59th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition

The 59th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition is a prestigious juried art exhibition sponsored by Placerville Arts Association (PAA), located in El Dorado County, California The exhibit has grown over the years into one of the most prominent national exhibits in the area. Now hosted at the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center (MACC) in Rancho Cordova, California, for the fourth consecutive year, this dynamic exhibit features artworks from across the United States. With an open theme that does not adhere to the show’s name, each exhibition is unique, shaped by the distinctive selections of the juror.

This year’s awards total over $4250, including a $700 Best of Show. 

This year the Mother Lode Art Exhibition will be judged by Leslie McCarron, a full time oil painter whose work centers on two subjects: floral still lifes and landscapes. Color is her first draw, followed by the conversation between shapes. Her paintings are saturated with energy and buoyancy.

Since 2019, Leslie has been represented by Archival Gallery in Sacramento, where she has had multiple solo shows and group exhibitions. Her work has also been recognized with several juror and curator awards from the PBS KVIE Annual Art Auction. She has also been featured on the cover of Inside Sacramento Magazine and has been written up in the Carmichael Times Newspaper. Leslie’s work has been widely collected by art lovers in Northern California and from across the US.

Exhibit Location: Mills Station Arts and Culture Center (MACC)
10191 Mills Station Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95827 (This is NOT a mailing address.)

Exhibit Days and Times: Thursday, November 6th through Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 • Thursdays & Fridays: 2pm - 7pm and Saturdays: 11am - 4pm • Sundays & Mondays: Closed • Tuesdays & Wednesdays: by appointment

Entry Fees: Up to 5 pieces may be submitted, of which only 2 may be accepted. Entry fee is $20 per piece. Entry fees are nonrefundable and are due upon entry. Fees are the same for PAA members and non-members. All entries and fees must be made through www.callforentry.org.