Welcome to our Arts Explosion Arts Festival.   This second-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Arts Festival brings diverse, multi-generational artworks to the public.  Submitted artwork will be in a juried competition with $4,400 in total prize money.  All artists will enjoy their works featured at our Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) during three free public days and two invitation-only events with viewing by art lovers and art buyers. The adult artists will be invited to submit in three categories: Photography/Digital artwork, Two-Dimensional artwork, and Three-Dimensional artwork. The youth artists, specifically from the Federal Way Public High Schools, will be invited to submit a self-portrait in any medium they chose.  

All artwork must be submitted in person.  No artwork will be shipped or received via mail.

Dates to Remember:

Entry Period Begins:   January 20, 2024
Entry Deadline:   April 20, 2024 (NEW)
Notification of acceptance (invitation to show):   On or before May 2, 2024
Collection and set-up of exhibited artwork:  May 29, 2024, 10 - 6 pm.
Judging & "vernissage" (first viewing) by invitation-only:   May 30, 2024, 10 - 7 pm
Public day of viewing & sales of artwork:  May 31, 2024,  10 - 6 pm
Reception & awards ceremony for sponsors, artists and City dignitaries:  May 31, 2024, 7 - 9 pm
Public festival day of viewing & sales of artwork:  June 1, 2024, 10 - 6 pm
Public day of viewing & sales of artwork:  June 2, 2024, 10 - 6 pm
Final sales & load-out of exhibited artwork:  June 3, 2024, 10 - 2 pm
 

Application Requirements

Artists will need to create an account (unless you already have one) with CaFE.  It is FREE!  Follow instructions for each entry.

Adult artists are encouraged to enter Arts Explosion up to five (5) times.  Each entry will be $25 per entry.  Payment is made through CaFE.   All entry fees are non-refundable. 

Entree fees for youth artists are free.  A code will be provided to you by your supervising teacher or texting a request to 253-225-1041.

 We encourage all artists to enter but reserve the right to refuse selected artworks and not all artworks will be accepted into the arts festival.  Space may be limited and acceptance may be granted to fewer works than originally entered.  Official notification will be sent via e-mail.  Acceptance or rejection status (invited or not invited status) of artwork can be viewed online on your account at www.callforentry.org. 

Awards:

Adult artist cash awards may be subject to change totaling $3,300 towards the following:
First Prize in Photo/Digital Arts:  $500
First Prize in 2-D Arts:  $500
First Prize in 3-D Arts:  $500

Second Prize in Photo/Digital Arts:  $250
Second Prize in 2-D Arts:  $250
Second Prize in 3-D Arts:  $250

Third Prize in Photo/Digital Arts:  $100
Third Prize in 2-D Arts:  $100
Third Prize in 3-D Arts:  $100

People's Choice in Photo/Digital Arts:  $250
People's Choice in 2-D Arts:  $250
People's Choice in 3-D Arts:  $250

Youth artist cash awards may be subject to change totaling $1,100 toward the following:
First Prize in Self-Portrait:  $500
Second Prize in Self-Portrait:  $250
Third Prize in Self-Portrait:  $100
People's Choice Award in Self-Portrait:  $250

Eligibility Criteria

Entries must be original, entirely the work of the entrant, and executed within the past three years.  Adult artist work must have been completed without the supervision of an instructor.  Copies of existing artworks or works solely based on copyrighted artworks are not eligible.  All artwork must be gallery-ready for display with the appropriate framing, hanging wires, supports, etc.  No saw-tooth hangers or ring hangers are allowed. Refunds will not be granted to applicants who are not in compliance with this agreement. 

CONDITIONS:  For all Adult Artists - Categories of Artwork:

• Photography/Digital Art utilizes computer technology and/or photography including hand coloring, Polaroid transfers, emulsion transfers, etc.  Artwork must be signed and numbered.
• Two-dimensional (2-D) art (paintings, collages, tapestries and quilts) is designed to be displayed on walls with one-side orientation.  Works may not exceed 5 feet in longest dimension or weight more than 12 lbs.
• Three-dimensional (3-D) art (ceramics, sculpture, furniture, yard art, wearable and body art) is visible from 360 degrees.  The artwork must fit within a 4 x 4 x 9 foot space and weigh less than 200 lbs.  If the artist wishes to supply more than one view of a 3-D work, please create and submit a composite image showing both views.

CONDITIONS:  For all Youth Artists -   

• Entries will be using the standard size (8" x 10") stretch canvas.  All 2-D mediums are encouraged to include photography, tapestries, collages, any colorful impressionistic interpretations.  There is no limit to the creative healing of a self-portrait.   Artwork must be signed.
• All youth artists will be given a code to enter their one artwork in the "Federal Way Arts Explosion Arts Festival" for free.  This code can be obtained through the high school teacher or texting a request to 253-225-1041.

Once entered and submitted, all artists may not substitute another work for an accepted work, alter an accepted work, change the sale price, or withdraw a work after it has been entered and accepted.

We may ask adult artists submitting work requiring complicated installation to help with the installation of that work.

All work must be for sale. All artists agree to have Kiwanis Foundation facilitate all sales. Kiwanis will retain a 25% commission on all sales with all proceeds going toward the Arts Explosion Arts Festival event.  Artists artwork that is sold must be collected on June 3, 2024.  Early pickup of artwork before June 3, 2024 is generally not permitted.  Agreements with owners and artists for delivery of artwork is encouraged.  All artists will receive payment of prize money and sales from art within 30 days of the end of the festival.