Last Call For The 2020 California Open

There are just a few days left to submit art to the 2020 California Open!

Final Week To Apply To TAG Gallery's 2020 California Open 

*Submission Deadline Extended To August 14.*

Acceptance to be announced August 18.

The exhibition shows 'in person' at TAG Gallery in Los Angeles with an additional online showcase from September 9—October 1. Apply now >

Three... Amazing Prizes

Our 15th Annual California Open awards three cash prizes plus three honorable mentions.

Find the details in our prospectus >

FIRST PLACE $1000
SECOND PLACE $500
THIRD PLACE $250

Two... Ways to Be Seen

The 2020 California Open will be displayed in the galleries at our Miracle Mile location in Los Angeles from September 9—October 1. Due to the changing health climate in LA County, the exhibition will also be shared across virtual environments. Visit our website >

One... Amazing Juror

Our California Open juror, Kate Mothes is founder and curator of Young Space and Co-founder/Editor of Dovetail Magazine. Mothes earned a Bachelors in Art History from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, and a Masters in the History of Art, Theory and Display from Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh. Learn more >

Habitual Artistry: Sunhee Joo, Betzi Stein, Pam Douglas, Judy Zimbert

A number of TAG Member Artists are featured in Habitual, a new exhibition by Gallery 825, Los Angeles Art Association. Check out these exciting works from Sunhee Joo, Betzi Stein, Pam Douglas, and Judy Zimbert.

Los Angeles Art Association proudly presents Habitual - an all media exploration of repetition and pattern in contemporary art practice. Habitual is an online exhibition and sale featuring artwork by LAAA artists running July 25- August 10, 2020.

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Sunhee Joo

Cycle of Life ll

“One day I went to beach near the water and found a seabird dipping and feeding in the waves. While I was watching it, I realized that life is a big cycle of events in our lives. Then I later made a collage with photos I took there.” – Sunhee Joo

Cycle of Life II, Habitual | Sunhee Joo, TAG Member Artist

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Betzi Stein

Pattern 10

“Pattern 10 is tenth in a series of gel pen pattern drawings on black paper that I did some years ago. This is the only one in the series where I combined two of the drawings together in a collage.” – Betzi Stein

Pattern 10, Habitual | Betzi Stein, TAG Member Artist

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Pam Douglas

Primal Rhythms

“Primal Rhythms measures pulses of energy in tough mediums including rope, spray paint, inks, acrylic on canvas. Around 4 feet square, it was part of the 2016 series ‘Rhythms’ that explored heartbeats in a year of tension. We sense universal tempos in the timing of our days.” – Pam Douglas

Primal Rhythms, Habitual | Pam Douglas, TAG Member Artist

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Judy Zimbert

OBLIVION #2

“Oblivion 2 is a mixed media piece using a Chinese stamp and charcoal as well as both acrylic and oil paint. It is 8”x8” on canvas.” – Judy Zimbert

OBLIVION #2, Habitual | Judy Zimbert, TAG Member Artist

August Delights At TAG Gallery: Michael Burnham, Gianna Vargas, Garo Ourfalian, California Open

TAG Gallery is delighted to share the works of artists Michael Burnham, Gianna Vargas, and Garo Ourfalian. Their upcoming solo exhibits open August 11. Visit our website and social  media for updates on opportunities to view the works virtually and in person. Please call TAG Gallery for viewing opportunities when Stay Home orders are lifted.

August 11 – September 5

Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously 

Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home

Garo Ourfalian
0 to 1

Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously

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Existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Sarte once stated “We are all condemned to be free.” In Sarte’s mind and philosophy life functions as a weight of sorts around one’s neck, a heavy sentence of responsibility in a dark meaningless world. In Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously, Burnham challenges the notion that life is a constant burden, instead opting to find humor and levity amongst the randomness of the constant adversity of everyday life. As such, Burnham has mastered the art of leaning into accepting the concept of personal responsibility, finding meaning and purpose within his life.  Burnham applies these principles to his practice as well, photographing his subjects from unique and interesting angles, inserting a sense of child-like inquisitiveness in each composition. 

Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously revels in the “burden” of responsibility with a celebratory tone, to the point of giddiness, subscribing to the idea that accepting responsibility for one’s own life opens the door to incalculable possibilities that can overwhelm the mind to the point of nonsensical absurdity.

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Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home

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In creating the paintings for this show, Vargas strove to create beautiful artwork that is both dynamic and optimistic. “I wanted the work to project an idea:  though often changeable and unsettling, life can be beautiful and hopeful. I recognize the value of belonging and community and also that many people lack this opportunity. For foster youth aging out of their foster home, being thrust into the world without a family can be depressing and daunting. ASOH supports foster youth as they transition into independent housing by transforming empty apartments into beautiful homes.”

How does one create a sense of home? Quality furnishings designed with care and beautiful art on the walls can impart prestige and a sense of worth to the individual who resides there. It says, “You are worth having wonderful things.” 

My technique for these paintings was to use layer and abstraction to create amorphous organic shapes that draw in the viewer and allow them to escape into color. I used a variety of marks such as drips, brushstrokes, and line. I mostly let the paint do what it wanted with my gentle direction. The end result is work that is engaging and will leave the viewer with a sense of hope. I am so proud that this work will help to create a sense of home." 100% of net proceeds will be donated to ASOH.

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In 0 to 1, Ourfalian utilizes oil paints and mark making in an effort to investigate and traverse the powerful ability of art to shift our consciousness and emotional state. As such, this work is aimed at molding the viewers sensibilities into what it is they so desire to receive from within. Whether it be broadening our perspectives or finding value in the unexpected, the intent is to reach uncharted territories.

A self taught artist who moved to Los Angeles in his 20’s, Ourfalian found a fertile ground for more inspiration through Southern California’s profound diversity. As a result, he aimed to expand his inquisitive mind by branching out from his Middle Eastern traditions, creating an abyss that was eventually filled with cultural influence from all over the world. The melting of different cultures, styles, and languages assisted in Ourfalian uncovering a new realm of complexities within himself along with the sudden realization that his current location was just a sizably larger version of what he experienced in the Middle East.

Ourfalian uses his practice as a means of understanding himself, human behavior, and social interactions. Shapes, symbols, colors, and are key figures in his work; as such, his practice elicits a timeless, yet emotional impact on viewers. “Every human interaction drives me to create symbolic art and images that penetrate the psyche behind action and behavior.” He also states, “Life may be a series of choices, but art never was... It is as basic a need as air and water.”

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Now Accepting Art: 2020 California Open

Deadline To Submit: August 8.

Acceptance Announced August 18. Apple Here.

The 15th Annual 2020 California Open is a national juried competition celebrating contemporary and modern art hosted by TAG Gallery.

FIRST PLACE $1000
SECOND PLACE $500
THIRD PLACE $250
HONORABLE MENTION X3

Application & Prospectus

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TAG gallery supports diversity, equity and inclusivity. #BlackLivesMatter