SCBWI Oregon Illustrator Exhibit

Please Note: THIS IS A CURATED EXHIBIT and will be composed of pieces selected by a panel of SCBWI Illustration Professionals. Submissions not selected for the exhibit will be showcased in a Fall 2025 slideshow on our website.

FOR PAL MEMBERS: Call for Process Artwork

Are you a PAL (Published and Listed) illustrator with process work that tracks the creation of a work in a published book? We’d love to consider your behind-the-scenes art for our upcoming exhibit, Picture Book Journeys, at the Multnomah County Central Library.

We’re looking for artwork that shows 3-5 evolutions (steps) in the journey of making one of your illustrations. We will be using these as “mini exhibits” within the show to help tell the story of how book illustrations come to life.  For example, you might submit: a series of thumbnails → roughs → color studies → final illustrations. 

Again, we are looking for a series of images showing the evolution of the same design from concept to finished illustration.  

Eligible formats include:

• Picture books
• Graphic novels
• Early readers
• Chapter books - black and white illustration

You may submit up to three entries. One entry may include a small collection (3–5 pieces as described above) that shows the progression of a single illustration from concept to final.

Please make sure you have permission to share your work based on where you are in your publication process and your contract terms.

FOR PRE-PUBLISHED & NON-PAL MEMBERS: Call for Finished Artwork

Are you a developing illustrator working on picture books, graphic novels, early readers, or chapter books? We’d love to consider your work for our fall exhibit at the Multnomah County Central Library celebrating the diverse voices and talent of Oregon SCBWI illustrators.

We’re looking for strong visual storytelling work, including:

• Final illustrations (color or black-and-white)
• Character studies or story scenes
• Title page/interior work
• Sequential storytelling spreads

You may submit up to three pieces. 

HOW TO SUBMIT

Email your submissions to Oregon SCBWI Co-Illustrator Coordinators Robin Chilstrom and Jordan Kim at:

[email protected] and [email protected]

• Attach images or send a link to a Google Drive folder
• No need for high-res; just clear enough for the jury to review

All submissions will be juried by a panel of SCBWI advisors and illustrators. The final selections will reflect a mix of experience levels, voices, styles, and formats.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Submission Deadline: July 16, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: By early August
• Artwork Delivery Window: Week of August 25, 2025
• Exhibit Installation: September 24–26, 2025
• Soft Opening: September 27, 2025
• Public Opening Reception: Saturday, October 4, 2025 (Time: TBA)
• Exhibit Duration: September 27 – November 30, 2025
• Artwork Pickup/Return: December 1, 2025

Important: All selected artwork must be available and committed through the entire exhibit period (September 24 – December 1). *Some pieces may need minor resizing or mounting adjustments to fit gallery case dimensions.

Questions?

We’re happy to help—reach out to Robin or Jordan at [email protected] or [email protected]