18 Years of Dedication to the Arts in Saluda
Call for Artists
The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 18th annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 20, 2023 in historic downtown Main Street in Saluda.
Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art media is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metal work, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more. “Many of the artists who exhibit at the Saluda Arts Festival have been coming every year for 18 years,” said Lynn Casey, organizer of the event. “The event started in 2003 and was on a 2-year interruption during the pandemic which did not deter the popular festival in 2022 with over 90 artists,” said Lynn.
With a very affordable exhibit fee of $110 and a non-jury event, festival organizers expect artists to apply early since some types of work (i.e. jewelry) will be accepted on a limited basis. Early entries will be given first choice of booth location. Prior year participants will be sent a notification by the end of December.
Saluda Arts Festival Rules and Regulations
Application Deadline: Completed applications and exhibit fee must be received by March 1, 2023. You will get a reply via email that we have received your application. A notification of acceptance will also be emailed to you no later than April 1, 2023.
Entry Guidelines and Exhibit Fees: All work must be original and current. Please upload at least 4 (four) images along with your application. Early entries will be given first choice of booth location. Please pay the exhibit fee of $110 online when you submit your application. If your application is not accepted, your $110 will be refunded. Even if you have participated in past festivals, you are required to send images of your most recent work. Images may be used in promotional materials.
New Applicants: Please also upload an artist statement (i.e. bio, resume, inspiration, etc.) with your application.
Exhibit Descriptions: Booth size is 10 ft by 10 ft. in designated areas. Exhibitor is responsible for exhibit display, equipment, supplies, tables and signage in a professional manner. You must supply your own canopy in case of rain. All canopies must be weighted as it is often windy in May. Some exhibit areas are not level so plan accordingly. Tobacco and alcohol use are prohibited in the exhibit area.
Taxes: Any applicable sales tax or business permits are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Exhibit Fee: $110 should be paid online at the time you submit your application. A separate online payment form is available at the link below. If you cannot make an online payment, you may mail your payment and application to the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 601, Saluda, NC 28773. Make your check payable to the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc. Exhibit fees will be refunded if your work is not accepted.
Cancellations: An application is a commitment to show. No refunds are given unless work is not accepted as the Saluda Arts Festival is a rain or shine event.
Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability: The festival does not provide insurance coverage for artwork. The artist is solely responsible for the artwork and must insure it for all risks of loss. Artist’s failure to insure is artist’s loss. The festival is run by volunteers who assist with setting up and breaking down exhibits. The festival does not insure for negligence of volunteers. Artists must insure against loss caused by volunteers.
Set Up and Breakdown: Official hours of the show are 10 am to 4 pm. Set-up time begins at 7 am. Exhibitors will receive instructions two weeks prior to the show regarding booth number, set up and unloading, contact information of assigned volunteer and general information. Breakdown is not allowed until after the festival is over.
If you have any questions, please email saludancartsfestival@gmail.com.
Click on the following link to access and complete the application.
Applications can be found online at the URL
https://form.jotform.com/caseysaluda/2023-saluda-arts-festival-applicati
Click on the following link to make an online payment for fees. Please note that you do not have to have a PayPal account to make a payment by credit or debit card.
https://form.jotform.com/caseysaluda/2023-arts-festival-payment-form
Check back in April 2023 for details about participating artists, entertainment, live music, and more.