Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

OPEN NOW
We are deeply saddened by the devastations that have impacted our artist friends as a result of the Palisades and Eaton fires. “The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund (the ‘Fund’) is a pooled fund led by the J. Paul Getty Trust with support from a coalition of major arts organizations and philanthropists.” If you are in need of financial support, applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information about eligibility, click the link here. If you would like to donate in support of the Fund, please go directly to the Getty’s website here.

OPEN NOW
Registration for the SCBWI-LA Sketch Safari at The LA Zoo is now open! “Join illustrator Alexander Vidal and SCBWI peers for a fantastic, in-person illustration event at the Los Angeles Zoo” on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. “While this is a sketch event, writers are welcome to share the fun for story inspiration!” The cost of registration also includes admission to the zoo.

OPEN NOW
The in-person 2025 SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City may have passed, but it is not too late to register for the SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference 2025! “Don’t miss this chance to boost your children’s book career! Join us online for exclusive industry panels, hands-on sessions diving deep into the craft of writing and illustrating children’s books, and valuable networking with fellow creators.” The online event will take place ONLINE from February 21–22, 2025. Register today!

OPEN NOW
Register now for 2025 Art Day: Illustrators and Writers Connect, SCBWI SoCal! This one-day hands-on workshop will take place at the Laguna College of Art & Design on March 15, 2025, and feature several award-winning guest speakers! If you would like to register for written critiques, the deadline to sign up is February 13, 2025. Scholarship applications to attend Art Day 2025 are due February 27, 2025, by 10:00 p.m. Winners will be notified by March 1, 2025. For more information about the Art Day: Equity and Inclusion Scholarship, click here.

FEBRUARY 8
Join the SCBWI SoCal Illustrators for February’s Illustrator Meetup on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.! We will be meeting at Newport Beach Library and strolling the sculpture garden while also drawing alfresco! Parking in the Civic Center lot is free. “Meet at the outdoor terrace in the back of the library (facing the Civic Green).” If you have any questions, please email Heather Soodak or Su Moon at socal-ic@scbwi.org and socal-ic2@scbwi.org.

FEBRUARY 10
Submit your application for the 2025 Highlights Foundation Scholarship by February 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. All awards will be evaluated based on “seriousness of purpose,” “talent displayed via a writing or art sample,” and “financial need.” If you have any questions, please contact scholarships@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.

FEBRUARY 14
Enter your book for the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards by February 14, 2025! “Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to have your book considered for cash prizes, awards, exposure, possible representation by a leading literary agent, and recognition as one of the top independently published books of the year!” More information can be found here.

FEBRUARY 21
Tune in to the 2025 SCBWI Golden Kite Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time via Zoom! “Founded in 1973, the Golden Kite Awards stand as the premier children’s literary award judged exclusively by peers, making them truly unique in the world of children’s literature.” We hope to see you there!

FEBRUARY 28
Apply to be an artist at the 2025 Comic Orange Artist Alley by February 28, 2025! “All participants will be provided with a 10x10ft canopy (if booth is located outside), one 6ft table, and two chairs.” The event will take place at the Tustin Library on May 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

MARCH 7–8
Register for the 28th Annual Charlotte Huck Festival taking place at the University of Redlands Orton Center from March 7–8, 2025! “Each year, the festival brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions.” Registration closes on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

APRIL 26–27
Join SCBWI-LA and SCBWI-SoCal on April 26 and April 27, 2025, at the University of Southern California for the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! While all book-signing slots are completely filled, “all premium SCBWI members are welcome to sign up as a volunteer to help set up, take down, and run the booth.” Click here to see the schedule and list of volunteering opportunities.

MAY 1–4
All spots for the SCBWI SoCal Tahquitz MG/YA Intensive Writers Retreat are completely filled. If you would like to get on the waitlist, please email Bev Plass at socal-ra@scbwi.org. For more information about the retreat, click the link here.

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