Cool Art Holiday Show 2026

Overview

The first annual Cool Art For The Holidays is an indoor, climate-controlled booth show held at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum. Brought to you by PAVA, the organization that has hosted the Cool Art Show each July since 1987. The show is juried by art professionals from museums, universities, galleries, and other art-related establishments. 67 booths are available.

Show Dates & Times

• Friday, December 3rd, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Artist load-in and setup
• Saturday and Sunday, December 4–5, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Setup and preparation
• Saturday, December 4th: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, December 5th: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Key Deadlines

• Deadline to apply: Sunday, October 18th
• All notifications: Monday, November 2nd
• Deadline to accept and pay: Sunday, November 15th
• Booth assignments posted on ZAPP: Friday, November 27th

Application & Fees

• Application fee: $40 per application (non-refundable)
• To apply in more than one category, submit a separate application and fee
• Payment by credit/debit card or PayPal only; no checks

Wait List Policy

Qualified professional artists not included in initial invitations will be placed on a wait list. Wait list invitations may be offered at any time between November 2nd and November 29th. Wait list invitees will receive an invitation through ZAPP with a 5-day-or-less deadline to accept and pay.

Accepted Media

• Painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor)
• Pastels
• Drawing (pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, pen & ink, pigments)
• Mixed Media (2D or 3D)
• Photography (film or digital)
• Digital Art (computer images generated from the artist's own source material)
• Printmaking by the artist's own hand
• Metal (sculptures or other 3-D objects, wall pieces, designed and smithed by the artist)
• Sculptures (natural substrates, metal, paper, wood, resin)
• Paper / Papier Mache
• Mosaics
• Clay / ceramics (handmade, kiln fired or low temperature alternatives)
• Glass (handmade, blown or kiln fired)
• Fiber (handmade / hand dyed fabrics and weavings; no embellishment, commercial items, or home craft needlework)
• Jewelry (fine metals and gems, casual metal or beadwork; all components handmade)

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be original fine art/fine craft created by the artist's own hands or under direct supervision. Up to 20% of wall exhibits may be professional quality reproductions (2 reproductions per 10 pieces; none if hanging fewer than 10 pieces). All reproductions must be labeled with at least a 3-inch-square sign stating "REPRODUCTION" in letters at least 1/4 inch high.

Venue Details

• Indoor, climate-controlled venue; no tents required (unless integral to display structure)
• Polished wood floor; protect as needed
• Free on-site parking for artists and visitors; trailers/vans may be left overnight in designated areas
• Uniformed security on-site Saturday and Sunday mornings, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Pets not permitted; service animals (dogs and miniature horses only) allowed per Florida statute
• No smoking, vaping, open flames, painting, or art activities during the show
• Beer and wine available for purchase at concessions

Artist Amenities

• Free artist oasis: Friday water and snacks; Saturday–Sunday breakfast, snacks, and beverages in the PAVA Office (left of the stage)
• Interactive Arts Area for children and adults
• Dedicated patron base: 2,500+