ArtFest Fort Myers would like you to review our Application and Rules and Regulations. The below tabs list fees, deadlines, selection process, category descriptions and much more. By reviewing these important details it will ensure a great submission and show display.

Amenities

ArtFest Fort Myers is an artist-friendly outdoor festival. Our staff and volunteer crew want your experience at the Festival to be enjoyable, as well as profitable.

• Artist Corner includes daily complimentary continental breakfast, water, soda, coffee, snacks and private indoor restrooms

• Booth sitters

• Drive up access for ease in loading

• Friday set-up times vary by section

• Professional overnight and daytime security

• Ample storage space behind booths

• Reserved artist parking at festival site

• Special group rates at nearby hotels

• Free and secure parking for artist RVs within easy walking distance

• Opportunity to advertise in festival publication(s)

• Artist acceptance e-mail will include links to ArtFestArtists.com website which has information about the festival site plan, directions and information on hotels and RV parks.

Fees & Deadlines

Application Fee
$35
Booth Fees

Single Booth 10 x10 is $370 plus 6% sales tax = $392.00
Double booth spaces available in limited number

Deadlines
May 15 - Application on Zapplication Available
September 1 - Paper application deadline (by mail only)
September 14 - Application Deadline
October 6 - Preview Jury Day (Artists Welcome)
October 7 - Jury Day
October 17 - Notification of acceptance
November 1 - Booth Fees Due
November 15 - Withdrawal date w/o forfeiture of Booth Fee
February 3 - Artists’ Check-in, Set-up & Hospitality
February 4 & 5 - ArtFest Fort Myers 2012

Artists Awards

$5,000 in Cash Awards

This year's Winners are invited to exhibit in following year's show

Selection Process

ArtFest Fort Myers strives to create a balanced show that represents diverse styles and techniques in the categories defined below. Artists are selected based upon quality of workmanship, originality and artistic conception. All work must be done soley by the displaying artists.

ArtFest Fort Myers uses Zapplication™ to administer its application and jury process. The jury is a "blind jury". This means the jurors do not know the names or any other information about the artists. The five member panel is convened in the same room, each having access to a computer monitor for scoring purposes. Artist images are projected digitally (image size is 3 feet by 3 feet), each artist's images will be shown simultaneously and scored on a seven point scale. We do not jury on computer monitors. The image description and Artist Statement will be available to the jurors on their computer monitor. The artist statement for the categories of Digital, Fiber, Fiber Non-wearable, Jewelry, Mixed Media and Printmaking are read aloud.

Please check out the
Director's Corner Page for some helpful tips on creating a good artwork submission.

Ninety percent (90%) of the artist spaces will be selected through the jury process. The remaining spaces are for previous year award winners and invited artists.

The jurors are a diverse group of experienced art professionals. They are selected for their art background and for their appreciation of festival artists. The decision of the jury is final.

Images from accepted artists will be utilized for promotion and adherence to the rules.

A wait list, by category based on jury scores, will be established for each portion of the festival.

Category Descriptions

Ceramics - Art objects either functional or decorative of earthenware, porcelain, or tile, made by shaping and then firing a nonmetallic mineral, such as clay, at a high temperature.

Digital - Pictures made with the assistance of computers. Computer Graphics are often made with software called drawing, painting, illustrating and photographic programs or applications.

Drawing/Pastels - Drawings are works on paper using pencil, crayon, ink, charcoal, pastels and a variety of other marking media.

Fiber - Includes non-wearable artwork from fibers such as basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry and papermaking.

Glass - The expression of art made from blowing and fashioning glass.

Graphics/Printmaking - Printmaking is a transfer process of producing original art, usually in multiples. It involves creating a drawing or other composition on a surface other than paper, for transfer to paper through the use of a press or through impressions made by hand.

Jewelry - Ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, or rings. Made of precious metals set with gems or semi-precious gems or ceramic or glass or any other product.

Metalworks - Creating artwork through the forging, twisting and fabricating of various metals.

Mixed Media - Includes any combination of a variety of materials to create an original work of art. This artwork may be 2-D or 3-D.

Painting: Oil/Acrylic - Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other image on a flat surface, such as canvas, with oil and/or acrylic paint or sticks.

Painting: Watercolor - Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other image on a flat surface with watercolors.

Photography - Process of capturing images of objects by the action of light, then printing the images, by chemical or digital means, onto a flat surface.

Sculpture - Shaping figures or design in the round or in relief by chiseling marble, modeling clay, casting metal or other materials.

Wearable - Includes clothing or leather goods, such as belts or purses, that can be worn.

Wood - Art objects either functional or decorative that may be hand-tooled or machine worked in wood.

Reproduction Policy

To foster an appreciation and value of the arts in all people, including those who cannot afford original work, we believe it is important to offer attendees the opportunity to buy reproductions. As their incomes grow they will turn to original work. This transition is possible only if buyers understand exactly what they are buying and the process behind it. Therefore, ArtFest Fort Myers' guidelines are:

All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled as such. Labels must say “Reproduction”. This includes any framed reproductions.

• Reproductions must be in signed and numbered editions.

• No hand colored reproductions or enhanced reproductions will be considered “original” works; they will be considered reproductions.

• Reproductions are an ancillary part of the artists display.

• Violators of the spirit, as well as the letter of this policy will be asked to remove their unlabeled reproductions. In any dispute, the decision of the Festival Director shall prevail.

Eligibility and Rules

ArtFest Fort Myers is open to all Artists. Artwork must be original in design and an artist may display and sell only in the media category in which his work has been accepted. Work displayed and sold at ArtFest Fort Myers must be consistent with work represented by jury images.

If two or more persons collaborate to produce original work, each person must be identified on the Application. Collaborations are to be true artistic collaboration rather than business collaboration. For example, framing or printing of work does not constitute a creative partnership, and, therefore, individuals involved in those processes should not be listed on the application as a partner. No work by apprentices or employees will be accepted.

Commercial agents, dealers, manufacturers or buy-sell vendors are not eligible to enter nor can they be proxies for artists.

Artwork produced with kits, castings from commercial molds, patterns, plans or other commercial means is not permitted.

Artist and all collaborating partners must be present on-site with their booths open for business during the entire Festival. If two names are on the application, both must check in and show photo I.D. and be present for the entire festival.

Artists are required to display an Artist Information Statement in a prominent place within their booth. Materials and processes used must be disclosed in this statement.

Displaying ribbons and awards from previous shows or other shows is not allowed.

Original art must occupy at least 50% of the artist's wall space. All artwork on walls must be framed. Browse bins may occupy only minimal space and must be aesthetically pleasing and not obstruct patron flow. All artwork displayed must be for sale.

Limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artwork are allowed. Artist must define “limited edition” in their Artist Information Statement and must disclose their reproduction process to buyers.

Artists must comply with all safety requirements, including weighted tents, and vehicles must be parked only in designated areas.

Exhibitors are responsible for the collection and payment of 6% Florida sales tax.

Artists may withdraw from ArtFest Fort Myers and receive a refund of their Booth Fee (less $50), if a written request is received on or before November 15, 2011. No refunds will be issued after that date. ArtFest Fort Myers is a rain or shine festival. No refunds will be issued for weather or other acts of God.

No animals are allowed in or around Artists' booths.

Acceptance into ArtFest Fort Myers is non-transferable. Only artwork of the accepted artist may be displayed.

ArtFest Fort Myers will inspect booths onsite, to assure compliance of the Rules, and reserves the exclusive right to interpret and enforce the Rules. In any dispute, the decision of the Director shall prevail. Failure to comply with the rules may result in the artist’s removal from ArtFest Fort Myers without a refund and the right to exhibit in future events will be jeopardized.