Discover why artists love our “High quality Buyers” with “great buying energy”
October 9-10, 2021
Apply to Participate
$50 application fee.
The Festival attracts high income attendees come from the Washington, DC Metro Area, and the surrounding suburbs of Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Upper Northwest. The three mile radius around the Festival has an average household income of $196,910, making it one of the nation’s most affluent and educated art marketplaces.
The event is promoted through a targeted and integrated marketing plan, which includes a comprehensive social media and internet campaign, magazine and newspaper advertising, postcards and posters, and radio promotion. Our public relation firm works with the local chamber of commerce and urban district to engage the community, and reach out to new audiences.
Engaging, answering questions and sharing my unique work with many show attendees.
Great interaction with knowledgeable buyers.
Quality, high-end buyers.
Great buying energy this year!
The incredible amount of buyers.
Enjoyed the engaging crowd. And the great weather.
Speaking with lots of engaged customers about my art.
How the abundant attendees loved my product and didn’t flinch at price points!
Please apply under one (or more) of the 16 Artistic Disciplines. Roll over each icon for more information.
Ceramics
CeramicsOriginal clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
Digital Art
Digital ArtIncludes any original work in which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using the computer. Work must be in editions, signed and numbered, on archival papers, inks and emulsions.
Drawing
DrawingWork created using dry medium including pencil, chalk, pastel or charcoal, etc. or from fluid mediums like inks and washes applied by pen or brush. A minimum of 75% of work for sale (hanging and in bins) must be originals. Hand-colored reproductions are not considered originals. All work must be clearly labeled as original or reproduction.
Decorative Fiber
Decorative FiberAny work created from fiber, including leather and basketry. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass productions allowed.
Wearable Fiber
Wearable FiberAny work created from fiber, including leather. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass productions allowed
Glass
GlassGlasswork that has been handcrafted by glass blowing, molding, casting or kiln-forming. No alterations of pre-fabricated glass objects.
Graphics
GraphicsOriginal works created using traditional printmaking methods including block, lithograph, serigraph, etc.
Jewelry
JewelryAll jewelry must be entered into this category. NO STRUNG PEARLS OR BEADS. You may only display jewelry if you have been accepted in this category.
Metal
MetalIncludes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Mixed Media
Mixed MediaTwo-dimensional work that incorporated more than one type of physical material in their production.
Mixed Media 3D
Mixed Media 3DThree-dimensional work that incorporates more than one type of physical material in their production.
Oil/Acrylic
Oil/AcrylicTwo-dimensional work created in oils / acrylics. A minimum of 75% of work for sale (hanging and in bins) must be originals. Hand-colored reproductions are not considered originals. All work must be clearly labeled as original or reproduction.
Photo
PhotoPrints created from the artist's original negative processed by the artist. Prints must be framed to hang on the walls. If prints are in a bin, they must be matted and signed.
Sculpture
SculptureThree-dimensional work created in any medium.
Watercolor
WatercolorCreation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other image on a flat surface with watercolors. A minimum of 75% of work for sale (hanging and in bins) must be originals. Hand-colored reproductions are not considered originals. All work must be clearly labeled as original or reproduction.
Wood
WoodOriginal works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.PLEASE READ ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT AND COVID-19 PLANS
The 2021 Bethesda Arts Festival offers a lot of promise. October 9-10 should coincide with a broad and enthusiastic “re-opening”, and we expect demand for our outdoor Festival — and your art work — to be at all-time high. We are working with local governments and health departments to create a safe environment while also preserving the aesthetic, energy and ambiance of the Festival.
Operational decisions will be made in the months leading up to the Festival. We ask for your patience, trust and partnership, which we hope we have earned over the years, as we make decisions in the best interest of all.
In the unlikely event that the Festival has to be cancelled, we assure you that:
- Prior jury selection (on or before July 15, 2021), all applications fees paid will be refunded
- After jury selection (after July 15, 2021), booth fees and tent rental fees paid will be refunded
Discover the 2019 Artists
Please apply under one (or more) of the 16 Artistic Disciplines. Roll over each icon for more information.
All
Ceramics
Digital Art
Drawing
Decorative Fiber
Wearable Fiber
Glass
Graphics
Jewelry
Metal
Mixed Media
Mixed Media 3D
Oil/Acrylic
Photo
Sculpture
Watercolor
Wood
New for 2019
You gotta start somewhere! We know that collecting art can be daunting — so many styles and disciplines, in every price point. Introducing “stARTer gallery” — a separate cluster of tents located on Bethesda Lane, featuring local and emerging artists showcasing their works to first-time and novice art collectors. To assist with the process, student art curators are on-hand to ensure your connections with the artists are personal and meaningful.
Volunteer as an Art Ambassador
New for 2019
We invite you to participate with us as an Art Ambassador — volunteers who assist with patron services, relieving artists, and creating a fun and hospitable environment for all to enjoy! The only skill needed is a big smile and the willingness to help out.
DOWNLOAD THE
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
The official festival program will be inserted into the Sunday, October 6 Washington Post, and is available at stores throughout Bethesda Row — and, of course, will be available on-site from our Art Ambassadors. Click on the image above to download a PDF version today, and start planning your visit!
How To
Get
Here
LOCATED IN ThE hEART OF BEThESDA,
GETTING hERE IS EASY.
METRO
The show is two blocks from the Bethesda Metro Station (Red Line). At the top of the escalator, turn left through the bus terminal to Woodmont Avenue. Turn left on Woodmont and walk into the festival.
DRIVING
The public garage in the middle of the festival is accessible from Bethesda Avenue via Arlington Road, and other lots near the event are also open. Please do not park in private lots, or the lots of other businesses.
BIKING
The Capital Crescent Trail crosses the show at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue. There is plenty of bike parking throughout the show. Please do not block sidewalks or walkways.
Event Partners
Partnership opportunities are still available for the Bethesda Row Arts Festival! Give your organization an opportunity to connect with the surrounding community!
Each October, more than 35.000 people gather to witness Bethesda Row’s transformation into an outdoor art gallery featuring 190 of the finest artists. Come take part and support the local community!
Marketing for Bethesda Row Arts Festival will be comprehensive, and includes internet, magazine, newspaper, postcards, posters, street banners, television, transit, and radio. Marketing is targeted to individuals with high disposable income and interest in fine arts. Upon sponsorship confirmation, your organization will be featured on the Bethesda Row Arts Festival website and on all festival promotional material.