ArtsFest Stuart 2027

Overview

ArtsFest showcases fine artists from across the country in a juried art show. As a community-focused arts organization, MartinArts celebrates diverse cultural offerings and offers free activities for all attendees. ArtsFest serves as a significant revenue stream supporting the entire arts and cultural community.

Festival Dates & Location

• Saturday, February 20, 2027, 10AM–5PM
• Sunday, February 21, 2027, 10AM–5PM
• Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994

Key Deadlines

• October 4, 2026, 11:59PM CST: Application deadline (late applications may be accepted at director's discretion)
• October 6–20, 2026: Jury review
• November 2, 2026: Invitation, waitlist, or rejection status sent via email
• December 1, 2026: Booth fees due in full (late fee may apply after this date)
• January 8, 2027: Artist Certificate of Insurance due

Eligibility & Awards

Open to fine artists from across the country. Cash awards are given for outstanding artists in categories represented by 5 or more booths, including Best of Show and Best of Category awards. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Wearables, and Wood. Artists who received an award in 2026 in the same media category are exempt from jury selection but must still apply.

Media & Categories

• Ceramics: Functional or decorative earthenware, porcelain, or tile (no mass-produced work)
• Drawing: Two-dimensional monochromatic or polychromatic original artworks in dry media
• Fiber: Non-wearable work including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, leatherwork, papermaking (no machine-made patterns)
• Glass: Functional or decorative glass crafted by blowing, molding, or casting (no mass production)
• Jewelry: Created by the artist from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, or other materials (commercially produced findings acceptable; finished pieces must be unique and mostly hand-created)
• Mixed Media 2D & 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Wearables, Wood: See full prospectus for definitions

Jury Process

ArtsFest uses a blind jury in which jurors do not know artist names or identifying information. The diverse jury panel includes festival artists, gallery owners, museum curators, and art instructors. Jurors review submitted images and artist statements. All artists must disclose their creative and printing processes in the artist statement; focus on process rather than inspiration. The booth image should display your fully set-up booth with artwork clearly presented and no artist name or individuals visible. Local Emerging Artists may alternatively submit a photo of another artwork or booth setup from a different event. The jury's decision is final based on submitted images. A waitlist by category is established based on jury scores.

Artist Amenities

• Dedicated booth sitters and hospitality team during festival hours
• Friday setup with short-term vehicle unloading at booth space
• Coordinated load-out Sunday following festival conclusion
• Professional overnight security Friday and Saturday
• Artists' images and website links posted on MartinArts website and social media

Accessibility

ArtsFest Stuart is accessible to all artists, including those with disabilities. Booths have no physical barriers to entry, special accommodation parking is available on a solid surface nearby, and accessible bathrooms with on-site artist support volunteers are provided. Indicate any specific accommodation needed in your ZAPP application.

Contact

For questions about media categories or award eligibility, call Jennifer at 772-287-6676 x2 or email [email protected]. Visit www.martinarts.org for information on MartinArts programs.