​70th Annual Juried Fine Art Show 2025

PROSPECTUS

The Mother Lode Art Association (MLAA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1951. We are dedicated to promoting the arts and fostering art appreciation in our community. Proceeds from our annual art show help support art programs in local schools.
​
KEY DATES
  • Postmark Deadline for Entries: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Art Delivery to Sonora Opera Hall: Tuesday, April 8
  • Show Dates: Friday, April 11 – Friday, April 18
  • Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, April 19
​JUDGES
  • Peggi Kroll Roberts
  • Ray Roberts
  • Jeffery Luhn (Photography)
LOCATION
The show will be held in the Sonora Opera Hall, at 250 S. Washington St, Sonora, CA 95370
​ELIGIBILITY
  • Open to all artists age 18 and older.
  • Artwork must be original, conceived and created entirely by the artist, & completed within the last three years.
  • Artwork previously shown in MLAA Fine Art Shows is not eligible.
​SIZE LIMITATIONS & HANGING REQUIREMENTS
  • Wall Art: Maximum width of 40 inches, including frame, and wired for hanging. Sawtooth hangers are not accepted. Please tape or wrap wire ends to avoid injury.
  • Photography Prints  on Canvas, Metal, Acrylic, or Glass: Must meet the same size and wiring requirements as other wall art. Frames are not required.
  • 3-Dimensional Art: Must be suitable for tabletop display.
  • Artwork not meeting these requirements will not be accepted.
​FEES (NONREFUNDABLE)
​Each artist may submit up to four entries:
  • MLAA Members: $20 for the first entry, $10 for each additional entry.
  • Non-Members: $25 for the first entry, $15 for each additional entry.
​For more details, please see the INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING THE 2025 ART SHOW section below.
​CATEGORIES
​Each piece may be entered in only one category:
  1. Acrylics & Oils
  2. Watercolor
  3. Pastel
  4. Mixed Media & Graphics
    (Includes printmaking, lithography, linocut, serigraph, monoprint, woodcut, collage, encaustic, and etching.)
  5. 3-Dimensional
    (Includes sculpture, pottery, stained and fused glass.)
  6. Drawing
    (Includes charcoal, graphite, pen/brush & ink, colored pencil.)
  7. Photography (Sonora Photo Club members only)
    (Includes matted and framed prints, aluminum prints, canvas, and acrylic, and glass). 
​AWARDS
Non-Photography Categories (1–6)
  • Best of Show: $300
  • Diane Sanguinetti Honorary Award: $100
  • Louisa King Honorary Award: $100
  • People’s Choice Award: $100
  • Category Prizes:
    • 1st Prize: $100
    • 2nd Prize: $75
    • 3rd Prize: $50
Photography Category (7)
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place: Ribbons
​​COMMISSION ON SALES
 MLAA collects a 25% commission and 8.75% sales tax on all artwork sold during the show.
SHOW CALENDAR
Date(s)
Time
Activity
Monday, March 17
5:00 pm
Postmark Deadline
Tuesday, April 8
10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Deliver artwork to Sonora Opera Hall
Wednesday, April 9
-
Closed for Judging
Thursday, April 10
-
Closed for Hanging
​Non-accepted entries posted
Friday, April 11
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Reception
Awards Presentation @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, April 12
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Show Open
Sunday, April 13
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Show Open
Monday - Thursday, April 14-17
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Show Open
Friday, April 18
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Show Open (final day)
Saturday, April 19
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Pick up artwork

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING THE 2025 ART SHOW

We’ve made the entry process simple with an interactive Entry Form that generates your receipt, labels, and wall tags automatically. This helps both you and our volunteers by ensuring accuracy and saving time.

OPTION 1: USE THE INTERACTIVE ENTRY FORM
  1. Download the form: Click the link below to save the interactive Entry Form to your device.
  2. Complete the form: Type your information in the "Entry Form" section at the top. The form will automatically fill in the Receipt, Labels, and Wall Tags sections. You'll have 3 pages.
  3. Save and print: After completing the form, print all three pages (Receipt, Labels, and Wall Tags).
  4. Mail your submission: Include the printed form and a check for your entry fee in the same envelope.

​Download the Interactive Entry Form Here:
2025_show_entry_form_receipt_label_and_wall_tag_rev-20250115.pdf
File Size: 69 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
OPTION 2: PAPER ENTRY FORM

​If you cannot use the interactive form, you can:
  • Pick up a paper form: Visit the Aloft Gallery at 105 S. Washington Street, Sonora, or;
  • Download a printable form: Use the link below.
  1. Fill out the form by hand and sign it.
  2. Mail it along with your check to MLAA, P.O. Box 5140, Sonora, CA.
  3. Our volunteers will generate your receipt, labels, and wall tags for you.

​Download the Printable Form Here:
2025_show_printable_entry_form_rev-20250116.docx
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
ENTRY FEES
Each artist may submit up to four entries. Calculate your fees as follows:
  • MLAA Members: $20 for the first entry; $10 for each additional entry.
  • Non-Members: $25 for the first entry; $15 for each additional entry.
Please include a check for your entry fee with your submission.

Note:
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions, please email us, and a volunteer will get back to you as soon as possible.
Tap here->  Contact Us
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
  • All entries must be postmarked by Monday, March 17.
  • Use the interactive form if possible for the easiest experience.
  • Ensure your check is included with your form when mailing or dropping it off.
  • Mailing address: MLAA, P.O. Box 5140, Sonora, CA​
We look forward to seeing your entries. Good luck, and enjoy the show!