We are so glad you're interested in applying! Please read the following information carefully before filling out the application, OR download the paper application by clicking HERE.
Note - this is the last year a paper application method will be accepted. Only online/digital applications will be accepted starting in 2025.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charles City Art-a-Fest is a juried festival where up to 50 local and regional artists can display and sell their artwork. This festival fulfills an important role in the community and surrounding areas by supporting and celebrating local and regional artists. Our goal is to make the arts accessible to all members of our community during this one-day, free event. Cash prizes are awarded to artists whose work is judged superior, and Art-a-fest bucks are awarded to lucky shoppers to purchase artwork. With interactive arts activities for children, live performing artists, and delicious food from a variety of local and regional vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
The 51st annual Art-a-Fest will be held Saturday, August 17 from 10 AM - 4 PM in Central Park, Charles City, IA. Early sponsor shopping will begin at 9AM, an hour before the show opens.
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
Application fee: $50
Jury date: June 1-15, 2024
Notification of acceptance: by June 16, 2024
RULES/REGULATIONS
Artists may only display and sell original artwork in the categories in which they are accepted and must be present for the duration of the festival. An artist may also sell print reproductions of original artwork. Please note that this is a juried fine art show. There is no Arts and Crafts category to which to apply. Commercially manufactured items, import items, food, commercially cast jewelry, or works of art from molds and kits are NOT acceptable. All artwork must be designed and executed by the artist completing the application. The sale of any items not created by the applicant is strictly prohibited. All applicants must submit images and comply with rules and regulations, regardless of past participation.
APPLICATION FEE
An entry fee of $50 is required upon submission of the application and includes reservation of a 10’x10’ booth space for accepted artists. Additional booth space may be available upon request for an additional fee. The entry fee will be fully refunded to any artist not accepted, so long as the application was submitted by the May 31 deadline (this includes artists who were placed on a waiting list but were not given the change to participate). Late entries may be accepted with a late fee for a short duration after the deadline if space is available. Accepted artists’ fees are non-refundable. Payment will not be refunded in the rare event Art-a-Fest is canceled due to extreme weather.
JURY DETAILS
At least 3 quality images that represent the artist’s work are required upon submission of the application. The images will serve as the only criterion used for selection by jurors. A panel of 4-5 jurors, comprised of local and regional members of the art community, will review images (on a computer screen) in random, anonymous order against the following criteria:
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Creativity/originality
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Technical Skill
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Presentation
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Overall Quality
At least one image is required for each medium/category the artist wishes to be accepted for. Up to 50 artists will be accepted to participate, based on scores granted by jurors. Some artists may be asked to stay on a ‘waiting list,’ to participate if another accepted artist drops out unexpectedly.
All decisions of the jury are final. Third party vendors, those who are not creating their own work, and/or those are using molds/kits are not accepted. The focus is on fine arts. The jury process is closed. All images submitted may be used for purposes of advertising the event and participating artists.
FESTIVAL SETUP & PARTICIPATION
If accepted, artists will receive a map of the festival with an assigned booth location. It is essential that artists include any special requests with the application, including specific locations for loading/unloading requirements, previous booth number, etc. The layout of Art-a-Fest changes from year to year, so we will do our best to honor requests, but no placement or location is guaranteed.
Event check in starts at 7am, but artists can begin setting up anytime Friday night or Saturday morning. All booth spaces are approximately 10’ x 10’ (unless arrangements are made for additional space prior to the event) in an open outdoor area. Artists must furnish tables, chairs, and any other setup items. Electricity is not available. As this event is outdoors, please be prepared for adverse weather (including wind). Exhibitors may rent a canopy tent for $30, if desired (while supplies last). Rentals will be provided for setup the morning of Art-a-Fest, through arrangement with the Charles City Arts Center. Artists are expected to stay for the duration of Art-a-Fest and maintain an inventory of at least 10 items for sale throughout the day. Tear down occurs immediately following the conclusion of Art-a-Fest.
Artist booths will be monitored during Art-a-Fest. Artists found displaying prohibited items may be asked to remove them and/or leave the event. Artists found selling prohibited items or being disruptive (i.e. late arrival, early departure, rude behavior leading to complaints) may not be invited back for participation in future events.
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