Important Artist Dates, Deadlines, and Opportunities: Winter–Spring 2026

As we begin the new year, the Art on the Coast community has several important events, deadlines, and exhibition opportunities ahead. From our next quarterly meeting to ArtNite: Nostalgia and preparations for Art in Bloom, now is the time to plan, prepare, and participate.

Next Quarterly Artist Meeting

February 9 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Richmond Hill City Center
520 Cedar Street, inside J.F. Gregory Park

Our quarterly meeting is the best opportunity to connect with fellow artists, share current work, and stay informed about upcoming events and exhibitions. Artists are encouraged to bring artwork for informal sharing and discussion.

This meeting is also the primary window to:
• Pick up artwork from the Holiday Show
• Drop off work for the upcoming ArtNite exhibition

Alternative Drop-Off Option:
If you are unable to attend the quarterly meeting, artwork may be dropped off at the City Center on Tuesday, February 10, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Please note:
Any artwork from the previous show not picked up by 2:00 PM on February 10 will be moved to the trailer. Artists will then need to schedule an appointment with Sarah to retrieve their work.

ArtNite: Nostalgia

Opening Night: February 13
Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
Exhibition Dates: February 13 – June 21

Nostalgia is defined as “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” Artists are invited to interpret this theme broadly and personally.

Exhibition Guidelines:
• 
Limit of three (3) pieces per artist
• 
Works must not have been shown in Richmond Hill within the past two years
3-D work is welcome
; please notify us in advance so a pedestal can be arranged (3-D works may be transferred to the AOC Gallery after opening night)
• 
Participation fee: $45, with active membership required

Artists who enjoy contributing culinary delights are invited to bring an appetizer to share for opening night.

Membership Reminder

Annual memberships renew in January. If you are unsure of your status, please check the current member directory. If your name is not listed, you will need to renew your membership before participating.

Artwork Preparation Requirements (Required for Display)

To ensure a smooth installation process, all submitted artwork must meet the following requirements:
• End-to-end wiring is required
Artwork that is not wired will not be displayed. Volunteers are unable to wire artwork onsite.
• Artwork must be clearly labeled with:
- Artist name
- Title
- Medium
- Price

While this information is included in your submission form, physical labels are essential due to the volume of work received.

Looking Ahead: Art in Bloom

Painting by Angela Roe | Photography by Nancy McGregor

Art in Bloom is our only juried exhibition of the year and our largest annual fundraiser. The event will take place on April 25 at Heartwood.

We anticipate accepting 20–25 large-scale works for this exhibition.

Preliminary Guidelines:

• Minimum size: 24 x 24 inches
• 
Maximum size: 36 x 48 inches
Canvases must have a 1.5-inch cradle, or the work must be framed
• One submission per artist
• 
No theme

Works not selected for Art in Bloom may still be exhibited at the Estes Gallery.

Full guidelines will be released soon, but artists are encouraged to save the date and begin planning now.