevin Gonzalez, Kevin Haran, Clara Hoag, Ron Koehler, Laura Konecne, Christopher Leitch, Valerie Mann, Pamela Martinez, Doug McAbee, Brad McCorkle, Deanne McKeown, William McKinney, Benjamin McVey, Lenise Perez-Miller, Slava Polishchuk, Rebecca Pugh, Gerri Rachins, Jeffrey Rinehart, Elena Rodz, Margaret Schermerhorn, Thomas Schram, Esther Shimazu, Yomarie Silva-O'Neal, Juvana Soliven, Zachary Stensen, Narong Tintamusik, J Marie Valdez, Polina Varlamova, Katie VerKuilen, Carlos Villarreal, Saffron Williams, Jenny Wu

Mark H. Cowardin Lecture

February 15 @ 11am | Richardson Performance Hall

Mark H. Cowardin received his M.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Arizona and B.F.A. from the University of Kansas. His artworks are held in many private and public collections, including the John Michael Kohler Art Center, Kohler Corporation, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and Rockhurst University. As a native U.S. Midwesterner, Cowardin’s sculptural work centers on the complex relationship to natural resources that the Midwest embodies. Cowardin lives and works in Kansas, and he is an Associate Professor of Art at Johnson County Community College.

RVSP to the Artist Talk on Facebook

sculputure by Mark H Cowardin

"Number One" by Mark H. Cowardim

Finding Us

The Fine Arts building is located off Ayers Street, between Fern St & Tompkins St.

Gallery hours are M-Th 9-4, F 9-noon.

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Cain Gallery is a gallery on Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus. Our goal is to encourage appreciation and understanding of art and its role in society through direct engagement with original works of art.

Instagram @CainGalleryDMC

  • NATIONAL DRAWING & SMALL SCULPTURE SHOW

    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 57th show runs February 16, 2024, opening reception 6-8 p.m. and closes May 1, 2024. Accepted artwork is displayed in the distinctive Joseph A. Cain Memorial Gallery.

    ABOUT THE JUROR

    Mark H. Cowardin received his M.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Arizona and B.F.A. from the University of Kansas. His artworks are held in many private and public collections, including the John Michael Kohler Art Center, Kohler Corporation, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and Rockhurst University. As a native U.S. Midwesterner, Cowardin’s sculptural work centers on the complex relationship to natural resources that the Midwest embodies. Cowardin lives and works in Kansas, and he is an Associate Professor of Art at Johnson County Community College.

    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 Callforentry.org (https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11969). Entries must be submitted on or before November 30, 2023. No entries will be accepted after this date.

    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

    $25 for 3 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 juror may elect to reject artwork after arrival.

    2-D ARTWORK

    All original works will be considered; this includes drawing, painting (acrylic/oil), printmaking in traditional media, original watercolor, and photography. 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, securely packed to ensure safe delivery (no peanuts). Refer to 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 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 30, 2024.
    • All 3-D sculpture must weigh less than 50 lbs.
    • All 2-D artwork must not exceed 72” 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.
    • All accepted work must have an identification card.

    RETURN SHIPPING

    • Artist is responsible to provide a prepaid return shipping label addressed to themselves from the gallery.
    • Hand-delivered work must be picked up by May 31, 2024. Special arrangements can be made for alternate pickup dates.

    LIABILITY

    • Artists are responsible for insuring their artwork while in transit to and from the gallery and for the duration of the exhibition.
    • 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.
    • Work unclaimed by sender at the return address on the crate is not the responsibility of Del Mar College.

    AGREEMENT AND COPYRIGHT

    Acceptance to the 58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture 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

    RETURN OF ARTWORK

    Accepted artwork must be returned by May 31, 2024.

    SHOW SCHEDULE

    November 30, 2023 - Entry deadline
    January 9, 2024 - Notification via email
    January 30, 2024 - Deadline for accepted work to arrive at Del Mar College
    February 15, 2024 - Slide lecture by juror
    February 16, 2024 - Opening reception, 6 - 8 p.m.
    May 1, 2024 - Exhibition Closes
    May 31, 2024 - Return of artwork

    Apply to the 57th Show at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11969
    For more information, call 361-698-1216 or email art@delmar.edu

     

  • PAST EXHIBITIONS ARCHIVE

    NOW LET US SHIFT

    SEP 29 - DEC 6, 2023 Alexandria Canchola risograph titled Conchita

    From stirring paintings depicting borderland landscapes to thought-provoking mixed-media installations that challenge societal norms, this one-of-a-kind exhibition features a diverse collection of artworks in dialogue the indelible work of Gloria E. Anzaldúa (1942 – 2004), the influential Chicana feminist and cultural theorist who wrote about culture on the US-Mexico border. 

    CATALOG

    57TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DRAWING & SMALL SCULPTURE SHOW

    Feb 17 - May 3, 2023Cassie White painting to be moved by stillness, colored pencil on paper

    Juried by Barbara Simcoe, Professor of Art at University of Nebraska-Omaha, this year’s show features 25 two-dimensional pieces and 25 sculptures. Works range from fiber-based assemblages, ceramic portraits and 3D-printed sculptures to hand-drawn portraits of life under the still-ongoing pandemic.

    CATALOG

    DEL MAR FACULTY SHOW

    Oct 14 - Dec 7, 2022Del Mar College faculty art piece

    From digital photography to pencil drawing, oil painting to ceramic sculpture, this mix of work by established and new faculty has something for everyone, while highlighting the talented educators who have worked at Del Mar College.

     

  • OUR HISTORY

    Joseph A. Cain: Artist, Teacher, Writer, Marine

    Cain started the National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show at Del Mar College in 1966 where he also served as the Art Department chair and is honored with a scholarship and art gallery in his name.

DEL MAR COLLEGE ART DEPARTMENT

Explore learning at Del Mar College. Ten program disciplines offered.

Visit the Art Department Website

GALLERY HOURS

Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - Noon or by appointment

(361) 698-1216
Email: art@delmar.edu

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WAYS TO GIVE

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