2027 Art In The Pearl Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts:
Applications for our 2027 show open on November 15th!
Below is our information for how to apply to be an exhibiting artist at our 2027 festival. Applications for our 2027 show will open on November 15th, 2026 and close on February 15th, 2027.
Here is the information for our 2027 Festival. Please read our prospectus and rules carefully to assure a successful application.
DOWNLOAD THE 2027 PROSPECTUS
2027 Art In The Pearl Prospectus
The 31st annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival takes place Labor Day
weekend Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6, 2027. The show is
located in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. 140
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
2027 Artist Prospectus & Application
The 31st annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival consists of 140 artists. Art
In The Pearl will invite the top scoring juried artists to exhibit at the 2027 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, 2027
Jury Notifications: April 1, 2027
Deadline to accept invitation and pay booth fee: May 15, 2027
Last day to cancel participation in 2027 show and still receive 50% booth fee
refund less the $45 admin fee: June 30, 2027
Load-In/Set-up: Friday, September 3, 2027
Festival Dates/Hours:
Saturday, September 4, 2027, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, September 5, 2027, 10am – 5pm
Monday, September 6, 2027, 10am – 4pm
Jury Selection and Process
A total of 140 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. Applications with identifying information will
not be shown to the judges. Do not submit any booth images with any identifiable
signage, photos, name or business names of the artist(s)!
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 $350 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 1, 2027. Selected artists must confirm and pay
the booth fee in Zapplication by May 15, 2027. Failure to respond by May 15, 2027
will result in revocation of the invitation and immediate invitation of an alternate
from the waitlist. A $45 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 – $750
15’ wide x 10’ deep – $1155
20’ wide x 10’ deep – $1395
Emerging Artist Program 10’ wide x 10’ deep – $350
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 nationwide 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, and the Mel Stiles
Award for Creative Achievement in Craft. Award winners are invited to return in their
awarded category the following year, and the award winners receive a cash prize. The
artists will be featured on the Art In The Pearl website and social media platforms.
2027 Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Artist Contract and Rules
Eligibility: Artists must be at least 18 years of age. A maximum of two collaborating
Artists may share a booth, provided both were included on the initial application and
both contribute creatively to each piece.
Authenticity and Originality: All exhibited work must be original, handcrafted,
designed and executed by the accepted Artist(s). Production studios and imported work
is strictly prohibited.
AI Policy: AI-generated work of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Computer-aided Technologies: 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC tooling—where
these technologies are used in place of the artist’s hand in creating the final piece, are
strictly prohibited.
Attendance: Participating Artists must be present with their work for the entire
three-day duration of the festival. Representatives are not permitted to attend in place of
the Artist. Valid photo identification is required at check-in.
Booth Requirements and Display: Artists may only exhibit work that aligns with the
category, style, and quality of the body of work submitted to and selected by the Jury.
Artists must provide their own outdoor display that is structurally sound, compliant with
fire code regulations, and capable of withstanding inclement weather. Displays must be
maintained in a professional, neat, safe manner, and not expand beyond the assigned
booth space. An artist statement describing materials, process, and technique must be
displayed.
Reproduction Rules: Only high-quality, unframed, signed, and numbered
reproductions (editions up to 250) of two-dimensional originals are permitted in browse
boxes or flip bins. They cannot be hung on walls (reserved for original works) or printed
on canvas. Any scanned, digitally uploaded, photographed, or printed work (and
subsequent hand-modifications or embellishments) is considered a reproduction and
must be clearly labeled “reproduction” on the front. Terms like “print,” “offset lithograph,”
or “giclee” are prohibited.
Sale of Promotional Items: Examples include but are not limited to- postcards, note
cards, calendars, posters, magnets, stationery, t-shirts, canvas prints, framed posters
and reproductions are strictly prohibited.
Quality Assurance and Compliance: Members of the Quality Assurance
Committee will inspect displays throughout the event. Failure to comply with these
regulations may result in removal from the festival without a refund and potential
ineligibility for future events.
Insurance: Artists are solely responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance and
protecting themselves, their work, display, belongings, and vehicles.
Release of Liability: By submitting the application, the Artist agrees to release and
hold harmless Art In The Pearl Inc., the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and all
associated sponsors along with their respective directors, officers, employees, agents,
and volunteers—from any responsibility, personal liability, claims, loss, or damage of
any kind arising from participation in the Festival, including, without limitation, any
claims based on negligence.
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. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D
printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.
3-D Mixed Media: Incorporates more than one type of physical material to form an
original work of art visible from 360 degrees. Production studio work and
computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT
allowed.
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.
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. No more than 15% of a piece may consist of
commercial findings. Commercial casts, molds, production studio work or
computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT
allowed.
Metalwork: Original work created through the forging, casting, cutting, engraving,
manipulating and fabricating of various metals. Production studio work and
computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT
allowed.
Painting: Original compositions created by the artistʼs hand in oils, acrylics, watercolor,
encaustic etc. are in this category.
Photography: The photography category includes hand colored, Polaroid transfers,
emulsion transfers, etc. Please do not enter such work in the Mixed Media category.
Photographers are encouraged to do their own printing. All photographic work must be
made from the artist’s original image, which has been processed by that artist and is
included in this category. No photographic images printed on canvas are allowed.
Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print
surfaces and/or framing options is prohibited. 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.
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.
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. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D
printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked by hand, turned or
carved. Production studio work or computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing,
laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.
Booth Information:
Artists are responsible for appropriate insurance, the security of their
belongings, and protection of work and display. Art In The Pearl will not be
responsible for damage to work or display due to weather or unrelated incidents.
Accepted Artists will be allocated a space measuring 10ʼ deep by 10ʼ wide for their
display. (A limited number of double wide booths are available.)
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.
If an exhibitor does not have a tent, a local rental company is available for assistance.
Artists are responsible for the back, sides, and top of the booth. Please keep your
back-storage and back of the booth area neat and covered. 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.
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, 2027, if they wish to exhibit.
The following are the booth space fees
10ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep – $750
15′ wide x 10′ deep – $1155
20ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep – $1395
Emerging Artist 10′ wide x 10′ deep – $350
Electricity – 600 watts – $95
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 and
rentals paid in advance if Art In The Pearl receives written notice of cancellation no later
than June 30, 2027. Application/jury fee, electricity and parking are nonrefundable, and
no other refunds will be made for cancellations after June 30. A $45 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.
Thank you for your interest in Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!
Art In The Pearl Board of Directors
0ur 2027 Jurors
Debra Adelson
Collingswood, NJ
Debra Adelson is a contemporary studio jewelry artist based in Collingswood, New
Jersey. She earned a BFA in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from Tyler School of
Art. Her current body of work combines glassmaking, jewelry-making, and lapidary
techniques. For nearly 30 years, Debra has exhibited her award-winning work at major
juried art shows nationwide, as well as in galleries and museum shops, including the
National Museum of Women in the Arts, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Corning
Museum of Glass. Her work is also part of the permanent collection of the Museum of
Arts and Design in New York City.
In 2023, Debra received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and she is the author of The Art of
Jewelry: Plastic & Resin, published by Lark Books in 2008.
Wayne Jiang
Portland, OR
Wayne Jiang is a Portland-based realist painter and teacher. He holds a degree in
illustration from San Jose State University. In his paintings, Wayne enjoys creating an
ambience that reflects on stillness, solitude, and mystery. He believes in using simple,
quiet scenes and objects to communicate deep emotion and relevance. In his work,
there are influences from 17th Century Dutch genre and still life paintings, 19th and 20th
Century American Realism paintings, and documentary photography. His work has
been widely exhibited in museums and galleries in the last three decades such as the
Morris Graves Museum of Art, Triton Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland Art
Museum Rental Sales Gallery and Guardino Gallery.
Gina Pannorfi
Chicago, IL
Gina Pannorfi is a fiber artist who creates one of one handmade textiles, celebrating
tradition, color, and handcrafted beauty. Her work explores color, texture and pattern
through multiple processes grounded in ancient traditions. Through hand-dying,
hand-painting, batik, felt-making, and fashion design she creates a collection of more
than 30 styles of timeless wearable art and home decor. She has been traveling the
country for the past 22 years participating in Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs. Her work has
been carried in high end boutiques and museum stores world wide. Gina Pannorfi is a
graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As her work and business
continue to evolve, so does her unmistakable style.
Nicholas Stelter
Portland, OR
Stelter had a passion for art for as long as he can remember. While growing up, he
spent warm summer days in his grandfather’s woodworking shop learning valuable
lessons. He was a skilled engraver who had meticulous attention to detail and a great
knowledge about different tools and techniques. From his time working with him, to
watching his mother who is a ceramics artist, he developed an eye for art and a passion
for working with his hands.
Stelter began working with glass in 2000. While he started with stained glass, he also
explored working with stone, concrete casting, and the possibilities of wood. Now in his
studio he is thrilled to create new pieces of glass art. He enjoys the creative process,
seeing an idea come to life. While his pieces have a similar shape, no two pieces have
the same pattern which make each one unique.
Babette Harvey
Portland, OR
Babette has been a professional clay artist for the past thirty years. She is known for her
sculptural work although she began her career as a functional potter. She attended
Portland State University and majored in ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and
Craft before starting her professional ceramic career in 1996. She has shown her work
in many juried fine art shows and selected gallery exhibitions throughout the Pacific
Northwest where she has received numerous awards. Babette was a featured artist on
OPB’s Oregon Art Beat in 2010. Her work has been published in the Ceramic Monthly
magazine and other publications.
Babette’s work is included in the permanent collections of The Hallie Ford Museum of
Art, The Clay Art Center in Washington, and private collections in Japan, England,
Australia, Hawaii and throughout the United States. Her work has been exhibited at the
Oregon Governor’s Mansion during the International Artist Showcase. Her sculpture,
“Antelope Wishes She Could Sing Too”, will be on display at The Portland International
Airport in December 2026 – 2028.
In addition to her professional studio work, Babette has been an instructor of ceramics
at Portland Community College for fifteen years. She has also taught workshops
throughout the Pacific NW. She has held several volunteer positions on the boards of
both the Oregon Potters Association and Art In The Pearl.
Contracted security will be provided 6:30pm Friday until load-out Monday evening.
There will be a security fence around the perimeter of the show installed Friday and
will remain up through the duration of the event.
Thank you for considering applying to Art In The Pearl.
Art In The Pearl is a registered 501c3 Not-For-Profit Organization