OPEN CALL for The C’s of Grief: Connection, Culture & Community

Vee Nguyen, local artist, curator and founder of The Lil’ Things invites both visual and literary artists to be part of a meaningful art exhibition, The C’s of Grief: Connection, Culture & Community hosted at local art & frame gallery Studio C in downtown El Cajon. We are seeking participants to submit works that explore and engage with the multifaceted aspects of Grief through these three essential themes.

This art show will be a dialogue on the different versions of Grief we face everyday, and how we view, process or honor it through connection with ourselves, our community, or through the lens of our cultural upbringing. Whether it revolves around relationships, a past self, the adversities of the world or other types of losses– it’s important to acknowledge how Grief can shape us.

I am accepting all mediums of visual art (2D and 3D) and only short stories or poems for literary works. Only original works will be accepted. **NO USE OF AI IS ALLOWED!**

**Opening Reception will be on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Please email Vee Nguyen at veenguyenphoto@gmail.com or DM @thelilthings.events on IG for Submission Guidelines and make sure to submit by July 18, 2026 (deadline and sizing limitations may be flexible if communicated). If you do not meet the guidelines, you will unfortunately not be considered.

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**The Lil’ Things is a queer and POC operated organization, heavily dedicated to advocating for DEIA principles. Our events are to support artists/ creatives and other small businesses that especially are part of demographics that are underrepresented. Our goal is to build a strong community and safe spaces through solidarity and authenticity, while encouraging more opportunities toward self-expression and collaboration. Anyone and everyone is welcome to our events, and we hope to spread this mission wherever we can.