YOU ARE INVITED
TO APPLY TO THE 22ND ANNUAL BETHESDA ROW ARTS FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 12–13, 2019
NEW FOR 2019
YOUNG COLLECTOR'S CORNER
Working with local galleries and arts organizations, a separatecluster of emerging artists will showcase their works to first-time and novice art collectors. Focusing on local artists, this tented area will connect two of the fair’s main streets, creating a single loop around the block for all attendees.
VIP EXPERIENCE
Guided by a knowledgable art consultant, patrons may reserve a personalized tour of the event, including electric cart service, refreshments, and one-on-one time with pre- selected artists.
ART AMBASSADORS
Over two dozen volunteers will line the streets to guide patrons through the event, passing out a daily newsletter, maps, offers at local restaurants, and providing way finding services.
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE
$50 application fee
Apply online through May 31, 2019
The festival takes place on the streets of Bethesda Row, located in Bethesda, Maryland (Woodmont, Ave., Bethesda Ave., and Elm St.). Streets are closed to traffic during the Festival. Set-up begins early-morning, Saturday, October 13th.
The Festival attracts 45,000 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.
ARTISTIC CATEGORIES
CERAMICS
Original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
DIGITAL ART
Includes 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 & PASTELS
Work 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
FIBER - DECORATIVE
Any work created from fiber, including leather and basketry. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass productions allowed.
FIBER - WEARABLE
Any work created from fiber, including leather. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass productions allowed.
GLASS
Glasswork that has been handcrafted by glass blowing, molding, casting or kiln-forming. No alterations of pre-fabricated glass objects.
GRAPHICS / PRINTMAKING
Original works created using traditional printmaking methods including block, lithograph, serigraph, etc.
JEWELRY
All 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.
METALWORK
Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
MIXED MEDIA 2D
Two-dimensional work that incorporated more than one type of physical material in their production.
MIXED MEDIA 3D
Three-dimensional work that incorporates more than one type of physical material in their production.
OIL / ACRYLIC
Two-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.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Prints 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
Three-dimensional work created in any medium.
WATERCOLOR
Creation 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
Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.
MEET THE JURORS
Our jury has the honor to evaluate each and every artist application to determine our final roster of participating artists. Each brings a unique point of view from the arts world, and years of knowledge and experience. During the festival, they visit each booth to determine the 16 category winners, and to award the coveted Best of Show certificate.
Hilary-Morgan Watt is the Digital Engagement Manager for the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. With thirteen years of experience in museums and galleries, she has enjoyed the range of working in communications, exhibition development, collections, and visitor services. Ms. Watt has led digital strategy workshops across the Smithsonian, taught at The George Washington University, and lectured at the State Department and Georgetown University. A transplant from the Pacific Northwest, she completed her B.F.A. from Southern Oregon University, with an emphasis in oil painting and ceramic sculpture, and completed her Masters in Museum Studies from the George Washington University.
Tim Tate is a Washington, DC native, and has been working with glass as a sculptural medium for the past 25 years. Co-Founder of the Washington Glass School, Tim’s work is in the permanent collections of a number of museums, including the Smithsonian's American Art Museum and the Mint Museum. He was the subject of several articles in American Style, American Craft, and Sculpture magazines, as well as the Washington Post and Times newspaper reviews. He was also the 2010 winner of the Virginia Groot Foundation award for sculpture, second place in the 2017 London Contemporary Art Prize, and is a 2018 James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist…among many other awards.
Michele Manatt was elected president of the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) in October 2018. The JRA is a leading organization fostering education, connoisseurship and public appreciation of American Craft art. The JRA conducts artist workshops, recognizes artistic excellence with awards, and provides financial support to museums and non-profit institutions including the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Ms. Manatt is a member of the SAAM Director’s Circle along with her husband. They are donors to National Portrait Gallery and the James Smithson Society as well. They are collectors of contemporary American Craft and Latin American Art. They lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 2003-2005.
BECOME AN EVENT PARTNER
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 30,000 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 include: 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.
