top of page

Portfolio Development Opportunities

Participation in juried art competitions and exhibitions allows students to apply their technical skills beyond the studio while building confidence and experience presenting their work.

Master Art Academy does not submit artwork on behalf of students, but we provide this curated list of opportunities for families who wish to pursue external exhibitions or competitions independently. Participation may also support the development of a well-rounded portfolio over time.

Name
Description
Age/Eligibility
Submission Deadline
URL
San Diego County Fair – Exhibition of Fine Art (Juried)
Two-tier juried fine art exhibition (painting, drawing, sculpture, digital, mixed media) with cash prizes and fair display.
Adults 18+; Youth 13–17 (as of entry deadline)
Apr 27, 2026
https://downloads.delmarfairgrounds.com/downloads/SDFair/2026/competitions/2026_fine-art_entry.pdf
"Being Water Wise Is…" Student Art Contest (Pasadena Water and Power)
K–12 student contest on water conservation theme; selected entries may be submitted for regional calendar consideration.
K–12 students residing in Pasadena / PWP service territory
Apr 30, 2026
https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/artcontest/
Student Art Contest (Triunfo Water & Sanitation District / Oak Park)
Water-themed student contest; Triunfo selects entries to forward to Metropolitan Water District’s annual calendar.
K–12 students who live in or attend school in Oak Park
Apr 27, 2026
https://www.triunfowsd.com/student-art-contest/
"Picturing a Better Tomorrow" Student Art Contest (Orange County Power Authority)
Student contest on environmental stewardship/climate action theme; prizes by grade group.
TK–6 (age groups: TK–K, 1–2, 3–4, 5–6)
Feb 18, 2026
https://www.ocpower.org/newsroom/picturing-a-better-tomorrow-art-contest/
Art Hop Youth Art Contest (City of Santa Clarita)
Annual youth visual arts exhibition/contest tied to Art Hop festival; theme: “The World Needs Art.”
Students TK–12 who live or attend school in Santa Clarita (public/private/homeschool)
Feb 21, 2026
https://santaclarita.gov/blog/2026/02/11/students-final-call-to-have-your-art-featured-at-art-hop/
Imaginology Student Competitions (OC Fair & Event Center)
Student competitions including Mural Project, Poster Art, Upcycling, and more (STEAM-focused); includes Chalk Art Festival.
Southern California youth grades TK–12 (Chalk Art Festival: 14+; younger may assist adult)
Mar 25, 2026
https://ocfair.com/imaginology/competitions-contests/
BSides San Diego – 2nd Annual Event Art Competition
Design competition for event sticker/t-shirt artwork.
Not specified (see rules)
Feb 15, 2026
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/external/2026-bsides-san-diego-art-competition/
California Strawberry Festival 2026 – Arts & Crafts Exhibitor Call
Call for artisan/handcrafted work for festival arts & crafts booths (handmade/small-batch products made in USA).
Not specified (see call details)
Feb 9, 2026
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/external/california-strawberry-festival-2026/
Mini Print LA 2026 (Los Angeles Printmaking Society) – Juried Exhibit
Mini print exhibition (theme: “In the Present”) welcoming critical and personal print responses; works must be 7"x7" and for sale.
Not specified (see call details)
Feb 22, 2026
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/external/mini-print-la-2026/
YOUR TRUTH (Hugo Rivera Gallery) – Call for Art
Exhibition inviting artists to depict personal truth through identity, narrative, and subjective reality.
Not specified (see call details)
Feb 22, 2026
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/external/your-truth/
Flower Residency (Atwater Village) – Call for Artists
Community-based residency offering studio + living arrangement for 5 weeks with stipend and advisor meetings.
Not specified (see call details)
Feb 22, 2026
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/external/flower-residency/
San Diego County APCD – 2026 Student Art Calendar Contest
Student artwork contest about “Clean Air for All”; winners featured in 2026 calendar and on website.
Students K–12 attending schools within San Diego County
Oct 31, 2025
https://www.sdapcd.org/community/2026-calendar-contest.html
bottom of page