GBAO 2023: Potentiality / Actuality
The Greater Bay Area Open (GBAO) is a fine art only competition and exhibition presented by the Los Gatos Art Association (LGAA), designed to promote fine art and artists from the greater Bay Area. Starting in 2015 and held biennially, the GBAO is now in its sixth showing and has moved to even-numbered years.
This exhibit brings an exciting and dynamic association between the LGAA and NUMU, New Museum Los Gatos, host to this collaboration.
Spanning twelve Bay Area counties, from Sonoma to Monterey, this juried event draws artists to compete for awards and recognition but also brings exposure to respected jurors, galleries, and art collectors from the region. The GBAO embraces artistic excellence, accepting both two-dimensional and three-dimensional fine art into this premier venue.
Submissions are open through Friday, June 13, 2025.
EXHIBITION THEME
Breaking Through
"A point at which a significant change occurs”
For an artist, “breaking through" is a moment or event that marks a significant shift in the creative process, perspective, or direction. It’s like a new turning point or a realization that opens up new avenues for exploration. In the search for inspiration, a breakthrough might originate with an external event, such as experiencing a new culture, meeting a mentor, or going through a personal challenge. It could also be prompted by an internal shift—perhaps a change in how artists view their work or the world around them.
This moment doesn’t always have to be dramatic or grand; sometimes it’s a quiet passage that leads to new layers of creativity. For example, artists might realize they’re more interested in abstraction than realism, or they might discover a new medium that completely changes the way they approach their craft. That’s when the internal compass realigns, pushing them toward new ideas, new techniques, or a deeper connection to their own expression.
In essence, breakthroughs are catalysts that break down creative blocks and can open fresh channels of inspiration. They are milestones where artists feel that they’ve unlocked something – an emotional truth, a new technique, or a different way of thinking—that propels them forward in their artistic journey.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications Open: Mon, Apr 14, 2025
Entry Deadline: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
Jury Notification to Artist: Mon, Jun 23, 2025
Art Intake Day: Sun, Jul 27, 2025, 11 AM-2 PM
Reception Day: Thu, Jul 31, 2025, 6-8 PM
Exhibition Dates: Fri, Aug 1, 2025 through Sat, Oct 4, 2025
Art Removal Day: Sun, Oct 5, 2025, 11 AM-2 PM
ABOUT THE LGAA
The Los Gatos Art Association (LGAA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, enrichment and support of the arts community. Our mission is to promote creative expression in the visual fine arts by fostering high standards, extending appreciation, and encouraging cooperation and camaraderie among artists. Membership is open to all artists and art supporters.
ABOUT THE JURORS
Kristen Lindseth Rivera
Kristin Lindseth is an internationally exhibiting sculptor, printmaker and educator. Her sculptures are figurative and symbolic works and are each one of a kind. She works in both wood multimedia constructions and in metal. Her work has been represented in over 200 exhibitions regionally, nationally and internationally. Her sculptures and intaglio printmaking are included in private collections in Sweden, Germany Spain, France, England, United Arab Emirates and Greece. Recently she has completed a series of 18 wood multimedia constructions and carvings in response to the California wildfires of Fall 2020. This body of work is titled San Ardo Refuge, and has been exhibited in four solo shows in museums and art centers.
Daniel Garcia
Daniel is native to the Bay Area and has been a San Jose resident since he was three. Daniel's entrepreneurial journey began as a fashion photographer in the 1980's. After a decade of running his own photo business, he moved into nonprofit work focusing on college student's spiritual formation. Feeling a strong desire to bring his two passions together, the artist and serving the community, Content Magazine began. As the Cultivator of Content Magazine, Daniel leads a high-quality magazine that reflects the diversity and creativity of the people of South Bay.
This exhibition is made possible by The Law Office of Timothy A. Lundell, Esq and Groves - Embracing the Arts.
