Society of Bluffton Artists Announces 32nd Annual Judged Show and Fundraiser
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is proud to announce its 32nd Annual Judged Show, one of the Lowcountry's premier visual arts exhibitions, running September 1 through October 4 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton, 7 Church Street.
Open to both members and non-members, the annual exhibition welcomes artists from across the Lowcountry and beyond to showcase their work in a professionally judged competition featuring cash awards in seven artistic categories, as well as a coveted 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 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 also 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.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
SOBA invites local businesses and community leaders to partner with the organization as sponsors of the 32nd Annual Judged Show. Sponsorship demonstrates a commitment to the arts and the cultural vitality of the Lowcountry while providing valuable visibility among residents, visitors, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
About the Society of Bluffton Artists
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit the 2026 Judged Show page at www.sobagallery.com to complete a sponsorship form, or contact SOBA President Karen Richards at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship levels, recognition opportunities, and the full range of sponsorship benefits available.
Founded in 1991, the Society of Bluffton Artists is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and nurturing the visual arts through exhibitions, education, community outreach, and artistic collaboration. The SOBA Gallery and Art School serve as a welcoming creative hub for artists and art lovers throughout the Lowcountry.
