Applying for Art Fairs: Behind the Scenes of Juried Art Shows

Hey art lovers and fair goers! Ever wondered what it takes for artists to get into those amazing art fairs you love to visit? Spoiler alert: it's a lot more than just showing up with a tent and some artwork. Let me give you a peek behind the curtain into the process of applying for juried art shows.

Selecting Shows

At the beginning of each year, I dive into the list of upcoming art shows to figure out which ones to apply to. I look for well-organized, reputable, and established shows within an eight-hour drive from my home. The best shows are incredibly competitive, especially for jewelry, which usually gets the most applications.

Preparing Application Materials

Juried art shows require artists to submit four to five images of their work. These images need to showcase original, creative pieces that demonstrate mastery of techniques. They have strict rules: no buy-sell items (like Silpada or Scentsy), no poor craftsmanship, no banned materials (such as ivory or coral), and no work made from commercial molds or simple bead stringing. The jurors expect that the art for sale is handmade by the artist.

High-quality images are a must, so I hire professional photographers who specialize in jewelry photography. Artists also need to submit a picture of their booth and display, as organizers want the shows to look like small galleries. My booth image is professionally photographed too.

Applying to the Shows

There are two main application portals that organizers use to post their events. Each application includes an artist statement, which provides information about the artist, a mission statement, and details about the process and techniques used in creating the jewelry.

I upload the required images of my jewelry and my booth, pay an application fee (usually between $35 and $60), and submit everything before the deadline.

Jurying Process

The jurors, who are respected figures in the art world, review the application packages. To ensure fairness, anything that could identify the artist (like signs or posters) must be removed from the images. The jurors review the applications as they flash on a screen, usually for 30-60 seconds per image. They then decide which artists to invite, who to waitlist, and who not to invite.

Applicants receive the decisions, leading to either excitement (an invitation) or disappointment (rejection).

Participating

Invited artists have a limited time to accept or decline the invitation. If accepted, they must pay the booth fee (ranging from $350 to $1,500) before the deadline to secure their spot. Participating in a show involves several costs, including the application fee, booth fee, lodging (if the show is out of town), food, transportation, and, for me, pet care. Art shows are not cheap!

Despite the costs and competition, the jurying process ensures that the work shown by the artist is authentic and handmade. It's worth it to meet art enthusiasts like you in person, explain the inspiration behind my designs, and see the delight in your faces when you find the perfect piece of jewelry that speaks to you.

So next time you're at an art fair, know that each artist went through a rigorous process to be there. Your support means the world to us, and we're excited to share our passion and creativity with you!