CALL FOR ARTWORK:
Legacy in Color: Celebrating Black History Through Art : Presented by the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Curated by Guest Artist Marshall Toomey (Toomey will also have work in the show)
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center proudly invites Black artists to submit up to five (5) two-dimensional artworks for inclusion in our 2026 Black History Month exhibition, Legacy in Color: Celebrating Black History Through Art. This exhibition honors the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black culture—past, present, and future—through visual storytelling and artistic expression.
We welcome 2D works in all mediums that explore themes of Black identity, heritage, struggle, triumph, imagination, and joy. Whether your work reflects personal experiences, historical narratives, contemporary perspectives, or visions of the future, we invite you to share your voice and vision with our community. Must reside in the Southern California region (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernadina, Kern, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Imperial Counties)
This is a juried show. Letters of acceptance and rejection will go out by or before January 30th.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: January 20, 2026 at 5 PM
EXHIBIT DATES: February 26, 2026 - March 22, 2026
ART OPENING: Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
ARTWORK TOUR AND ARTIST TALK: Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
WHERE: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065
ARTWORK INTAKE: February 11, 2026 (drop off address is above)
ARTWORK PICKUP: March 24, 25, 26, 2026
ARTWORK SALES GALLERY SPLIT: Artist retains 100% of the sales with option to donate 30% of artwork sales directly to the organization. Payment from buyers will be made directly to the artist via payment link provided by the artist.
Land Acknowledgement
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's Land Acknowledgement Statement: With respect for the
original caretakers of the land, we recognize that the CAC currently inhabits
the land of the Micqanaqa’n and Chumash Nations. We honor the sacred lands of
all indigenous peoples.
About Legacy in Color: Celebrating Black History Through Art:
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is proud to partner with guest artist and curator, Marshall Toomey, to host the exhibit titled, Legacy in Color: Celebrating Black History Through Art at 3050 East Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.
Admission to the exhibit and the Opening Reception on February 12, 2026, is free of charge and is open to the public.
This show celebrates the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black history and culture honoring both the past and the present through visual storytelling. We welcome 2-Dimensional artwork in all mediums that explores Black identity, heritage, struggle, triumph, and the ongoing journey toward justice and joy. Whether your work reflects personal experience, historical figures, or visions of the future, we want to see your voice and vision. Join us in creating a powerful, inclusive exhibition that uplifts and inspires our community.
Bio of guest artist and curator, Marshall Toomey:
Marshall Lee Toomey (b. Kansas City MO 1953) is a visual artist whose body of work
includes 45 years in the Animation Industry followed by an award-winning fine
arts career. An animation career that includes such Hollywood masterpieces as
Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King (where he did Rafiki), The Hunchback of
Norte Dame (where he did Quasimodo) and on to Artistic Supervisor for 4 more
major movies. Finishing up a wonderful animation career on Space Jam
2. 45 years of studio work was his education in animation. After turning
to a major fine arts career where through competitions went on to becoming a
Southern CA award winning black contemporary artist. This has led to
pieces in The Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library (a portrait) The Rosa Parks
Museum (a portrait) a solo shows a The Oceanside Museum of Art in 2025, and a
number of first place and best in show.
