The Harding Art Show 2027

Overview

Since 1975, The Harding Art Show has grown into one of the largest and most successful fine art exhibitions in the Southeastern U.S. The 52nd Annual Harding Art Show will feature approximately 90 artists and welcome around 5,000 guests including art collectors, interior designers, and enthusiasts from the Greater Nashville community. Proceeds benefit Harding Academy's student programs, facilities, and arts education. The show will be held in person with an option for artists to offer limited online exclusives.

Key Dates

• Application Open: September 8, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
• Artist Notification: December 14, 2026
• Artist Invitation Acceptance Deadline: January 8, 2027
• Booth Purchase Deadline: January 8, 2027
• Show Dates: Thursday–Saturday, April 29–May 1, 2027
• Artist Payment Issued: approximately May 21, 2027

Show Schedule

• Artist Arrival & Set Up: Wednesday, April 28 (evening times TBA) OR Thursday, April 29 from 8:30 AM–11 AM
• Artist Dinner and Welcome: Thursday, April 29 at 4:30 PM
• Opening Night Party (21 & up): Thursday, April 29 from 5:30 PM–9 PM
• Daytime Shopping Hours: Friday, April 30 from 12 PM–6 PM
• Show and Cocktail Reception (21 & up): Friday, April 30 from 6 PM–9 PM
• Family Day: Saturday, May 1 from 10 AM–4 PM
• Takedown and Artist Departure: Saturday, May 1 from 4 PM–6 PM

Fees

• Application Fee: $50
• Indoor Booth Fee: $150
• Outdoor Booth Fee: $100

Media & Artist Selection

Approximately 90 artists will be invited to participate. The majority of artists are painters using oils, acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media. Openings are also available in ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, metals, photography, sculpture, and woodwork. Artists are chosen by a designated selection committee whose members have backgrounds including artists, designers, and supporters.

Application Requirements

Artist applications must be accompanied by a short artist bio (no more than 5 sentences) and eight digital images of artwork to be used on website and social media. Images must be current and represent the quality, average price points, consistency, and style of work the artist intends to exhibit. Respective prices for each image submitted must be included. Images must be high resolution.

Artist Amenities

Catered meals, beverages, and snacks are provided each day on a complimentary basis. A robust group of volunteers is available throughout the show to help troubleshoot issues. Each artist is assigned an artist liaison. For indoor booths, Harding provides white pegboards, hanging hardware, a power strip, and electricity; artists are responsible for lighting and additional staging. Outdoor exhibitors are responsible for providing their own booth/tent. Artists should bring 25–35 works (more for jewelers and ceramicists). Private security is provided 24 hours per day, with locked and video-monitored storage available for overflow inventory.

Payment

Within three weeks of the show, each artist receives a direct deposit of 70% of gross sales. A detailed report listing all items sold will be provided. No checks will be cut; all monies are via direct deposit. Accepted artists must provide EFT information one month prior to the show.

Marketing

This is a heavily advertised event with an extensive print and digital mailing list, thousands of social media followers, and partnerships with local publications and interior designers. The show generates exceptional visibility and direct engagement with attendees.