Artist Application - General Information

AWARDS $5,000 IN PRIZE MONEY
Frederick Festival of the Arts and the presenting title sponsor will present one Best of Show Award of $1,000 and a free booth in 2009, two Judges’ Choice Awards of $500, and ten $300 Awards of Excellence determined through on-site judging of each artist’s work. Awards are presented Sunday morning at the Artist Awards Breakfast, and all award winners will be jury-exempt for the 2009 Festival

EXHIBITORS
Approximately 110 artists will be selected to exhibit in 14 media categories. Artists are selected through this professional slide-jurying process. Accepted artists are warmly welcomed and receive personal services including volunteer assistant (when available) with load-in and load-out, booth-sitter services during Festival, VIP rest area, and discount on Gift Shop items.

ATTENDANCE
Nearly 7,000 arts patrons held art in hand and very happy hearts despite less than favorable weather conditions in 2007. The organization anticipates an increased attendance in 2008 due to a combination of media partner sponsorships and cash investments totally over $100,000 in marketing and advertising. Unique to this community is the First Saturday Gallery Walk where Tourists pour into the downtown area to enjoy the extended market hours of special shops and distinctive dining in restaurants, all set to focus on the many artist’s galleries and available performances.

BOOTH SPACES AND FEES
Although this is an “ anniversary homecoming” for the organization, the re-development of this site with it’s landscaping, fountains, bridges, stairs, and pathways, makes it an entirely new site for lay-out. All artwork will need to be hand-trucked into the Festival site except in a few car-accessible booth areas. Accepted artists will be invited to submit their space requests, as always. However, spaces are assigned on first-come, first served based on the date that the signed artist contract and accompanying booth fees are received. Please note: No refunds will be given for cancellations occurring after April 8, 2008, or for removal for cause.)

Standard 10’X10’ Booth (85 Available)…………………$375
Corner 10’ X10’ Booth (25 Available)………………… $450
Electricity……………………………………………………$50

WEATHER
Although Frederick weather in June is generally fine, rain showers may be expected. Frederick Festival of the Arts strongly recommends that exhibitors be prepared with tie-downs, weights, and rain covers in the event that wind or rain showers do occur.

ARTIST SELECTION
Exhibitors at the 2008 Frederick Festival of the Arts are to be selected through a digital slide-jurying process of two rounds in February 2008. Jurors are comprised of a newly chosen panel of accredited fine art and fine craft professionals. These jurors are recruited from outside the local area; they are unaffiliated with the Festival organization. All decisions are final. Notifications are mailed by March 11, 2008. For Juried Visual Art, selections are made on the basis of:

• ORIGINALITY and DESIGN
  Does it have cutting-edge design?
  Approaching the medium in a unique and different way from the past?
• CRAFTSMANSHIP
  Is the art /craft finished well?
• MATURITY
  Can you see a mature consistent style in all the slides?
• MARKET APPEAL
  Would anyone buy his or her art / craft?
• PRESENTATION (Booth Slide)
  How does the craftsperson show his or her product?

SECURITY
Contracted Frederick Police Officers, a Health Unity\, and a safety plan are in action throughout Festival days (Police 24/7)

ARTIST SPACES AND LAYOUT
Artists must provide their own materials in order to display their work in an outdoor environment. Exhibit spaces measure 10’X10’ and 10’X20’ and are position on concrete. Storage space is limited and artists may find the need to store artwork in their vehicle and re-stock with hand-transport. Artists requesting electrical support art responsible for brining at least 100’ of extension cord. Parking is close to Festival site.

PLEASE NOTE: Booth, electricity, and corner selection fees must be submitted with your contract. Please do not send payment with this application as it will be returned to you with a request that it be submitted at the proper time.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

1. Application Entry Dates: Begin September 15, 2007 through January 12, 2008
2. Application Deadline Date: January 12, 2008
3. Proposal Dates for Jury February 19/20 or 25/26, 2008
4. Artist's Status Notification IN/WAIT LIST/OUT March 11, 2008 Contract Statement Printout with Original Artist Signature Sent In to Office for File
5. SIGN CONTRACT WITH BOOTH PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 8, 2008