TAKE CARE

CALL FOR ARTWORK

This Exhibit is sponsored by VibeWell Ventura County

Exhibition Overview

Take Care invites artists and audiences to consider what it truly means to care for our mental health, ourselves, and one another.

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, in partnership with Vibewell Ventura County, invites Ventura County artists to submit original artwork for a group exhibition focused on mental health, wellness, and emotional resilience.

Mental health is something each and every person must confront. This exhibit asks the essential questions: How do we take care of ourselves, of each other, and of our communities?

True self-care and mental health maintenance go far beyond moments of pampering. They often require intentional, consistent, and sometimes uncomfortable actions that build long-term resilience. Our mental health deserves deeper attention, care, and commitment.

Through this exhibition, we seek to expand the conversation around what true care looks like. Artists are encouraged to explore personal, cultural, and community-based practices that nurture emotional well-being, reduce stress, foster connection, and support healing. The exhibition aims to inspire dialogue, reduce stigma, and highlight the transformative power of art in promoting mental health awareness.

Important Dates

Call for Artwork Launch: Friday, February 27, 2026
Submission Deadline to submit: May 1, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Exhibition Dates: June 18 – September 6, 2026
Opening Reception: June 18, 2026
Click HERE to submit
Eligibility

This call is open to artists for 2D visual art who live, have lived or work in Ventura County. Artists of all backgrounds, experience levels, and disciplines are encouraged to apply. The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center cannot display 3D works, which require pedestals and audio or video.

Artwork Guidelines

All work must be original and created by the submitting artist.
Artwork should reflect themes of mental health, emotional wellness, self-care, community care, resilience, healing, or stress reduction.
All artwork must be exhibition-ready, including wire for hanging, proper framing, mounting, or installation hardware where applicable.
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center reserves the right to refuse work that does not meet presentation, safety, or content guidelines.
Artists may submit up to five (5) images
Artwork must not exceed 36″ x 40″
Artwork must not exceed 40lbs
Artwork must be ready to install with wire or D rings attached to the back of the artwork
Submission Requirements

Artists will be asked to submit:

A completed application form
Images of proposed artwork
Title, medium, dimensions, and year created for each piece
An artwork statement describing how the work relates to mental health and well-being
Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Gallery Committee representing the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and Vibewell Ventura County. Artists will be notified of acceptance following the submission deadline.

Sales & Commission (if applicable)

Artwork may be offered for sale during the exhibition. Commission details will be announced in the final call for artwork.

Liability

All reasonable care will be taken in handling submitted artwork. However, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center will not be responsible for loss or damage to artwork while in transit to or from the venue.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this call for artwork, please contact:

Sandee McGee

smcgee@simivalley.org

805-583-7901

This exhibition seeks to create a meaningful and compassionate space where art becomes a vehicle for understanding, reflection, and collective care.