ArtNow 2026 | Before / Between / Beyond: Annual Santa Clara County Juried High School Exhibition (English)

New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) invites high school students across Santa Clara County to submit a work of art responding to the theme Before / Between / Beyond. Students are welcome to explore before, between, or beyond as individual ideas or any combination of the three. Submissions are open through January 25, 2026.

Before

We reside in a framework shaped by countless external forces, whether they’re social, cultural, or environmental. Over time, we form patterns of belief and behavior that are passed from person to person. They are shaped by our habits, heritage, memories, surroundings, and historical events. What do they reveal about our society? How have they shaped who we are? 

Between 

As we move through life, new behaviors and narratives emerge. We choose to let go of some, others we embrace, and a few transform us by giving rise to new ones. When we find ourselves at the threshold of what was and what’s next, we face a choice: to maintain our patterns or to change them. Through self-reflection, we find our path forward; these moments are significant. What does it mean to break a pattern? What compels someone to break or continue a cycle?

Beyond

As we recognize these patterns, how will we use that awareness? Each of us holds the power to shape our own lives and influence our communities. Our awareness becomes meaningful when it leads to action. Our agency lies in the choices we make about who we want to become. What should the future hold?

ArtNow 2026 submissions will open Monday, October 20, 2025 and close on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Students may submit one work of art. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• A fully completed submission form and an artist statement of no more than 100 words must accompany the artwork. Submissions accepted online only.
• Must be a Santa Clara County High School student. Public, private, and homeschoolers are all welcome to apply.
• Create an original work of art in response to this year’s theme, and write an accompanying artist’s statement.
• Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Drawing, Digital Art, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, & Video/Animation.
• By submitting to ArtNow you allow NUMU to use images of your artwork for promotional purposes. 

IMAGE UPLOAD REQUIREMENT

• All files must be labeled as follows "Artist Last Name_ Artist First Name_Artwork Title" (Doe_Jane_TreeOfLife.jpg, for example)
• Images must be in .jpg format. jpg, mp4, mov, and m4v files are accepted.
• Images should be sized at a minimum of 1250 pixels on the shortest side with an image quality of at least 300 DPI.
• Final .jpg file must be less than 5 MB.
• Video/Animation submissions must be 2 minutes or shorter, and exported as .mp4. Short .gif files must be looped and exported to follow Video/Animation requirements.
• An individual artwork with multiple components (diptych, triptych, series) will be considered as one submission and must be submitted as a composite (single) file.
• If you are submitting a 3D artwork you may upload a single image collage with up to 3 angles of your work. 
• Judges will use this image to judge your artwork. Ensure that it is rotated and sized according to the way you want the judges to view your piece. 
• If your artwork is accepted we will use this image in the exhibition catalog. Please ensure that your image is high quality: no glare, well lit, cropped to include your full artwork, and at least 300 DPI 

JUDGING CRITERIA

Submissions are accepted based on the following criteria:

• Significant and thoughtful investigation of the theme
• Imaginative communication of ideas
• Meaningful use of materials
• Demonstrates technical skill and artistic merit
• Artist statement is well-articulated

FAQs

Is there a size restriction for my original (physical) piece?
              There are no size restrictions.

How many pieces can I submit?
              Each student may only submit one work in the category of their choice.

Can I make a change or correction to my submission?
              Unfortunately, no. Once the form has been submitted, there will be no opportunity to edit. Please make sure all files and information are correct before submitting.

Can I add to my artwork after I have been accepted as an exhibiting artist?
              Making changes to the artwork may jeopardize artwork, as it was judged in the original state it was submitted. Slight modifications such as varnishing a painting or fixing something that has broken are acceptable and encouraged.

When will I know if my work was accepted into the exhibition?
              Accepted artists will be announced on February 28, 2025.

When will I need to drop off my artwork to NUMU?
              Students whose artwork is juried into the exhibition will need to drop off their artwork during museum open hours March 7, 8, 14, & 15, 2026. All artworks need to be received ready-to-be-installed and properly wrapped.  Exhibiting artists will be emailed detailed information on the drop-off process and artwork preparation requirements.

How long will my artwork be on display?
              Works will be displayed from March 27, 2026 to July 19, 2026. However, works will remain at NUMU from the time of drop-off (March 14-16 & 21-23), to the scheduled pick-up dates (July 24-27 & July 31-Aug 3).

Can I submit a piece in collaboration with another student?

          No, ArtNow only accepts individual submissions.

Can I use AI in my submission?

          NUMU acknowledges that AI (artificial intelligence) is now a part of media and may be used as an artistic tool. AI-generated submissions without major artistic manipulation will not be accepted. AI may be applied meaningfully as part of an artist’s process to express an original concept conceived by the artist. If AI is included, students should acknowledge that in their artist statement.

AI should not be used to write your artist’s statement, however, proofreading tools like Grammarly may be used to refine the artist’s own words. Please reach out if you have any specific questions.

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NUMU strongly advises against waiting until the last minute to submit an application. There are many components to the form, and students will be most successful when they have adequate time to complete the submission.

Have more questions? Email artnow@numulosgatos.org