The Ocean Within II
We are thrilled to welcome you to the artist briefing for The Ocean Within, a mini exhibition hosted at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California, during their Sharks After Dark event on August 13th, accompanied by an online virtual exhibition component.
Building on our 2026 event that brought in over 460 guests, this exhibition brings together artists united by a shared fascination with what the ocean holds beyond the reach of human sight, scientifically, culturally, and emotionally. While this is a small, intentional show, we hope it serves as the beginning of something much larger: a proof of concept for what happens when ocean art, science, and advocacy share the same wall.
We’re glad you’re here. Please read through all sections carefully before completing the submission form at the bottom of this page.
In Partnership with the Ocean Institute, Moku Art Studio, and MANGO. Organized by Moku Art Studio.
"This publication is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as a Decade Activity. Use of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development logo by a non-UN entity does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations of such entity, its products or services, or of its planned activities. For more information please access: https://oceandecade.org/legal/"
About the Exhibition
Theme: The Ocean Within was chosen with the idea to invite the audience to witness and feel the unknown of the ocean, whether that is the ocean itself, the deep-sea, an interesting ocean creature, the human-ocean relationship, ancestral knowledge, research topic, or experience. As an artist, feel free to interpret the theme, but as always, keep the idea of ocean conservation, protection, and education in mind.
Venue: The Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California. The exhibition will be displayed on the interior wall panels of the venue during the Sharks at Night event, an evening program that draws a wide audience of families, ocean enthusiasts, students, and educators.
The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth marine science and maritime history programs.
The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.”
Format : Works will be mounted directly on the wall using removable mounting tape, unframed, creating an intimate and intentional display suited to the space and the theme. We recommend mounting 2D work on a backing so as to not damage the work. This will also help with shipping costs of the artworks.
Submission Fee: $40 for up to 2 artworks.
Additional Submissions: $5 per additional artwork submitted.
Deadlines:
Artwork Specifications
Works on Paper
Open to local and international artists working in 2D, 3D, and video art.
Size & Mounting Constraints: Final size allowance depends on how the artwork can be securely mounted to the venue’s wooden walls using non-invasive methods (without damaging the walls or the artwork). While 8" x 10" is an ideal baseline size, larger works may be accepted if they can be safely displayed using non-destructive backing or non-invasive wall mounting techniques.
Format: Unmounted works on paper or similar flat substrate. Works must arrive ready to display; no additional mounting or framing will be provided.
Substrate: Fine art paper, archival print, cardstock, or similar. The back of the piece must be smooth and flat for mounting tape adhesion. Canvas and heavily textured backs are not recommended. However, artists with textile pieces, please contact me directly.
Accepted Mediums: Open to 2D, 3D, and video/digital artwork from both local and international artists.
Sculptures: 3D and sculptural works are accepted; selection and placement will depend on dimensions, weight, and footprint.
Number of works: Two (2) works per artist. If you wish to submit three (3) works, please note that there is an additional fee.
Condition: Work must arrive in perfect condition, flat and undamaged. Please use a rigid mailer or protective cardboard when shipping.
Important: Works will be mounted using Magic Mounts removable tape directly on the wall panels. Please confirm that the back of your piece is clean, smooth, and flat before shipping. If you have any concerns about your specific substrate, contact us before sending.
Video and Performance
Playlist: All video works will rotate automatically in a shared playlist on one screen throughout the event.
Length: 5-7 minutes maximum video duration. If closer to 7 minutes, please check in.
Audio: Artists may submit work with or without audio. Please note that audio will be played at a consistent venue volume. Moku Art Studio reserves the right to adjust volume levels as needed for the event environment.
Video format/file type: Aspect ratio and resolution: LED screen is 1680x1008 and 59.94 Videos can be shared via a YouTube link or Google Drive (preferred).
File submission: Video files should be submitted via the Artist Submission Form.
Artist Info Card
Each work will be accompanied by an info card (2.5 × 4 inches) mounted on the wall underneath it. This card is how visitors connect with you and your work. The card must include all four of the following:
Title of the Piece: The title of the work on display. Untitled is acceptable.
Artist Name & Year: Your full name as you'd like it displayed publicly or your alias.
Medium & Dimensions: Please use inches if possible for dimensions.
Country: We want to highlight the international artist and the connections. This will also help with the virtual version of the exhibition.
Inspired By: 1 sentence on the ocean topic, place, species, or idea that inspired this piece.
Artist website: if you want to include it, not required.
QR Code: A scannable QR code linking to additional information that the viewer can learn more about the research/topic of your piece. This is our direct connection to science. Generate free at qr-code-generator.com
Sale Status: Each label/info card must clearly state whether the artwork is for sale or Not For Sale (NFS).
Price Sheet: A price sheet will be provided at the venue listing all available works for sale.
Moku Art Studio will take a 15% commission on any artwork sold during the exhibition. Please factor this into your pricing if your work is available for purchase.
Cards must be printed, not handwritten, and submitted as a print-ready PDF or high-resolution JPEG (2.5×4 in, 300dpi) via the Artist Submission Form below. Please ensure all text is clear and legible, keep fonts readable, and avoid overly decorative type for the required fields. Artists are welcome and encouraged to design their own card to reflect their personal style and practice. We will print and mount the cards on your behalf.
Participation & Shipping
Payment is processed via Zelle (domestic) and Wise (international). Details will be provided in the Artist Submission Form. Please ship your artwork flat in a rigid mailer or between two pieces of cardboard. Package your work securely. We are not responsible for damage incurred during transit to the venue. Your info card PDF should be submitted separately via the Artist Submission Form below.
Please include a prepaid return shipping label inside your package if you are mailing your work. Without a return label, we are unable to guarantee the return of your work. If you need guidance on generating a prepaid label from your country, reach out, and we can help.
Shipping address will be shared after being accepted.
Customs and Duty Fees: international artists are responsible for any customs or imports duty fees incurred when shipping into the U.S. Original fine art is usually exempt but please check with your shipping carrier as they can advise on correct documentation and classification for your specific country. It seems that under HTS Chapter 97 this is possible and document their status clearly to prevent them from being classified as consumer goods.
You can use PirateShip or Shippo to compare shipping prices from all the different shipping companies.
If you are a SoCal Artist, there will be a date and time where you can drop off your work in person at the Ocean Institute TBD.
Local Printing Option (No Shipping Required): Artists who prefer not to ship physical work can opt to have their artwork printed locally in Southern California.
The standard application fee still applies ($40 for 2 works, $5 per additional work).
You can arrange local printing directly through our recommended local printer: Hoover Printing.
Donation Option
If you would prefer to donate your work to the exhibition rather than have it returned, we warmly welcome that. Donated works may be retained by Moku Art Studio, gifted to one of our partner organizations, or offered to visitors as part of the event. If you are interested in this option, please contact us directly before submitting.
Third Artwork
If you would like to submit three works, please contact us first to confirm wall space availability. A third work add-on fee of +$5 applies. Each additional work requires its own info card. We cannot guarantee space for a third piece until confirmed in writing.
Key Dates
Artists submitting from outside the US are strongly encouraged to ship as early as possible. Please factor in customs clearance when calculating your shipping timeline.
Exhibition Date: Sharks After Dark will be held on August 13th, with the possibility of the exhibition remaining on display through the weekend.
International Submissions:
Application Deadline: May 16th
Artwork Delivery Deadline: Accepted physical artwork must arrive by July 11th
Note: Artists submitting from outside the US are strongly encouraged to ship as early as possible and factor potential customs clearance delays into their shipping timeline.
US & Local Submissions:
Application Deadline: July 4th
Artwork Delivery Deadline: Accepted physical artwork must be delivered by July 18th (or dropped off in person at the Ocean Institute at a TBD time/date).
Submission Form
Once you are ready to confirm your participation, please complete the Artist Submission Form below. This is where you will provide your shipping address, payment information, a photo of the work you are sending, your info card PDF, and any questions or special requests.
Questions about your submission, the donation option, or a second work? Contact us directly at mokuartstudio@gmail.com. We're happy to help.