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 42nd Annual Akron Arts Expo will be Saturday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 25 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 330-375-2806.
Application Deadlines
Only online applications will be accepted. We will accept 2021 artist applications from February 1 through midnight March 31 (EST). Acceptance/Rejection notices will be mailed on or around May 1,2021 along with additional Arts Expo information. Booth numbers will be assigned by June 15, 2021.
Registration Fee
Registration fee will be $10.00. The registration fee covers the online application process.
Show Guidelines
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This is a juried outdoor fine art, fine craft show set in beautiful Hardesty Park on the west side of Akron, Ohio
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$210 if paid before June 20, 2021
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Booth Spaces & Tents-All exhibitors must have a white or off white tent that fits into their designated space. Safety of our artist 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 for the tent or removal of the tent all together. Refunds will not be issued.
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To accommodate social distancing in between the backs of the booth space tents must be placed along the front line of each space.
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Double booths are not available at this time. If you are interested in one please email Penny Bomba at pbomba@akronohio.gov and she will let you know if things change and this option becomes available.
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Booth display: Artwork displayed in booth is to be comprised of no less than 60% original work and 40% reproduction.
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Load In/Out-Vehicles are allowed on show grounds, weather permitting, during load in on Friday from 7:00 am-6:00 pm. All vehicles must be out of the artist area and in proper parking areas by 6:00 pm Friday. Artists must be out of the artist area no later than 7:00 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 on Sunday.
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Artist Check-in will take place at pavilion. Included with the Accepted Artist information will be more information about signing up for a check in time for Friday and Saturday morning.
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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. Dollying may also be required if the grounds are not passable due to the weather.
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Show Auditor-Akron Arts Expo enjoys a reputation for attracting and showcasing a varying artistic community. To uphold the integrity, authenticity and originality of the art work we have a Show Auditor onsite during set-up and some of 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.
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Silent Auction will not take place in 2021. Items for the silent auction are donated by artists and with how challenging this past year has been we do not want to ask you to give more. The plan is to have the auction return in 2022.
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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.
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Each artist is responsible for collecting their own Ohio Sales Tax and payment of collected tax.
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Curbside Pick Up Area-We plan to provide one or two curbside pick-up areas for your patrons that may not want to attend the show but still purchase your work ahead of time. The artist will be responsible for the delivery and exchange however the curbside space will be available during show hours as well as before and after the show hours.
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Safety Measures-Akron Arts Expo staff will be vigilant about wiping down public spaces such as restrooms, tables and benches. There will be staff walking throughout the event to help make sure compliance is happening. Artists are responsible for supplying and wiping down their own items.
Jury Process
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Jurying is done through a blind jury process. Each juror scores independently of each other and then their combined scores is the final score for the artist.
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Each artist is scored from 0 to 10 based on originality, execution, creativity, design, workmanship/quality, display of media and all items of sale represent media for their category. Jury scores are combined and invitations are issued to those that have the highest scores in each category while taking into account the need to have a well-balanced show.
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The previous year’s show award winners are automatically in the following years show but still need to submit an application to let it be known that they are returning (this year will be 2019 award winners).
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All other artists must reapply each year.
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A wait list is also created based on jury scores. As spaces become available they are filled from this list.
Artwork
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New and past exhibitors must complete an Akron Arts Expo application, meet stated requirements and be juried each year.
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2019 Award Winners, including honorable mention, are automatically accepted on application only but award winners must still complete the online application and submit photos of their work.
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All work must be original and completely finished. Artwork displayed in booth must be comprised of no less than 60% originals and 40% reproductions.
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The Artist who designs the work is principal of the business and must be present to show their work. No dealers or sales representatives are allowed. Picture ID will be required at check-in. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.
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Work produced with commercial kits, molds patterns, prefabricated forms, craft kits or commercial products will not be permitted.
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Applications will be screened according to originality, technique, craftsmanship, design and booth display.
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Exhibitors may only show work typified by submitted images. Akron Art Expo will exercise its right to reject items during the show that are not the quality of media submitted in the application.
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Exhibitors are welcome to demonstrate their media at their booth.
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No more than two artists may collaborate on work submitted under the same application. Shared booths for non-collaborative artists are not permitted.
Application Terms & Conditions
By checking the box below, I hereby agree to the rules, regulations, and procedures outlined in the 2021 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
