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Annual Community Art Show

2023 Community Art Show

Each fall, the Palos Verdes Library District holds our Annual Community Art Show, inviting local artists, professionals and amateurs alike, to participate.

Typically featuring almost 100 artists from around the Peninsula and the larger Los Angeles community, our Community Art Shows include artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Pieces include many media forms such as photography, painting, collage, and sculpture.

The application period for the 2023 Community Art Show has now closed. Artists will be notified of acceptance by October 13th.


2023 Calendar

September 1 Applications open
September 25 Applications due by 11:59 PM Pacific Time
October 13 Artists notified which pieces have been selected for the show
October 16-27 Artwork drop off for accepted pieces
November 6 Show opens
November 10 Reception & Awards, 7-8:30 PM
January 4 Show Closes
January 8- 20 Artists pick up pieces

2023 Entry Guidelines

Entry Guidelines
Applicants may apply online or via paper form.

Entry Fees: $10 per entry. Participants may submit up to 2 entries.
Students Grades 9-12: $5 per entry. Participants may submit up to 2 entries.

All applicants may pay by check or credit card in the 2nd-floor administration office at the Peninsula Center Library, Monday - Friday, 10 am-5 pm. Online applicants may also pay online by credit card. Make checks payable to Palos Verdes Library District

Participants must at minimum be in 9th grade or at least 14 years old by November 1, 2023.

Submitting Entry Images: Online applicants must upload an image of the entry to the online form. Paper applications must include a photograph or photocopy of each piece of artwork.

PVLD reserves the right to choose the artwork included in the show and the placement area of the artwork. All accepted work may be marked NOT FOR SALE (NFS) or FOR SALE. Artwork for sale is sold as is. All sales are final. If an item is for sale, please indicate the price you will accept. PVLD will retain a 20% commission fee on all sold items and does not collect sales tax. If an item is sold, PVLD will remit the sale price, minus 20% commission, 3-4 weeks after the conclusion of the show. All artwork must remain in the show for the entire duration.

Artwork Drop-off: Each accepted work must be hand delivered and properly prepared for hanging or display. The artist is responsible for drop-off and pick-up. Artwork drop-off and pick-up is during specified times only or with prior arrangement. No shipped pieces will be accepted. Bags, boxes, and other transportation protectives will not be retained for pickup of artwork at the end of the show.

Art Preparation: Artwork not ready to hang upon delivery will not be accepted. Art should be properly framed, and/or finished on all edges and must include wire for hanging unless it is a 3-D piece. If not framed, textiles and quilts must supply hardware for display. Heavy or oversized work, 60 lbs or over 72" in any direction will not be accepted due to space limitations. All work must be labeled with the artist's contact information.

Awards: Award categories listed will each receive a $100 prize: 

  • Best in Show 
  • Best in Highschool
  • Works on Paper
  • Paintings
  • Photography 
  • 3D works
  • People’s Choice

Awardees are recommended by an outside juror. All awards except for “People’s Choice” will be announced at the Community Art Show Reception at the Peninsula Center Library on Friday, November 10, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Liability and Conditions: Entry implies agreement with all conditions set forth in this prospectus. The utmost care and caution will be used in handling all art pieces during the installation and throughout the exhibition period; however, the artist agrees that PVLD will not be held responsible for loss or damage to art. (Gallery attendants will not be present during the exhibition period.) There are no refunds on entry fees nor guaranteed acceptance that any or all entries will be accepted. Entry submissions will not be returned. PVLD reserves the right to use photographic reproductions of works in the exhibition for publicity and other promotional purposes. If necessary, PVLD also reserves the right to change the dates and times of the exhibit.

I have read and agree to the conditions set forth in the prospectus and guidelines. I hereby release the Palos Verdes Library District, its representatives, associates, and volunteers from responsibility in the event of loss or damage to artwork(s) while in the possession of PVLD.


Congratulations to the 2022 Community Art Show Winners:

First Place

James Muscarello – cast clay sculpture – Mask Over Troubled Waters

Second Place

Bette Jones – mixed media – Lizard Lookout

Third Place

Sharon Tousey – La Heladeria (The Ice Cream Shop)

Honorable Mentions

David Bright – Bean Sprout
Brian Boylan – Manhattan Beach Pier… BAM!!
Katherine Chiu – A View of the Moon
Lauren Eades – Upsidedown
Annalia Henderson – Under the Waves
Anh Ho – Shades of Palos Verdes
Erika Novitsky – Volume 2 Cover Art
Anahita Parnian – Stop Domestic Violence
Abby Song – The Daydreamer #1
Leticia Villa – Lady Sings in Blue