How to Apply – 2023 Show | Art in the Pearl

2023 Art In The Pearl Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts:

Our 2023 application process begins NOVEMBER 15th, 2022. Please make sure to read our show prospectus below so that you understand all of our rules so that your application is correct.

You may apply directly on ZAPPLICATION.ORG by following this link.

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The 2023 Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is a juried show.

The festival takes place on Labor Day weekend Saturday, September 2nd through Monday, September 4th, 2023. Set up is on Friday, September 1st at various assigned times.

The show is located in the tree-covered North park blocks of the Pearl District in downtown Portland, Oregon. It features the artwork of 130 exceptional visual artists that have been selected by an independent jury panel, comprised of both working artists and art professionals.

Art In The Pearl is in its 27th year and draws an estimated 85,000 attendees. It hosts top visual artists from around the country as well as artist demonstrations and an interactive art area for all ages.

Our Emerging Artist Program provides regional artists in the early stage of their art career an opportunity to gain experience marketing their work at one of our nation’s premier art festivals.

Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization founded and produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors comprised of professional local artists. Our focus is on promoting the arts, educating the public, and strengthening creative and educational bonds with the community. Every year we have a new jury and approximately 50% of our artists are new to the show. Our all-volunteer board is exempt from jurying but pay the same booth fee as all artists.

EVENT INFORMATION

The 27th annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival takes place Labor Day weekend Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4. The show is located in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. 130 exceptional visual artists have been selected to exhibit by an independent jury panel composed of both working artists and art professionals. The Emerging Artist Program provides regional artists in the early stage of their art career an opportunity to gain experience marketing and showing their work. In addition to the exhibiting artists, the show offers art education, demonstrations and performance art.

Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization founded and produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors composed of local professional artists. Our focus is on promoting the arts, educating the public and strengthening creative and educational bonds with the community.

We acknowledge that the history and culture of arts and crafts shows have not been inclusive to BIPOC artists historically and currently. We are working to dismantle this structure, and our own, to generate a more equitable space for artists and arts workers. All are welcome to our show and to apply. BIPOC, LGBTQUI2S+ artists and people from historically marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply. -Art In The Pearl Board of Directors

GENERAL INFORMATION

2023 Artist Prospectus & Application

The 27th annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival consists of 130 artists. Art In The Pearl will invite the top scoring juried artists to exhibit at the 2023 event. A waitlist is also determined based on jury scores. This three day event gives patrons the special opportunity to meet and purchase art from exhibiting artists in-person.

Important Dates

Application Deadline:

February 15, 2023

Jury Notifications:

April 3, 2023

Deadline to accept invitation to participate and pay booth fee:

May 15, 2023

Last day to cancel participation in 2023 show and still receive 50% booth fee refund:

June 30, 2023

Load-In/Set-up:

Friday, September 1, 2023

Festival Dates/Hours:

Saturday, September 2, 2023

10am – 6pm

Sunday, September 3, 2023

10am – 6pm

Monday, September 4, 2023

10am – 4pm

Jury Selection and Process

A total of 130 artists will be chosen to exhibit through a highly competitive jury process. Applicants remain anonymous during the jury process. All of the jurors will view each artist’s set of images on a monitor in a horizontal grouping. The materials, dimensions for each image and artist statements will be made available to the jury. Artistic excellence and innovation are the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. The five jurors will view all artist images at the same time. Scoring is based on originality, design, technical proficiency, and craftsmanship. All scores are combined and averaged. Art in the Pearl establishes no quota or entitlement by media category. The top scoring artists receive invitations to exhibit. Remaining applicants in the final round are placed on a waiting list of alternates. Decisions of the jury panel are final. We reserve the right to move applications into the most appropriate category.

Monitor Jury: Images are viewed simultaneously from left to right horizontally.

Jurors: There will be five jurors composed of professional artists, art educators and gallerists.

Jury Format: Two days: First day scoring Yes, No, Maybe and second day scoring 1-10

Applications for Jury: Sorted by the date the application is received

Digital Images

– Five images are required for each application. Four images must be of individual pieces of work (No groupings). The fifth image must be a booth shot. If you are applying as an emerging artist or it is your first time applying to an art fair, please submit professional photos of your work in a gallery or displayed as a body of work.

– The purpose of the booth image is to ensure the artist has a complete body of work which is represented both in the first four images and also within the fifth image. It also helps identify the scale of the artist’s work.

– Note: this is a blind jury process, please avoid submitting booth images with any identifiable sign or photo of the artist themselves.

– In addition, any work outside of the medium and context of the 4 images submitted that may appear in the booth shot will not be considered accepted by the jury, due to its mere presence in the booth image. If artists have multiple bodies of work, Art In The Pearl encourages them to submit these in separate applications.

Images: 4 images of work + 1 booth image are required.

Collaborating Artists

Artists submitting an application as a collaborating artist or partnership must submit the names of both collaborators with the application. Artists may not add a partner after the jury.

Waitlist

Artists will be notified if they are on the waitlist and if a spot becomes available. Please do not call.

The Regional Emerging Artist Program

The Emerging Artist Program is designed to assist regional (Oregon and Washington based) artists who have minimal to no experience exhibiting and selling their artwork. Artists who are in the early stage of their art career and/or have made a recent career change to art are encouraged to apply. Emerging artists may not have previously participated in more than 2 juried art shows and/or gallery exhibitions. Acceptance to the Emerging Artist Program will be determined by a combination of jury scores and committee review.

Upon acceptance, emerging artists will pay a discounted booth fee of $300 and will exhibit in a 10×10 booth space. Art In The Pearl will provide the canopy. Emerging artists will be responsible for their own display setup. Art In The Pearl will provide a mentor to help guide the emerging artist participant through the details of festival preparation, display, and sales.

– If a booth image is not available, submit an image taken of a grouping of works representative of the works to be exhibited at the show.

Artists may apply to either the Emerging Artist Program or the general show, but they may not apply to both. Art In The Pearl reserves the right to prescreen and research any emerging artist applicant to make sure they conform with the requirements for this category and have the level of experience represented in the application.

Booth Fees and Acceptance of Offer to Exhibit

Notifications will be sent via email April 15, 2023. Selected artists must confirm and pay the booth fee in Zapplication by May 15, 2023. Failure to respond by May 15, 2023 will result in revocation of the invitation and immediate invitation of an alternate from the waitlist. A $35 administration fee will be charged if an artist withdraws after having submitted booth payment. The applicant is responsible for keeping their contact information current on their Zapplication profile. Please see the detailed refund policy in General Rules and Regulations.

Booth Fee:

10 wide x 10 deep – $650

15 wide x 10 deep – $1055

10 wide x 20 deep – $1080

20 wide x 10 deep – $1295

Emerging Artist Program 10 wide x 10 deep – $300.

Sales

Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization that receives no commission on the sales of artwork. Artists keep all proceeds. There is no sales tax in Oregon.

Admission

Our extensive marketing program is directed towards a diverse population from the Portland metro area, as well as a nation wide audience. Admission is free to the public.

Artist Statement

The application requires a description of materials, process, and technique. Please describe your work and process, not your philosophy or inspiration. This statement (to be posted in your booth) is part of our mission to educate the public.

Awards

Three Best of Show awards are given to artists for outstanding work. Award winners are invited to return in their awarded category the following year. The artists will be featured on the Art In The Pearl website and social media platforms.

Media Categories

Media categories are used by Art In The Pearl as a tool for organizing artistsʼ images into logical, related groups for the juryʼs review. While a balanced show that equitably showcases both works of fine art and craft, as well as diversity among media is a principal objective, Art In The Pearl establishes no quota or entitlement by media category.

2-D Mixed Media: includes any combination of a variety of materials used to create an original work of art that is by design to be displayed on walls with a one-sided orientation.

3-D Mixed Media: incorporates more than one type of physical material to form an original work of art visible from 360 degrees.

Ceramics: all original clay work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass produced work is permitted. Work produced from commercial molds is not acceptable. No more than 15% of display may consist of slip cast work which has been designed by the Artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each piece must be signed.

Digital Art: this category includes any original work created solely by the artist utilizing computer technology to craft visual images. Work must be properly signed and numbered as a limited edition, not exceeding 250 per image, using only archival quality materials. Traditional photographs taken through a digital media should apply in the Photography category. No work printed on canvas will be accepted for display at the Festival.

Drawing: compositions that are created by the artistʼs hand using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush are to be entered in this category.

Fiber: all work crafted from fibers including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, leather work, batiking, and papermaking. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production are permitted. All pre-manufactured wearable items are prohibited, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist. The Fiber Wearable category includes all items that are worn or used for adornment.

Glass: No forms of mass production are permitted. All pre-manufactured items are prohibited, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist.

Jewelry: all jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials, must be entered in this category. Work must be designed, created and executed by the artist. All work displayed must be similar in style, quality and method to the work presented in the artistʼs images. No more than 15% of a piece may consist of commercial findings, and no commercial casts, molds or production studio work is allowed.

Metalwork: original work created through the forging, twisting and fabricating of various metals. No production studio work is allowed.

Painting: original compositions created by the artistʼs hand in oils, acrylics, watercolor etc. are in this category.

Photography: Photographers are encouraged to do their own printing. Photographic prints made from the artist’s original image, which have been processed by that artist are included in this category. Photographers are required to disclose a detailed process description.

***All work must be signed, numbered, and dated in limited editions of no more than 250 per image***

No photographic images printed on canvas are allowed. The photography category includes hand colored, Polaroid transfers, emulsion transfers, etc. Please do not enter such work in the Mixed Media category. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces and/or framing options is prohibited.

Printmaking: defined as multiple originals where the artistʼs hand has manipulated the plates, stones, blocks, composite reliefs, or screens. Prints must be properly signed and numbered in limited editions not to exceed 250. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.

Sculpture: three-dimensional original work incorporating any materials that are designed and executed by the artist. Any work that is reproduced must be signed and numbered. No production studio work is permitted.

Wood: original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.

Thank you for your interest in Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!

BOOTH INFORMATION

Booth Details

* Accepted Artists will be allocated a space measuring 10ʼ deep by 10ʼ wide for their display. (A limited number of double wide and double-deep booths are available.)

* Artists are responsible for appropriate insurance, the security of their belongings, and protection of work and display.

* Artists are to provide their own display structure appropriate for an outdoor event. Booths must be of sound construction, conform to fire code regulations, and must be capable of withstanding inclement weather.

* Artist is responsible for the back, sides, and top of the booth. Booths must be visually presentable to adjoining booths and must not obstruct or endanger neighboring booths or the general public .

* Artists must confine booth structure and all work, boxes, chairs, and other display materials within the allotted exhibit space.

* Contracted security will be provided 6:30pm Friday until load-out Monday evening. Art In The Pearl will not be responsible for damage to work or display due to weather or unrelated incidents.

* There will be a security fence around the perimeter of the show installed Friday and will remain up through the duration of the event.

* If an exhibitor does not have a tent, a local rental company is available for assistance.

* Browse bins may occupy no more than 15% of booth space, must be aesthetically pleasing, and may not obstruct traffic flow.

These requirements will be enforced for reasons of safety and crowd control, at the sole discretion of the Art In The Pearl.

Fees

Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, the selected artist is required to reserve and pay for their booth space through Zapplication by May 15, 2023, if they wish to exhibit.

The following are the booth space fees

10ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep – $650

15′ wide x 10′ deep – $1055

10ʼ wide x 20ʼ deep – $1080

20ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep- $1295

Emerging Artist 10′ x 10′ – $300

Electricity – 600watts – $80

All space is subject to availability at the time of reservation.

Refund Policy

In the event of a cancellation, Art In The Pearl will refund 50% of the booth fees paid in advance if Art In The Pearl receives written notice of cancellation no later than June 30, 2023. No refunds will be made for cancellations for any reason after this date. A $35 administration fee will be charged if an artist withdraws after having submitted booth payment. In the event that Art In The Pearl withdraws its invitation to an artist or removes an artist from the show for violating a rule or policy, any prepaid booth fees will not be refunded.

Note: this is a blind jury process, please avoid submitting booth images with any identifiable sign or photo of the artist themselves. – In addition, any work outside of the medium and context of the 4 images submitted that may appear in the booth shot will not be considered accepted by the jury, due to it’s mere presence in the booth image. If artists have multiple bodies of work, Art In The Pearl encourages them to submit these in separate applications.

Images: 4 images of work + 1 booth image

Art In The Pearl Jurors for the 2023 Show

Francisco Bautista, Weaver, Sandy, Oregon

I first began to weave on my foot-pedal loom called “EL AVENTURERO”, where I was taught by master weavers- my father and grandfather. I remember sitting under my father’s loom as he wove. At first, I began working on the fringes of his weavings, tying the threads one at a time. Then as my passion for weaving grew, he would sit with me at his loom and show me the rhythm and beauty that came from creating. So, when my wife, Laura, and I moved to Sandy, Oregon in 2003 from our Zapotec village in Teotitlán del Valle(Oaxaca, Mexico) we brought my precious loom with us. Even being so far from our roots, we still yearned for infinite possibilities of crossing threads and creating unique pieces. As such, we planted those seeds of inspiration in our new home. This has helped us continue the tradition of weaving which has been in our families for many generations.

To maintain our long-held tradition, we continue to make our weavings on our foot pedal looms. Additionally, we only use hand-spun, hand dyed wool. The vibrant colors seen in our weavings come from our own natural and aniline dyes. Together, we work to ensure that the quality achieved by the Master Weavers of old will continue to live on in each piece we weave. And, most importantly, I still carry with me the passion for weaving I had as a boy and I incorporate it into every piece I make.

So, too, my son and daughter have grown up sitting beneath my loom ― and just like me at that age, they are both eager to learn all that my wife and I can teach them about the art of weaving. As they continue to grow, I know that one day Cinthya and David will be even more skillful than their mother and father. We are proud of the tradition that we uphold together, and thankful for the opportunity to honor and add to that tradition with our work.

Erica Iman, ceramic artist and painter, Kansas City, Missouri

Erica Iman received her BFA in Ceramics and BSE in Art from the University of Missouri Columbia in 2005 and obtained her MFA in Ceramics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2012. Between earning her degrees she served 2 years in the U.S. Peace Corps on the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia teaching English and Gardening while exploring the Gobi desert and Altai Mountains. In 2007, she was a selected participant in the International Workshop for Ceramic Arts in Tokoname, (IWCAT) Japan program, spending the summer studying contemporary and ancient Japanese pottery and culture.

Erica is currently a studio artist in Kansas City, MO is a founding member of the KC Urban Potters, and an Artist Inc. facilitator. She has taught in various schools and art centers, was awarded second place in the San Angelo National Ceramic Competition with the work being purchased by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, received an honorable mention in the 10th International Ceramics Competition, Mino, Japan, and was awarded Best of Show at the 2021 Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

Douglas Sigwarth, Glassblower, River Falls, Wisconsin

Douglas Sigwarth has been both a visual artist and a performing artist since childhood. Born and raised in the Midwest, Douglas discovered the stage for his creative expression in his formative years. As an Iowa Arts Council Scholar, he completed his Bachelor of Arts with a theater emphasis at The University of Northern Iowa in 1993. Upon graduation, Douglas relocated to the Twin Cities, where he met his future wife, Renée (Newgaard) Sigwarth, who was passionate about glassblowing. Her infectious enthusiasm motivated Douglas to follow her into the glass studio and pick up a blowpipe for himself.

The couple exclusively studied studio glass at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for four years. They built their glassblowing studio in 2001 and have worked in collaboration since under the name Sigwarth Glass. Shortly after the couple met, they learned that Douglas was a descendant of a family of glassblowing tradesmen from Germany who had worked in glass for generations. This revelation inspired the couple to forge ahead and build a career in contemporary fine craft in the medium of glass. Sigwarth Glass is known for its large-scale glass installations, with permanent collections at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (West Bend, WI) and The Museum of Art and Whimsy (Sarasota, FL). Notable corporate collections include The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (Elmhurst, IL), Epic Systems Corporation (Verona, WI), Capitol Lakes PRS (Madison, WI), and Etain Health (Maplewood, NJ). Douglas expresses his unique vision, integrating his training in theater aesthetics and glassblowing to create an environment. In addition to his glass collaboration, Douglas is on the board of directors for The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA) and the producer and co-host of The Independent Artist Podcast.

Patricia DeLeon Alfonso, Painter, Greenville, South Carolina

Patricia DeLeon is a fine artist who focuses on human and natural forms as the primary subject within her work. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she received her BFA in Fiber Art, Photography, and Art History from Western Washington University. Working intuitively with oils, acrylics, graphite and gold leaf, DeLeon creates multi-media works which fuse the acts of painting and drawing. Over time the work’s multi-layered surface suggests a sense of an illuminated space. With lyrical scrawls, deep scratches and patterned mark making, her work delves into how the visible and invisible—the material and spiritual—intertwine in human experience.

DeLeon is widely collected in the US, Canada and Latin America. She lives and works in Greenville, South Carolina and is a co-founder of the contemporary art space, Oyé Studios.

Paul Bartnik, Master Jeweler, Teacher, Portland, Oregon

Paul Bartnik has been designing and making high end jewelry for the last twenty-nine years. He is JA certified and a graduate of Revere Academy. For six years he held the position of head goldsmith and designer for a well known jewelry store and since then has been independently creating custom pieces for private clients as well as other custom jewelry store accounts. He specializes in hand engraving, Platinum and Gold casting. His hand engraving skills were developed under the apprenticeship of Hratch Nargizian, a renowned master hand engraver in San Francisco. Paul can engrave styles such as classic art deco, western to modern innovation with precision and detail.

Paul is also the founder of the Nova Jewelry Collective, his passion-driven jewelry school.