Artist Registration for the 41st Annual Akron Arts Expo at Hardesty Park

This event runs from Saturday, July 25, 2020 to Sunday, July 26, 2020.

Registration for this event closed on 04/20/2020.


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 150 artists, ribbon and cash awards, great food, an interactive children's activities that invites children to experience the art world at a young age, and entertainment for the entire family.

The 41st Annual Akron Arts Expo will be Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 26 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 firestone_cc@akronohio.gov or by phone at 330-375-2806.

 

Application Deadlines

Only online applications will be accepted. We will accept 2020 artist applications from February 1 through midnight March 31 (EST). Acceptance/Rejection notices will be mailed on or around May 1,2020 along with additional Arts Expo information. Booth numbers will be assigned by June 15, 2020.

Registration Fee

Registration fee will be $10.00. The registration fee covers the online application process.

Booth Fee

  • $210 if paid before June 1, 2020
  • $230 if paid between June 2-15, 2020
  • Booth fees are non-refundable after June 15, 2020.

Amenities

  • Akron Arts Expo is a juried show
  • Reasonable booth fee
  • Meals-Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, Artists Awards Reception-Saturday evening (1 ticket per meal per booth space)
  • Spacious 15 x 15 spaces
  • Vehicles allowed on grounds for load in/out (weather permitting)
  • Welcome packet including tote bag
  • Show T-shirt
  • Helpful staff & volunteers
  • Free artist onsite parking
  • 24 hour onsite security throughout set-up and show
  • Booth Sitters
  • Water available for artists throughout weekend
  • Show Auditor
  • Cash Awards for 1st-3rd places in each of the 4 categories and for Best of Show

Artwork

  • New and past exhibitors must complete an Arts Expo application, meet stated requirements, and be juried each year.
  • 2019 Award Winners, including honorable mention, are automatically accepted on application only but award winners must complete the online application and submit photos of their artwork.
  • All work must be original and completely finished. Artwork displayed in booth must be comprised of no less than 60% originals and 40% reproductions.
  • The Artist who designs the work is principal of the business must be present to show their work. No dealers or sales representatives are allowed. Picture ID will be required up 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 submitted images. 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.
  • No more than two artists may collaborate on work submitted under the same application. Shared booths for non-collaborative artists are not permitted.

Show Guidelines

  • This is a juried outdoor fine art, fine craft show set in beautiful Hardesty Park on the west side of Akron, Ohio.
  • 2019 Show Dates: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26
  • This is a two day show, artists must exhibit both days.
  • The event is Rain or Shine, artists must stay set-up until Sunday at 5:00 pm.
  • Booth Size is approximately 15 x 15 feet.
  • Booth Fee (accepted artists):
    • $210 if paid before June 1, 2020
    • $230 if paid between June 2-15, 2020
    • After June 15, 2020, the space will be reassigned to a juried artist on the waiting list.
    • Booth fees are non-refundable after June 15, 2020.
  • Booth Spaces & Tent-All exhibitors must have a white or off white tent that fits into their designated space. Safety of our artists and patrons are very important to us. Since this is an outdoor show, tents must be able to withstand normal weather conditions. Tents must be weighted properly and tents stakes are allowed. If there is a question about the condition of the tent, Akron Arts Expo staff reserves the right to evaluate the situation and ask for modifications of the tent or removal of the tent all together. Refunds will not be issued.
  • Double booths are available upon request before April 15th. The fee is $420. Booth spaces will not be divided, only full spaces are available. You may indicate in the application 'Comments' section if you would like a double booth or contact the Artist Coordinator.
  • Booth Display: Artwork displayed in both is to be comprised of no less than 60% original work and 40% reproduction.
  • Load In/Out-Vehicles are allowed on show grounds, weather permitting, during load in on Friday from 7:00 am-5:00 pm. All vehicles must be out of the artist area and in proper parking areas by 5:00 pm on Friday.  Artists must be out of the artist area no later than 5:30 pm on Friday. Vehicles are allowed back on the grounds Saturday morning from 7:00-9:30 am. Load out-vehicles are allowed in the artist area after 5:00 pm.
  • We do our best to help artists get their vehicles as close to their booths as possible for load in/out, but during high traffic times, artists must be prepared to move items by dolly if needed. 
  • Show Auditor-Akron Arts Expo enjoys a reputation for attracting and showcasing a diverse artistic community. To uphold the integrity, authenticity and originality of the artist work we have a Show Auditor onsite during set-up and the show.  The Show Auditor will be observing and helping to evaluate any questions that may arise such as work is not what was juried in, or any work that does not meet the rules/guidelines of the show.
  • Silent Auction-Each artist is required to donate a piece of their work to the show's Silent Auction. The silent auctions act as fundraisers for the show.  By agreeing to be in the show and paying the booth fee, each artist agrees to donate a piece of their work.
  • Exhibitors are responsible for keeping their assigned areas free of debris. Akron Arts Expo staff will work with exhibitors to help remove garbage and to keep the public areas clean.
  • Each artist is responsible for collecting their own Ohio Sales Taxes and payment of collected tax.
     

Application Terms & Conditions

By checking the box below, I hereby agree to the rules, regulations, and procedures outlined in the 2020 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.

 

Note: If there are additional artists names that you wish to add, please include them in the Comments field at the bottom of this page