6TH ANNUAL EXPERIMENTAL EXHIBITION

Overtime: The Work of Living

On the view from September 5 to October 16, 2026 at Works/San José, 38 South 2nd Street, San José

For the 6th Annual Experimental Exhibition, genARTS Silicon Valley, in partnership with Works/San Jose, invites submissions of paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and mixed media responding to the title Overtime: The Work of Living. As an “experimental” exhibition, we encourage artists, whether emerging or established, to think beyond convention. We highly encourage artists to create a piece in response to the theme or to submit one that hasn’t been exhibited before and was created within the past three years.

Submit a work that examines life outside the conventional workday. This exhibition asks: what do we do when no one is managing, watching, or judging? Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore creative practice, domestic and emotional labor, rest, refusal, dreams, play, grief, care, and the rhythms of everyday life, or the body outside of productivity. Their work might celebrate the quiet moments that sustain us, challenge systems that consume our time, or illuminate the richness and contradiction of life beyond the workday. This exhibition aims to spark dialogue about what we value after clocking out and what it might look like to reclaim our hours.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

IMPORTANT DATES

Overtime Exhibition: Opening Reception

First Friday, September 4, 5–9 PM

Works/San José, 38 South 2nd Street, downtown San José

Timeline

Submission Deadline: Saturday, August 1 at 11:59 PM

Artist Notifications: August 15

Artwork Drop-off: Friday, August 21, Saturday, August 22, and Tuesday, August 25 from 2–4 PM

Exhibition Dates: September 5 – October 16 @Works/San José

Gallery Hours: Fridays 12–6 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 12–4 PM

Opening Reception: First Friday, September 4, 5–9 PM

Artwork Pick-up: Saturday, October 17,12–4 PM, and Sunday, October 18, 12–4 PM

ELIGIBILITY + SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • All self-identified artists of all career stages and all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. No prior exhibiting experience required. Emerging artists may be prioritized.

  • Artists must live in, work in, or have a personal or professional connection to Santa Clara County to participate

  • Artists must be members of genARTS Silicon Valley to participate. Sign up for free here.

  • Must be able to drop off and pick up artwork on the dates listed above.

Submission Requirements

  • There is no submission fee.

  • Artists may only submit one work of art.

  • Artworks can be two-dimensional works on paper, canvas, or other flat material, sculptures that meet dimension and weight requirements, and short videos (no more than 5 minutes).

  • For 2-D pieces, artwork may be no more than 10 square feet framed and weigh no more than 25 lbs. Please let us know if your artwork is an unusual shape.

  • For 3-D pieces, including works made of stone, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, and fiber, artwork may not be bigger than 10 cubic feet, and weigh no more than 25 lbs. It must be able to stand freely without mounts. 

  • Singular works consisting of multiple pieces, such as diptychs, are acceptable and will be considered. Must meet dimension and weight restrictions.

  • Contact gallery@workssanjose.org if you have questions about unusual installations.

  • Accepted artwork must remain on view for the duration of the exhibit.

Review Process and Criteria:

The Experimental Exhibition is looking to display a broad representation of artistic form, style, and media to provide viewers an enjoyable, inspirational, and thought-provoking experience. Entries will be judged on their technical merit; creativity, uniqueness, originality of concept; and interpretation and the clarity of the theme. Among other criteria, jurors will also consider the quality of artistic composition and overall design and overall impression of the art. 

The mission and vision of this exhibition is to provide a low-barrier opportunity to emerging and early-career artists; therefore, the work of these artists may be prioritized. 

Questions + Support

Feel free to reach out to us anytime by email at svgenarts@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @genartssv.