In its 4th year, the Art in Bloom Fine Art Exhibition, April 14 – 23, is the centerpiece of a week of Anacortes Arts Festival events that also include a new weekend Spring Arts Fest and Color Run.  The dates are April 14 – 23.  Art in Bloom features work from selected artists at the historic Depot Arts Center in Anacortes.  Proceeds from April events support arts education for k-12 school children.   

We are giving this show a unique identity by targeting Emerging Collectors.  While our main focus remains to showcase fine art, we would like to include some work that is financially accessible to a younger audience.  We will consider smaller scale work, limited edition original prints (must be clearly identified) and larger collections of related work (like ceramics). The jury, consisting of artists and arts professionals, will select multiple pieces from each artist.   Work must be for sale – the Festival retains a 50% commission.   The Festival presents $1,000 in awards including $500 Patrons Choice, and $500 Best of Show.   Following are the important exhibition dates

 Tuesday, January 17 – Applications due

Thursday, January 26 – Accepted artists notified

Sunday, April 9th – Art intake (alternate intake at Festival office on Thursday April 6)

Thursday, April 6 – Mailed in artwork deadline 

Friday, April 14th – Opening, 6 – 9pm

April 15 – 23rd – show open daily, 11am – 4pm

April 23 – art pick-up, 4 pm

The annual Tulip Festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Skagit Valley during the month of April.   Art in Bloom will be marketed as a related event.   It is our goal to expand Anacortes’ art identity this busy time of year. 

Guidelines:  
The application is open to both 2D (painting, photography, mixed media) and 3D work (sculpture, ceramic, glass, jewelry, fiber arts).   
All selected 2D artwork must be original work, or prints created in an edition of 50 or less (photography, block prints, woodcuts, etc).
All work must be ready for display upon arrival.  Wall-mounted pieces must have adequate hangers and/or wire. Three-dimensional work needs adequate installation instruction if it requires more than a standard pedestal.  
Artwork mailed to the office must arrive by April 6, 2017.  Mailed work must include a return label or credit card information to cover the cost of postage (please call the office with this information), plus a $20 handling fee.   The handling fee will be refunded if no work is returned.
Work must be available from April 9 through April 23.  All accepted and hung work must be for sale. The Anacortes Arts Festival will handle sales and retain a 50% commission. Artists will receive payment within two weeks after the event for any work sold at the show.
Festival insurance will cover up to $2,500 per piece while on exhibition - any additional insurance must be covered by the individual artist. 
Artwork will be handled by trained art docents while in AAF possession.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria