The Welcoming of the Whales
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Open Call for The Welcoming of the Whales, an exhibition hosted at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California, during The Festival of the Whales event on March 5th-7th, accompanied by an online virtual exhibition component.
Nestled in the heart of Dana Point, the Festival of Whales pays homage to the majestic marine life gracing our shores each year during their migratory journey, a vibrant coastal celebration where oceanic wonders, educational exhibits, marine conservation, and creative culture collide. While hosted alongside this iconic event, this Open Call invites artwork exploring all aspects of our ocean, not strictly whales, bringing together local, national, and international artists united by a shared fascination with what the ocean holds
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: Welcoming of the Whales was chosen to celebrate the majestic wonders of our blue planet and invite the audience to reflect on our deep-rooted relationship with the sea. While inspired by the annual migration of whales along our coast, this call is open to all ocean themes. We invite artists to interpret the theme broadly—whether exploring marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, the deep sea, ancestral ocean knowledge, climate research, or personal human-ocean connections. As an artist, feel free to express your unique creative perspective, keeping the core values of ocean conservation, protection, and marine literacy at the heart of your work.
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:
$25 for 1 artworks.
$40 for 2 artworks.
Additional Submissions: $5 per additional artwork submitted. Maximum of 5 works permitted per artist.
Deadlines:
International: January 31st, 2027
US: February 7th, 2027
Artwork Specifications
Works on Paper, 2D, 3D and Video Art
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: Maximum of 5 works per artist. Please note that submission does not guarantee selection, and not all submitted works will be accepted into the exhibition.
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.
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.
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: The exhibition will be held on March 5th, with the possibility of the exhibition remaining on display through the weekend.
International Submissions:
Application Deadline: January 31st 2027
Artwork Delivery Deadline: Accepted physical artwork must arrive by February 20th
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: February 7th, 2027
Artwork Delivery Deadline: Accepted physical artwork must be delivered by February 26th (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.