SOBA announces the 2026 Judged Show
Awards offered in seven categories
- SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Word of fall events (which bring with them cooler weather) are beginning to trickle in, and we’re leading off with a perennial favorite.
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) announced the 32nd Annual Judged Show, which it bills as one of the Lowcountry’s premier visual arts exhibitions. It is planned for Sept. 1 through Oct. 4 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton (7 Church St.).
The annual exhibition is inviting artists from across the Lowcountry and beyond, members and non-members alike, to showcase their work in a professionally judged competition featuring cash awards in seven artistic categories, as well as a Best in Show award. The exhibition has become a celebrated tradition in the region, highlighting exceptional artistic talent while serving as one of SOBA’s most important annual fundraising events.
“As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and nurturing the visual arts, this event allows us to celebrate artistic excellence while supporting programs that enrich our community,” said SOBA Annual Judged Show Chair Tricia Dudley.
The Competition
The show is open to all artists and is limited to the first 100 entries received. Artwork may be submitted in the following categories:
- Oil
- Acrylic
- Watercolor
- Mixed Media & Collage
- Photography & Digital Art
- Drawing (including pencil, colored pencil, pen & ink, and pastel)
- 3-D Art (including ceramic, wood, wire, papier-mâché, resin, and stained glass)
Cash awards will be presented for First, Second, and Third Place in each category, along with Best in Show and Honorable Mentions. Artwork incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted in any category.
Important Dates
- Entry Deadline: August 23, 2026
- Artwork Drop-Off: August 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Exhibition Dates: September 1 through October 4, 2026
- Reception & Awards Ceremony: September 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Artwork Pick-Up: October 5, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004, SOBA has relied on art sales, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support to fulfill its mission of fostering creativity and expanding access to the visual arts throughout the Bluffton community. SOBA remains the only gallery in Old Town Bluffton offering art classes to both members and non-members, serving as a cultural destination for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to supporting current programs, proceeds from the event contribute to SOBA’s Capital Campaign, “A Forever Home for SOBA,” which aims to secure a permanent and vibrant future for the arts in Bluffton.
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit the 2026 Judged Show page at SOBAGallery.com to complete a sponsorship form, or contact SOBA President Karen Richards (sobapresident2425 [at] gmail dot com) to learn more about sponsorship levels, recognition opportunities, and the full range of sponsorship benefits available.