Thank you for your interest in the Akron Arts Expo! The Akron Arts Expo is a nationally recognized juried fine arts & fine crafts show with over 160 artists, ribbon and cash awards, great food, an interactive children's area that invites children to experience the art world at a young age, and entertainment for the entire family.
The 37th Annual Akron Arts Expo will be Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The show is located in a natural park setting at Hardesty Park, 1615 West Market Street, Akron OH 44313.
For more information please contact the Artist Coordinator Penny Bomba by email at pbomba@akronohio.gov or by phone at 330-812-7866 or 330-375-2806.
Application Deadlines
Only online applications will be accepted. We will accept 2016 artist applications from February 1 through midnight March 31 (EST). Acceptance/Rejection notices will be mailed on or around May 1, 2016 along with additional Arts Expo information. Booth numbers will be assigned by June 15, 2016.
Registration Fee
Registration fee will be $10.00. The registration fee covers the online application process.
Booth Fee
Booth fee will be $210 for a 15' x 15' space. Payment for booth space is not taken at the time of application submission. After Acceptance/Rejection notices are sent, accepted artists have until June 1 to send in their booth fee or that artist will forfeit their spot in this years show. Booth fees are nonrefundable after June 15, 2016. Note: All artists are required to donate an item to our Silent Auction. Silent auctions will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and act as our fundraiser for the show.
Amenities
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Quality jurying and judging process
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Onsite show auditor
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Welcome packet and tote bag
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Meals – Saturday breakfast (full buffet), Sunday breakfast (full buffet), and Artist Award dinner are provided at no cost (1 ticket for each meal per booth space, additional tickets available for purchase)
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Show t-shirt (1 per booth space, additional shirts available for purchase)
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Water distributed throughout the weekend to all artists
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Onsite overnight camping available for artists with recreational vehicles
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24 hour security provided by Akron Police Department
Artwork
New and past exhibitors must complete an Arts Expo application, meet stated requirements, and be juried each year. (Exception: All 2015 award winners, including honorable mention, are automatically accepted on application only but the award winner must complete the online application and submit photos of their artwork.) All work must be original and completely finished. The Artist who designs the work and is principal of the business must be present to show their work. No dealers or sales representatives are allowed. Picture ID will be required upon check-in. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. Work produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns, prefabricated forms, craft kits, or commercial products will not be permitted. Applications will be screened according to originality, technique, craftsmanship, design, and booth display. Exhibitors may only show work typified by photos. Akron Arts Expo will exercise its right to reject items during the show that are not the quality of media submitted in the application. Exhibitors are welcome to demonstrate their media at their booth.
Tents
All tents should be white or off white. Tents and sidewalls must be durable enough to hold up to the weather. Tents must be properly secured with tent stakes and weighted properly in the event of wind. Akron Arts Expo staff reserves the right to ask that a tent be removed if it poses a risk to those around them. The city of Akron, recreation staff, and volunteers are not responsible for damage incurred because of weather.
Application Terms & Conditions
By checking the box below, I hereby agree to the rules, regulations, and procedures outlined in the 2016 Akron Arts Expo prospectus. I agree that the pictures submitted are representative of my own original work to be exhibited and that the Akron Arts Expo reserves the right in its discretion to remove any work that does not meet the standards set forth.
