Watercolor & Gouache Student Exhibition at Mangia Mornings

Exhibition Overview

This document outlines the planning, organization, and timeline for a Student Watercolor & Gouache Art Exhibition to be held at Mangia Mornings in Saratoga. The exhibition will showcase artwork created by current and former students from my watercolor classes at LGS Recreation.

After five and a half years of teaching watercolor painting through LGS Recreation, this exhibition serves as a celebration of student growth, skill development, and creative exploration. While classes follow a structured, step-by-step learning approach, many students have developed the confidence to experiment independently and create original work. The exhibition recognizes their progress and encourages continued artistic practice.

Venue

Mangia Mornings is a welcoming, community-focused restaurant in Saratoga that regularly features visual art. Members of the Aegis Gallery of Fine Arts have successfully exhibited their work at the venue for the past two years. Hosting a student exhibition will introduce new audiences—students, families, and community members—who will visit the restaurant to experience the artwork while enjoying the space.

Exhibition Theme

Nature Noticed
The exhibition theme invites students to present watercolor or gouache artwork inspired by nature, observation, and personal interpretation.

Exhibition Timeline & Organization

Late January – Early February

  • Gather contact information for current and former students interested in participating
  • Confirm availability of student data with LGS Recreation (Lisanne)
  • Confirm exhibition space and display capacity at Mangia Mornings
  • Determine number of participants (minimum of 10, depending on artwork size)

Call for Artwork – End of January

  • Invite current and past students to participate
  • Prepare and distribute a Google Form with submission instructions

Submission Window: February 10 – March 14

  • Students submit 2–3 artworks via Google Form
  • Submissions include:
    • Digital images of artwork
    • A 3–5 sentence artist reflection
  • Provide guidance on photographing artwork and file naming
  • Send a reminder mid-February to encourage participation

Jury Review: March 15 – March 25

  • Guest juror reviews submissions
  • Select one artwork per student for exhibition
  • Organize digital folders for juror review

Notifications & Preparation: March 30 – April 3rd

  • Notify students of selection results
  • Provide feedback upon request
  • Prepare wall labels and artist statements
  • Plan exhibition layout based on available wall space
  • Arrange framing, mounting, or display material

Installation: April 12 (TBD)

  • Receive artwork at Mangia Mornings
  • Install and hang selected works
  • Finalize wall labels, signage, and optional QR codes
  • Ensure a cohesive and professional presentation

Exhibition Opening: Mid-April

  • Exhibition opens to the public
  • Optional casual opening or reception
    • Possible dates: April 17 or April 24 (Friday evening) (TBD)
  • Share a digital gallery of all submissions if physical space is limited
  • Encourage students to photograph and share their experience on social media
  • Exhbition will last one month.
  • Art pick up: May 11 or May 12 (TBD)

Promotion & Community Engagement

  • Promote LGS Recreation watercolor classes throughout the exhibition
  • Promote Mangia Mornings through social media and community outreach
  • Encourage community participation through art, food, and local culture

Sample of Promotional e-mail calling for entries:

Hello,

I’m excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming student free art exhibition, “Nature Noticed” This may include landscapes, flowers, plants, skies, water, or small natural details., featuring watercolor and gouache artwork. The exhibition will be held at:
 
Mangia Mornings
Historic Saratoga Village
14554 Big Basin Way, Suite A
Saratoga, CA 95070

Exhibition will be mid April  and It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity with the community!

Even if you’ve never shown your art publicly, this is your chance to have your work noticed and celebrated. The focus is observation, care, and effort, not perfection. Whether you’re a current or past student, I would love to see your perspective on nature through your artwork.

Here’s how to participate:

·       Choose 2 of your completed watercolor or gouache projects of your own inspiration.
Do not use work from a workshop or class.  It has to be your own.  (more explanation here)
Size limit (ex: no larger than 12×18 inches)
White or neutral mounting for consistency

·       Submit digital images of your chosen pieces along with a short reflection (3–5 sentences) about why you chose them and how they connect to the theme Nature Noticed

·       A guest juror Cyra Cowen will select student pieces for the exhibition

Open Call for Students
Feb 1 – March 14
Submission deadline: March 14th

Notification of art being accepted March 30th via e-mai

Exhibition dates:
The paintings that are chosen for the exhibition need to be drop off:
Sunday April 12 after 4 pm (TBD)
Exhibition reception: April 17 (TBD)
Duration of exhibiton: One month
Art pick up: May 11 or 12 (TBD)

Students Submission guide
Submit HERE


This exhibition is about courage, creativity, and celebrating the process of making art. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to share your work with others and see your artwork in a public setting.

⭐ IMPORTANT NOTE
The jury process is part of how artists share work professionally.
Not all submitted artwork will be selected, and selection does not reflect your effort or ability—only curatorial choices.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!

Warmly,


Elvira Rascov
sales@elviragallery.com