February 2026 Collagraph

Artist of the Month

Stockton Garden Club & Stockton Art League Present
Celebrating 100 Years of The Stockton Garden Club (1926–2026)

In honor of the Stockton Garden Club’s centennial, this special open call exhibition brings together over 40 local artists exploring themes inspired by gardens, nature, growth, and the cultivated landscape. The show reflects the richness and diversity of creative voices in our community while celebrating a century of stewardship, beauty, and connection to the land.

Exhibition Dates: February 7 – February 28

Artists Reception: Saturday, February 21 | 4–6 PM

Location: Elsie May Goodwin Gallery
1902 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204

Join us to meet the artists, celebrate 100 years of community gardening, and experience a vibrant collection of work inspired by the natural world.

Free and open to the public.

Next Exhibition

March Reception: Join us on March 14th 4–6 pm, featuring works of the Women's History Month Open Call Exhibition
 

Director's Corner

Community begins with gathering.

When we come together, whether in a gallery, around a worktable, or in conversation, something shifts. Art does not happen in isolation. Even when it is created alone, it is shaped by the moment we are living in.

Sometimes art is a reaction to the present. It captures what feels urgent, uncertain, or quietly unfolding around us. Other times, art looks to the past. It remembers what it felt like to exist in another moment, to hold a certain atmosphere, to carry a certain weight. And on rare occasions, art seems to anticipate what lies ahead—offering a glimpse of possibility before we fully understand it.

This month, we are especially excited to present the Stockton Garden Club’s 100th Year Open Call Exhibition. Bringing together over 40 artists in celebration of a century of community gardening feels like a powerful reminder of how creativity and cultivation go hand in hand. Gardens, built slowly, with care, patience, and collective effort. We are honored to collaborate on this centennial celebration and to see such a vibrant response from our creative community.

At the Stockton Art League, we are thinking about how gathering creates space for response, reflection, and imagination.

There are many exciting opportunities ahead this year. Our Expression Sessions continue to offer welcoming, low-barrier opportunities to meet and make together through mending, collage, embroidery, and open studio formats. These sessions are grounded in equitable access and shared participation. Art does not need to be monumental to be meaningful; it simply needs space and community.

The Youth Art Program is expanding its 2026 offerings, providing more consistent and accessible creative learning opportunities for young artists and families throughout the year. Building equitable chances to participate in art, regardless of background or experience, remains central to our mission.

We are also thrilled to share that we received grant support for a sustainability-focused initiative: the A.U.R.A. Project.

A.U.R.A. stands for Alter, Upcycle, Repair Arts, a project centered on diverting usable fabric and textiles from the landfill and transforming them into new creative works. This initiative recognizes that creativity and environmental responsibility can move hand in hand. Through altering, upcycling, and repair, we reimagine what materials, and by extension, what communities can become.

As part of the A.U.R.A. Project, we will be introducing a new sewing machine to the gallery as a shared tool to support artists and makers exploring textile practices. It is a small but meaningful expansion of what is possible in our space.

Kat is building an exciting lineup of exhibitions and programming for the remainder of the year, and we look forward to sharing more soon. Next month, the prospectus for the 63rd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Haggin Museum will be released. The submission deadline will be in mid-July, so we encourage artists to begin preparing thoughtfully and intentionally now. This is an important opportunity for artists across our region to put work forward and be seen.

Community is not simply about attendance. It is about presence. It is about showing up with care, curiosity, and willingness. Art helps us respond to the present, remember the past, and imagine what may still be possible.

Thank you for gathering with us and for continuing to strengthen the creative life of San Joaquin County.

In creativity,
Jessica Fong
Executive Director

Stockton Art League
 

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain

San Joaquin County Arts Community Survey

Help Shape the Future of Arts in Our County

As part of our State–Local Partner (SLP) development work with the California Arts Council, the Stockton Art League is gathering community input to help shape a countywide arts agency that represents all artists, organizations, and cultural communities in San Joaquin County.

We invite you to participate in our Community Survey on Arts, Culture, and Creativity.

This survey includes open-ended questions designed to gather thoughtful feedback. You’re welcome to answer as fully as you’d like—your perspective and lived experience matter.

Whether you are an artist, educator, cultural practitioner, nonprofit leader, student, or community member, your voice will help inform how arts resources, advocacy, and funding structures are built for our region.

If you know others who care about the arts in San Joaquin County, please share the survey with them. Broad participation helps ensure the future Local Arts Agency reflects the full diversity of our community.

Opportunities

Call for Submissions: Women Artists and Advocates for Women’s History Month!

The Stockton Art League invites women artists and advocates to participate in a special exhibition honoring Women’s History Month! This event celebrates the creativity, strength, and impact of women through art.

Submission Details:
Deadline: March 2nd
Limit: First 48 artists to sign up
Artwork:
• One (1) piece per participant
• Max size: 8x8 inches including frame
• All mediums welcome
• Must be original work (No AI)
Entry Fee: None

Event Details:
Reception: March 14th 4–6 PM
Location: Goodwin Gallery, 1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA
Exhibition: Artwork will be displayed all March

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, connect with the community, and celebrate the contributions of women in the arts! Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or work in any other medium, we welcome your creativity.

Reserve your spot today!
Register below or email Kat at [email protected].

Goodwin Gallery Hours

Next Drop-off / Pickup
Membership Show
February 26 12-4pm
February 27 12-4pm
February 28 12-4pm

Thursday Mornings Open Studio

Join us again for Open Studio at the Goodwin Gallery every Thursday from 10 AM–12 PM. This informal drop-in session is a space to meet, make, and connect with fellow artists and community members.

Bring your own project and work alongside others in a relaxed, supportive environment. All media are welcome; however, we ask that participants use low-odor materials only to ensure a comfortable shared workspace. Whether you’re continuing a piece, experimenting with new ideas, or simply seeking creative company, Open Studio offers time and space to create. 

Suggested donation: $2
Drop in—no registration required.

For questions, email [email protected]

Expression Session Dates | Open Art Studio Series

Join us at the Goodwin Gallery for Expression Sessions, a monthly open art studio designed for creative exploration, connection, and hands-on making. Whether you participate in the featured activity or bring your own project, these sessions offer a welcoming space to create alongside others in community.

Time: 12–2 PM
Location: Goodwin Gallery, 1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204
Donations welcome.

2026 Dates & Themes:
• March 15 – Sashiko Mending
• May 17 – Collage / Zines
• June 21 – ES Open Studio
• July 19 – Embroidery Activity
• August 16 – ES Open Studio
• September 20 – Collage / Zines
• October 18 – Day of the Dead

Come connect, create, and share space with fellow artists and community members. Our activity or yours—everyone is welcome.

For more information, email [email protected]

Membership Renewal Portal

The Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery: A Community Legacy

2026 Membership Update

As we begin 2026, the Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery remain dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening our community through the arts. More than just a space to showcase creativity, the gallery serves as a cultural hub where artists and art enthusiasts connect, inspire, and grow together.

For individuals, the gallery provides opportunities for personal expression, professional development, and meaningful engagement with the arts. As a community, the presence of the Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery ensures access to diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and events that celebrate our shared history and creativity.

Our presence in Stockton is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering artistic expression and cultural vitality. Together, we look forward to continuing to create a place where art thrives and brings people together.

Current Membership

As our membership continues to grow, we are streamlining renewals into quarterly cycles to better support our community and strengthen our administrative capacity. Members who typically renew in January, February, or March will receive a reminder to renew by March 31. Future renewals will occur at the end of each calendar quarter.

We also extend our sincere thanks to those who have already renewed early. Your continued support helps sustain exhibitions, youth programs, and arts advocacy throughout San Joaquin County.

2025 Membership

Major Overhaul on our Website

Website Updates in Progress

We’re excited to share that the Stockton Art League is currently undergoing a major website overhaul to make it easier to navigate and find information about our programs, artists, and events.

Our updates include:

• New navigation buttons to our major programs and activities

• Archived Collagraph newsletters now being backlogged for online access

• Testing of the new San Joaquin Artist Directory

• A new resource page for Poetry Out Loud, the high school poetry competition

Our next goal is to reach 50 artists on the directory!
If you experience any issues uploading images, please complete your entry without images and email them separately to [email protected].

Looking ahead, we’re developing an active events page that will connect the community to arts organizations and individual artists throughout San Joaquin County.

We’d love your input!
If you have feedback, suggestions, or ideas for additional information or features you’d like to see on the website, please email us at [email protected].

Visit the site at stocktonartleague.org to explore our progress and stay tuned for new features coming soon.

Important Dates | Winter–Fall 2026

February

• February 7–28 – Stockton Garden Club 100th Year Open Call Exhibition
• February 21 | 4–6 PM – Artist Reception
• February 26–28 | 12–4 PM – Membership Show Drop-Off / Pick-Up

March

• March 2 – Women’s Show Submission Deadline
• March 7, 14, 21, 28 – Youth Art Program (4-Week Session)
• March 14 | 4–6 PM – Women’s Show Reception
• March 15 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Sashiko Mending
• March 31 – Quarter 1 Membership Renewal Deadline

May

• May 8 Arts + Lit Walk on the Miracle Mile
• May 17 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines

June

• June 21 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio
• June 30 – Quarter 2 Membership Renewal Deadline

July

• July 19 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Embroidery Activity

August

• August 16 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio

September

• September 20 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines
• September 30 – Quarter 3 Membership Renewal Deadline
• 63rd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Haggin Museum (September–October)

October

• October 18 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Day of the Dead
• Quarter 4 Membership Renewal Cycle (December 31 deadline)

San Joaquin Artist Directory

Help Us Build the San Joaquin Artist Directory

Celebrate Local Creatives. Document Our Cultural History.

The Stockton Art League invites community members to help grow and enrich our Artist Directory, a living archive dedicated to recognizing the broad and diverse impact of artists in San Joaquin County.

This effort is not limited to Stockton Art League members. We welcome submissions from and about all artists in the region, regardless of affiliation. This includes artists working in visual arts, music, literature, performance, film, design, dance, and beyond.

Why it matters:
This project serves as a recorded history of artistic impact in our region. By contributing, you help preserve the stories, talents, and cultural contributions that shape the creative landscape of our communities.

How to Participate:

• Submit your own profile as an artist

• Nominate or submit information about past or current artists you admire

• Upload a bio, image, and contact info—updates can be made at any time

Start here: stocktonartleague.org/artist-directory

Help us honor the artists who inspire us, and make sure their work—and their story—is part of San Joaquin County’s creative legacy.

How to Participate:

• Submit your own profile as an artist

• Nominate or input information about past or current artists you admire

• Upload a bio, image, and contact info—updates can be made at any time

Start here: stocktonartleague.org/artist-directory

Together, we can celebrate and preserve the incredible creativity of San Joaquin County. Your voice—and your story—belong in the record.

For questions or suggestions, please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for being part of our creative community.

—The Stockton Art League Team

San Joaquin County

Join the San Joaquin Arts Advisory Committee!

We’re seeking 8–12 volunteer community members to represent the five districts of San Joaquin County and help guide the growth of arts access and equity across our region.

This advisory group will support the Stockton Art League in its role as a State-Local Partner (SLP) mentee, a program of the California Arts Council. As a mentee organization, we are working to strengthen the county’s arts network, gather community input, and build a foundation for future countywide arts leadership.

Committee members will share local perspectives, identify arts needs, and collaborate on ways to connect artists, organizations, and communities through inclusive, creative opportunities.

🗓 Apply by November 15
📝 Applications will be reviewed to ensure balanced representation across the five districts. Selected members will be contacted following review.

Strengthening the Arts Through Collaboration

The Stockton Art League (SAL) has long been dedicated to enriching the arts in our community. We are excited to share recent developments that mark a significant step forward in regional arts advocacy and infrastructure building.

As part of California’s State-Local Partner (SLP) initiative, the Stockton Art League is currently serving as a mentee to Amador Arts, with the goal of becoming the official State and Local Partner for San Joaquin County. This mentorship is part of a statewide effort by the California Arts Council to strengthen arts ecosystems across every county and build sustainable support for artists and cultural organizations.

MISSION:

1. To Promote and Support ALL artists, art organizations, and cultural bearers in San Joaquin County.
2. Create Grants to artists, arts organizations and cultural bearers in San Joaquin County.
3. To host Poetry Out Loud sponsored by the California Arts Council.

2024 SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY SURVEY ON ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY

Please provide input on forming a Local Arts Agency to represent San Joaquin County (SJC) in partnership with the California Arts Council, a state agency, arts.ca.gov.
 

With support from the California Arts Council, Amador County Arts Council (Amador Arts) has been charged to mentor the creative community of San Joaquin County (SJC) in the development and establishment of a county arts council to participate in the State-Local Partner grant https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/state-local-partners/. This program directs state funds to each county and provides for local arts and cultural resources, the national Poetry Out Loud recitation competition for high school students, local arts and cultural grants, and partnerships within the network of State-Local Partners.

San Joaquin County-based Creatives, Artists, Arts organizations, Arts students, Teaching Artists, Cultural Practitioners, Cultural Centers, and arts and culture lovers of all disciplines and ages are invited to participate in this public survey. Your feedback is essential to planning an arts council that will best serve the entire community of SJC and represent the SJC creative economy and cultural landscape at the state level.

What Is Poetry Out Loud?

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages high school students to engage deeply with poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. The program helps students develop public speaking skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for literary art.

Founded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, and implemented in partnership with state and local arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud has reached millions of students across the United States since its inception. 2026 marks the program’s 21st year.

How It Works:

• Students choose poems from an approved anthology

• They memorize and recite their selections before an audience and panel of judges

• Competitions progress from the classroom to school, county, state, and national levels

• Winners at each level can earn scholarships and cash prizes

Looking Ahead in San Joaquin County:

We are excited to share that San Joaquin County is working toward participating in Poetry Out Loud in 2026, with a county-wide competition hosted by Stockton Art League in collaboration with the San Joaquin County Office of Education. This partnership will help provide a new platform for youth voices and elevate the role of poetry in education throughout the region.

Who Can Participate:

• High school students in grades 9–12

• Schools, teachers, and educational organizations interested in poetry and performance arts

• Community partners and arts educators who want to help facilitate local competitions

To learn more about the national program and get inspired, visit: www.poetryoutloud.org

Awareness of Policy Changes with the National Endowment for the Arts

Protecting the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a vital federal agency that supports arts programs across the United States, including in every congressional district. It funds a wide range of initiatives, from arts education and community development to cultural preservation and innovation. The NEA's investments not only enrich our cultural landscape but also contribute significantly to local economies and job creation.​

Recently, the NEA has faced challenges, including proposed budget cuts and policy shifts that threaten its ability to support diverse and inclusive arts programming. In response, Americans for the Arts has launched the "Protect the NEA" campaign, urging citizens to advocate for sustained federal funding for the arts. The campaign emphasizes the importance of the NEA in fostering creativity, supporting artists, and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all Americans.​Americans for the Arts

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit Protect the NEA.

Call For Support

Upcoming Workshops

Do you want to host your own event? 

Youth Art Program

Art Opportunities

On View
- Local and Regional Works

Our Neighbors are Busy!

Sakura Hibachi Catering Restaurant

Wednesdays at Whirlows /
TAPS Barrel House

1926 Pacific Ave

BEER * MUSIC * BINGO

DeYoung Museum, San Francisco

SFMOMA, San Francisco

Goodwin Gallery Hours

Open Studio Days at the Gallery

Resources

Free Days at the Art Museums

THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 

Legion of Honor - San Francisco, CA
General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. (Admission is partnered with deYoung Art Museum - See both in the same day) 

deYoung Art Museum - San Francisco, CA
General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. (Admission is partnered with Legion of Honor - See both in the same day) 

Asian Art Museum - San Francisco, CA
Free First Sundays

Side Street Projects

FREE SKILLSHARES WITH SIDE STREET PROJECTS

The “FREE Skillshares with Side Street Projects” series occurs every second Saturday of the month at our organization's headquarters. It is open to all ages, and skill levels. Each session is led by a community-based Teaching Artist who guides participants in learning hard and soft art skills. 

Teaching Artists are asked to create a “toolkit” for participants and for those who could not attend the event to use at home as a DIY (Do-it-yourself) or DIT (Do-it-together) resource. These toolkits are generally documents, videos, zines, or podcasts.   

Our goal is to offer free learning opportunities that empower the community to expand their creative endeavors. We think it is important we provide accessible art to a range of experiences and learning capacities. 

Kanopy

Art Collections - Online