Call Description

The 2025 National Fine Arts Show and Sale takes place in Louisville, Colorado, a beautiful historic city on Colorado’s Front Range. The venue is the Louisville Center for the Arts, an elegant, late 19th century, red brick schoolhouse. Historic Downtown Louisville offers an array of art galleries, related shops, businesses, restaurants and cafes.

The National Fine Art Show runs for 8 days from Aug 29, 2025 through Sept 7, 2025 in conjunction with the three-day Louisville Labor Day weekend event. The gallery is closed 2 days mid-week for special events. The LAA website has specific gallery hours and days at http://louisvilleartassociation.org/2025-nfas-show/

SPONSORS                                                                                This annual show is sponsored by the Louisville Art Association, in conjunction with the City of Louisville, the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Guiry’s Art, and Bolder Insurance.

AWARDS
Best of Show/First Place Award  $600                                                     2nd Place Award  $400                                                                         3rd Place Award  $250                                                                             10 Artistic Achievement Awards  $100                                             Judge’s Choice Award  $200                                                                     1 Peoples’ Choice Award  $200

PLEASE READ ENTIRE PROSPECTUS, ELIGIBILITY, and SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS to be sure you meet all requirements for entry and participation in the show.                                                      

JUDGE

We are honored to have Colorado artist David Mayer as the judge/juror for this show. David is an avid plein painter with an emphasis on portraying the beauty of Colorado high country mountains, streams, and lakes.  West Creek Studio, The Fine Art of David W. Mayer

David W. Mayer is a multiple award winning member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM), a member of the Laguna, California Plein Air Painters (LPAPA) and a member of the California Art Club (CAC). He is also a past charter member of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters (RMPAP) and the Oil Painters of America (OPA). David is an avid impressionist and plein air landscape painter

 David has studied with Scott Christensen, T. Allen Lawson, Kevin MacPherson, and Ted Goerschner as well as through the writings and works of Richard Schmid, Edgar Payne, Joaquin Sorolla and the California Impressionists. While he was an award winning watercolorist who studied with Tony Couch, David has concentrated exclusively on oil painting for the past ten years.

 He was an Art Director and Creative Director in print, web, and interactive media and a corporate, high tech, and internet marketing executive prior to painting full time as a professional landscape artist.
 

Judging is randomized, it is not in alphabetical order or by entry time.

IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, July 16               Entry deadline 11:59pm MTN time. NOTE: Entry status in CaFE' is 'Received' then in 'Reviewed' status until Judging starts.

Wednesday, July 23              All accepted entries notified via email by end of day.  

Mon-Fri, Aug 18 - Aug 22      Timeframe for shipped artwork to arrive.    

Ship to: LAA Fine Art Show C/O Bolder Insurance                800 Jefferson Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027

Tuesday, Aug 26                  In person deliveries accepted 1pm–5pm at 801 Grant Ave,  Louisville, CO 80027.

Friday, Aug 29                      Awards Reception: 6pm– 8pm with Awards Ceremony at 7pm. Participating artists and public are invited.    

Monday, Sept 1                    Labor Day: OPEN GALLERY 11am–6pm. 

Sunday, Sept 7                   Last day of show.  Pick-up of hand-delivered exhibited art work from 5pm –7pm.   

*NOTE: No early pickup. Volunteers need 4pm-5pm timeframe to close the show and set up for artists pickup. There is no storage for artwork after the show. In the event an artist will not be able to pick up or have another person pick up their artwork, arrangements must be made in advance for an alternative pickup by emailing us at mailto:LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org 

Mon, Sept 8                       Unsold artwork will be shipped back to artists using artist’s prepaid return label.  

Application Requirements

1. Artists must be 18 years or older. 
2. Artists of all mediums and genres are encouraged to apply, with the exception of:
          a. No installation art.
          b. No videos.
          c. No photography or manipulated photography.  

          d. No artificial intelligence (AI).
3. Applications must be completed online through CaFE’.
4. No copies, kits, giclee reproductions, or work done in a class or under the supervision of an instructor.

ARTWORK MUST:
1. Not previously have been shown in a LAA National Fine Art Show.  
2. Be original in both concept and execution (no giclee or reproductions).
3. Be created within the last three years.
4. Must be for sale.       

5. Be appropriate for general audiences and general public venues (no nudity).
6. Be ready to hang if 2D using wire and hardware that will support its weight.   
       a. No glass in framed art if being shipped.
       b. Hand delivered framed artwork may have glass.
7. Meet Size limitation:  2D pieces may not exceed 48” on any side INCLUDING FRAME and cannot weigh over 50 lbs.  3D sculptures cannot exceed 36 inches in any one dimension and cannot weigh over 70 lbs. 
8. Fit into one of these 10 categories: 
       a. Oil,
       b. Acrylic, 
       c. Watercolor, 
       d. Pastels, 
       e. Sculpture,                       

       f.  Ceramic,
      g.  Fiber,
       h. Mixed Media, 
       i. Digital Painting (using a software program to paint/draw freehand on a monitor screen then print - it is NOT a manipulated or enhanced photograph and it is not AI generated.
       j. Drawing,
       k. Printmaking (lithography, silkscreen, etching, wood/linocuts).   Definition of Artists Printmaking: Printmaking is an artistic process based on the principle of transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, most often paper or fabric. Traditional printmaking techniques include wood-cut/linocut, etching, engraving, lithography, and screen-printing. Monoprints are also in this category. What is NOT in this category: photographic prints, Giclee, or other prints made from an original piece via scanning or other digitizing processes. Link to articles on printmaking: https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/drawings-and-prints/materials-and-techniques/printmaking, https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/about/about-printmaking

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

• Entry fee is $45.00, nonrefundable, for three entries. Each additional entry is $10.00, up to a total of six (6) entered pieces. Entries can be in multiple categories.
• Your email address will be our primary contact source.  Note: Add LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org to your contacts so communication does not go to your spam folder. If you do not see a notification letter from CaFE' after judging, check your spam folder.
• Only works selected by the juror will be displayed and eligible for awards from the show.
• IMAGES: Submit only your images, do not include the frame and/or mat, or any background. Having the best possible photograph of your work makes it much more likely that you will be juried in. Search online for more information (videos and articles) on taking better photos of your work.
• Pieces must be appropriate for general audiences and venues. No nudity. The juror and LAA reserves the right to disqualify any work which is considered in poor taste or inappropriate. During judging or hanging, any artwork found to contain unacceptable material or found not to be identical to the juried online piece, will not be included in the exhibition. No substitutions are allowed.
• Artists can submit up to 6 pieces of original artwork with a maximum of two artworks selected from the chosen artists for awards.

PRICING 

Please set the price for your work carefully. All artwork must be for sale. The price you assign to your artwork in CaFE’ online entry process will be the price printed on the art title card for the exhibition and cannot be changed once your piece has been submitted. There are no exceptions. Be sure to consider the 25% LAA commission, any shipping costs, and framing costs, and closely proofread your entry details before completing your submission on CaFE'. If accepted into the show, artists are responsible for shipping and returning costs. 

Shipping services such as FedEx and UPS have online tools for estimating shipping costs.

SALES 

All exhibited artwork must be for sale. All exhibited artwork must be present for the duration of the show. Sales of invited art pieces and bin work will be handled through the Louisville Art Association, who will retain a 25% commission on all sales resulting from the exhibition.

If artwork is sold, artists will receive payment via a USPS mailed check within 14 days after closure of the show. 

ENTER THROUGH CALLFORENTRY.ORG There are easy to follow instructions to make an artist profile  on CaFE' if you do not already have one. The submission process and uploading of images is simple.
A non-refundable $45.00 entry fee for the 1st three images and $10.00 for each additional image up to 6 total images is paid through CaFE.

FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT: mailto:LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org or Louisville Art Association • PO Box 852 • Louisville, CO 80027 
_______________________________________________

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INVITED ARTISTS:

1. Only the piece(s) that are juried into the show will be hung. Substitutions are not allowed. Failure to provide your piece(s) may result in a ban from entering future LAA shows for two years.  

2. All selected artist may include bin work for sale, but it is not required: 

• Up to 5 pieces of 2D art work/prints, plus
• 10 Individual cards,
• 6 packs of cards.
• Bin art work needs to be flat (less than 1/4 inch), no wires or hangers.
• Framed artwork or 3D pieces of art are not allowed as bin art work.
• How to label your bin work and/or cards is included on the bin inventory sheet on the show website with an example. All bin art and cards must be listed on the bin inventory sheet and brought to check in or shipped with artwork.                              
• Bin inventory sheets need to be complete prior to check in and will be available to download and complete in August on the LAA website: https://louisvilleartassociation.org/2025-nfas-show/

BINS ARE SUPPLIED BY LAA. DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN BINS.

3. Accepted artist are requested to email a brief 1 page biography or artist statement to: LAANFAS@Louisvilleartassociation.org. Artists bios will be available in a display notebook for visitors to peruse. Be sure to add any contact information, QR code, website, or social media sites that you want visitors to see.

FRAMING AND MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS—THESE SPECIFICATIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED OR YOUR ARTWORK WILL NOT BE HUNG.
• All 2D Pieces must be framed or gallery wrapped  with a 1.5 inch minimal thickness.

• Gallery wrapped art must have a minimum or 1.5 inch thickness AND all sides must be completely painted.

• Any wrapped canvas less than 1.5 inches thickness must be framed.

• Wall art must have secure wire, ready to hang, and not weigh more than 70 pounds. Pieces without hangers will not be hung. No sawtooth hangers.

• Must be labeled on the back bottom right corner with artist's name, phone number, title and price.

• No Glass if shipping. Glass is ok if hand delivering.

• No pieces exceeding 48” INCLUDING frame on any side will be accepted. The size limit includes Diptychs or Triptychs, measured as a unit.

• Sculptures and other three-dimensional work:

1. Must be labeled on the bottom with artist's name, phone number, title, and price.
2. Must be properly and securely mounted and ready for display.
3. Not be more than 36 inches in any one dimension.
4. Not weigh more than 70 pounds.
5. No sharp edges
6. Cannot be attached to floor or suspended from ceiling.
7. No installation pieces.
8. No Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated pieces.

ARTISTS THAT ARE HAND DELIVERING INVITED ARTWORK:

1. In person delivery of artwork is Tues, Aug. 26 from 1pm-5pm, at 801 Grant Ave, Louisville, CO 80027. 
2. Early drop offs are not allowed at the venue. Artists that are not able to deliver their artwork are encouraged to find an alternative person that can deliver - or ship their artwork (see shipping instructions). Other arrangements can be made on an individual basis by sending an email to: https://louisvilleartassociation.org/contact-us/. 
3. All art must be securely labeled on the back lower right corner (or bottom of sculptures) with title, artist’s name, price, and phone number.
4. Artists bringing bin work need to provide a completed bin work inventory form at time of drop off. The Bin form will be available on the LAA website; https://louisvilleartassociation.org/2025-nfas-show/
5. A one page bio or artist statement if not emailed prior to delivery.

ARTISTS THAT ARE SHIPPING ACCEPTED ARTWORK:

1. No glass.
2. Shipped artwork must be received between: Aug 18 - 22, 2025 at Bolder Insurance, see address below.
3. Artists are responsible for shipping and returning costs and must include a prepaid return label.
4. Artists are responsible for any insurance they want to have during shipping and the duration of the show.
5. Shipped Artwork must be packed in strong, reusable cartons or crates with no free-floating styrofoam/peanut packing. Packing material must be reusable to facilitate return shipping.
6. All art must be securely labeled on the back lower right corner (or bottom of sculptures) with title, artist’s name, price, and cell phone number.
7. Artists that wish to sell smaller 2D pieces of bin work need to include a completed bin work inventory form. *The Bin form will be available on the Louisville website; https://louisvilleartassociation.org/2025-nfas-show/
8. A one page bio or artist's statement if not emailed prior to shipping.
9. SHIPPING ADDRESS FOR ALL SHIPPED ARTWORK:   LAA National Fine Art Show, C/O Bolder Insurance 
   800 Jefferson Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
   Do not ship to the Louisville Art Association PO Box or to the exhibition venue. We do not receive mail at the venue. Anything shipped to that address, will be left outside of building and unattended.
    

IMPORTANT DATES             

Wednesday, July 16                       Entry deadline 11:59pm MTN time.           NOTE: Entry status in CaFE' is 'Received' then in 'Reviewed' status until Judging starts.                            

Wed, July 23                           All accepted entries notified via email by end of day.  

Mon-Fri, Aug 18 - Aug 22      Timeframe for shipped artwork to arrive   Ship to: LAA Fine Art Show C/O Bolder Insurance,800 Jefferson Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027

Tuesday, Aug 26                  In person deliveries accepted 1pm–5pm at 801 Grant Ave,  Louisville, CO 80027.

Friday, Aug 29                       Awards Reception: 6pm– 8pm with Awards Ceremony at 7pm. Participating artists and public are invited.    

Monday, Sept 1                    Labor Day: OPEN GALLERY 11am–6pm. 

Sunday, Sept 7                   Last day of show.  Pick-up of hand-delivered exhibited art work from 5pm –7pm.   *NOTE: No early pickup. Volunteers need 4-5pm timeframe to close the show and set up for artists pickup. There is no storage for artwork after the show. In the event an artist will not be able to pick up or have another person pick up their artwork, arrangements must be made in advance for an alternative pickup by emailing us at mailto:LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org

Mon, Sept 8                       Unsold artwork will be shipped back to artists using artist’s prepaid return label.            

RETURN OF WORK 
Unsold shipped artwork will be shipped back to the artist following the closing date of the exhibition with artist prepaid shipping label. Louisville Art Association is not responsible for return of art if return shipping label is not prepaid. 

Hand-delivered artwork must be picked up on the show’s closing date, Sunday, Sept 7 between 5pm and 7pm.

 NO EARLY PICK-UPS ARE ALLOWED. *In the event an artist is unable to pick up or have another person pick up unsold work, arrangements must be made in advance for an alternative pickup by emailing mailto:LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org

• There is no storage available for artwork not picked up. Abandoned art may be donated after 2 failed attempts to contact the artist.

Eligibility Criteria

Submitting an application to the show constitutes that you have read and agree with all of the information presented. 

FOR QUESTIONS OR HELP email: LAANFAS@louisvilleartassociation.org     Find us online at https://louisvilleartassociation.org/ or show specific information at https://louisvilleartassociation.org/2025-nfas-show/

Follow us on social media!  

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleArtAssociation            

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louisvilleartassociation/