Yokai community art exhibit
Call for artists!
Call for artists!
The Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum invites artists to submit original artwork inspired by the fascinating world of Japanese yokai. Selected pieces will be featured in the Inamori Pavilion display case as part of a special exhibition on view from September 4 through November 15.
Submissions are open to both local and national artists, including professional and emerging creators. Artists working across a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply and share their unique interpretations of these legendary spirits from Japanese folklore.
In addition to the exhibition, selected artwork will be showcased during the Yokai Masquerade on October 31, offering artists the opportunity to share their work with guests attending this immersive Halloween celebration inspired by Japanese folklore.
TIMELINE
Submission Deadline: August 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Acceptance Notification: August 14, 2026
Artwork Delivery: August 26–28, 2026 (in person at the JFGM Office, 2220 Paseo De Oro)
Exhibition Dates: September 3 – November 8, 2026 (open during regular JFGM public hours; dates subject to change due to special events)
Deinstallation and Artwork Pick-Up: November 18–19, 2026 (JFGM Office, 2220 Paseo De Oro, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Requirements
Open to all mediums.
Each artist may submit up to three (3) works.
Artwork must not exceed 24" × 36", including the frame.
All submitted works must be original and not previously exhibited at JFGM.
Submission does not guarantee selection. Artists will be notified by the JFGM Exhibit Coordinator if their work is selected.
How to submit your art
To submit, email the following materials to registrar@niwa.org:
Artist's full name and phone number
Photograph(s) of each artwork (file names must include the artist's last name and a number, e.g., Smith1, Smith2)
Dimensions of each submitted artwork
All required materials must be included for a submission to be considered. The JFGM Exhibit Coordinator will notify artists of their submission status.
Presentation
Selected works must be framed, matted, or mounted and ready to hang upon delivery. Sculptural works must be self-standing.
Each work must include a label with the following information: artist's name, title, date created, medium, and dimensions.
Note: Unframed works will be displayed using clips, which may result in damage to the artwork.
All submitted artwork must be appropriate for general audiences, as determined by JFGM.