Quick Application Links
Artist Application Performer Application Organization Application Food Vendor Application Activity Vendor Application
ARTSFEST INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS
ABOUT ARTSFEST | Established in 1993, Artsfest is an annual juried arts festival held at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center located in Solomons, Maryland: about an hour from the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Recognized as one of the top outdoor arts festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region, Artsfest brings together some of the country’s most accomplished artists for a weekend of outstanding shopping, exceptional entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Artsfest features more than 40 bands and entertainment acts performing on four stages, and many family activities and programs under the Discovery Tent and in the Zany Zone. The beauty of Annmarie Garden is the perfect backdrop for this annual celebration of the arts.
HISTORY & INTERACTIVE NATURE | Annmarie Garden was named for Ann Marie Koenig, wife of Francis Koenig, who donated the property to the citizens of Calvert County. Although Ann Marie and Francis are no longer living, we are honored to hold Artsfest every year on Ann Marie’s birthday. In 2026, we will celebrate the 34th annual Artsfest and Ann Marie’s 119th birthday! As a tribute to our patroness, we honor the original goal of Artsfest: to share the creative process with visitors. Artsfest artists are encouraged (but not required) to demonstrate their craft during the event.
A LOVELY VENUE FOR A FESTIVAL | Annmarie Garden is a 50-acre park that consists of several distinct areas: the award-winning Murray Arts Building, the paved circular parking area known as the Tent Circle, the serene and shady Wooded Path, the grassy Meadow, the Loblolly Grove, the Council Ring, and the Creekside Overlook. During Artsfest, artists, music, and activities are located around the entire garden, with artist booths concentrated in the Arts Building, Tent Circle, and along the Wooded Path. Visitors regularly comment on how much they enjoy our festival under the glorious canopy of trees and amidst the sculpture.
ABOUT ANNMARIE SCULPTURE GARDEN & ARTS CENTER | An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Annmarie is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a walking path that meanders through the forest, past permanent and loaned sculpture, including more than forty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. The award-winning Murray Arts Building is a 15,000 sq.ft. museum-grade exhibition space that includes two large galleries, a gift shop, the artLAB, and a sunny patio offering lovely views of the outdoor sculpture.
A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE | Everyone at Annmarie is committed to connecting people to art and nature through a wide variety of engaging events, programs, exhibits, and special events. During Artsfest, we welcome artists and guests from all walks of life and backgrounds. Please assist us in creating a warm, welcoming environment for everyone!
ABOUT SOLOMONS | Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in the Solomons community. Just over an hour drive from the Washington, DC-Baltimore metro area, Solomons is a popular destination for tourists, boaters, and regional residents. With spectacular views, interesting shops, a marine museum, and incredible restaurants, Solomons is a delightful place to spend a day or weekend. Our unique setting and engaging array of programs and exhibits make Annmarie an important element of any visit to the Southern Maryland area.
A JURIED EVENT | Chaired by the Curator of Programs of Annmarie Garden, the Artsfest Jury is a 1-3 member committee made up of fellow artists, art and museum professionals and supporters, Annmarie staff, and art instructors. A non-refundable application fee of $25.00, along with an artist statement and images of your work, must be submitted with your application. A select group of approximately 160-190 artists will be chosen for participation. Please note that the Director or Curator reserves the right to change any booth location at any time as necessary, even after notification of space assignment has been given. Interested artists must submit an application by March 31.
WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU
- Each artist will receive digital Artsfest postcards for publicity purposes
- Coffee coupons for Saturday and Sunday: one per day per artist
- Transportation of purchases: when it is feasible and prudent, volunteers are available to help transport large purchases made by Artsfest guests
- An extensive marketing campaign to promote Artsfest
- A Festival Program featuring every artist’s name, booth space, and medium, as well as a map and performance schedule for the festival.
- Online guide
- Booth sitters (as available) for a 10-15 minute stretch for artists who are alone
- Staff and volunteers who will do their best to provide an enjoyable, organized, and well-attended event
PUBLICITY | Artsfest is publicized through Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google, Baynet, SoMD News, and Chesapeake Inspired, reaching audiences throughout the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, Northern Virginia, Southern and Central Maryland, Annapolis, and surrounding regions. Artsfest is supported by strategic digital placements and regional awareness efforts designed to reach both local and destination visitors.
ARTIST AWARDS
The following awards (including a cash prize) will be presented at Artsfest; award amounts are contingent upon sponsorship:
Best of Show Award: Visual Artist
Artsfest Spirit Award: Visual Artist
Best Demonstration Award: Visual Artist
Best New Artsfest Artist Award: Visual Artist
Best Performing Artist Award: Performer
A GIFT FOR OUR BELOVED VOLUNTEERS
Did you know that it takes more than 150 volunteers to help prepare and present Artsfest? Volunteers help with parking, admissions, children’s activities, trash, clean up, and more! Please consider donating a small gift from your booth to give to the volunteers who work during Artsfest. You can drop a gift off at the Annmarie office anytime during Artsfest (please leave your business card with the gift). You will receive an acknowledgement letter (for tax purposes).
GRATITUDE
Artsfest is one of the most important fundraising activities for the non-profit organization that supports Annmarie Garden, Ann’s Circle, Inc. Proceeds from this event fund classes, programs, exhibits, garden maintenance, and our general operating budget. We cannot express enough our gratitude to all of you. We know that it takes a great deal of energy and time to prepare for and participate in this festival; we are deeply grateful that you are willing to participate in this event, and through your efforts, to support Annmarie Garden.
**BOOTH FEE STRUCTURE **
APPLICATION FEE
$25 application fee, non-refundable; payable when you apply.
Application deadline is March 31.
BOOTH FEE STRUCTURE
After you have been accepted, booth fees are due June 1. If you cancel before July 1, you are eligible for a booth fee refund, minus a $75 cancellation fee. If you cancel after July 1, there are no booth fee refunds.
MURRAY ARTS BUILDING BOOTH FEES
- Indoor Regular | $375
- Indoor Premium | $425
ARTS BUILDING INFO & LAYOUT
TENT CIRCLE BOOTH FEES
- Tent Circle Regular | $300
- Tent Circle Corner | $400
- Tent Circle Premium Corner | $500
TENT CIRCLE INFO & LAYOUT
Wooded Path Booth Fees
- Wooded Path Economy | $175
- Wooded Path Regular | $225
- Wooded Path Premium | $275
WOODED PATH INFO & LAYOUT
RENTAL FEES
- All rental fees must be paid by June 1
- You will pay your rental fees once you have been accepted into Artsfest.
- Rental fees are non-refundable unless you cancel your participation in Artsfsest prior to July 1. Should you cancel before July 1, a $75 cancelation fee will be deducted from your total booth and rental fee amount.
- Electricity: $50 (please note that electricity availability may affect your booth placement)
- Tables: $15 each
- Returned check fee: $25
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT RENT CHAIRS: ALL artists must bring their own chairs!
FESTIVAL RULES
Annmarie Sculpture Garden is committed to presenting the finest of artists and craftspeople. Selections are chosen based on several criteria: quality, craftsmanship, creativity, uniqueness, booth display, and style of execution. To this end, the festival rules have been established to ensure the highest quality festival experience for the artists and visitors. By applying, you agree to abide by the rules, policies, and decisions of the Artsfest Jury.
Artists must exhibit and be present during the complete show, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm, both days. Failure to follow this rule makes the artist ineligible for prizes and admission to future shows. Artists who depart or break down before closing on Saturday will not be permitted to return the following day.
Exhibitors are encouraged to set a broad price range for their works. Be a savvy business person! Remember that people come to festivals looking for affordable gifts for their friends, as well as beautiful works of art for themselves and their home.
The bulk of work exhibited must be original and signed by the artist. See next section for details on commercial reproductions. Artist shall exhibit only works typified by their slides. Only the works of the accepted artists may be sold or displayed at Artsfest.
Photographs must be printed by the exhibiting photographer. If you produce work in editions, you must disclose edition numbers to the festival audience and include this information in your slide description.
Molded ceramics must be made by the artist with artist-designed molds.
Kits, stencils, stamps, and patterns are unacceptable.
Award winners from the previous year are invited to return and are not required to pay the application fee, but must complete the online application form and will be required to pay their booth fees.
Artists may not share space with another artist, unless that artist is juried into the show as well. Non-juried artists will be asked to leave the show immediately. Artists who wish to share a booth must submit their application materials together and clearly indicate their wish to share a booth.
For those applicants who participate in our Maker’s Market program, please note the following: we work very hard to maintain the uniqueness of Artsfest, and to clearly differentiate between Artsfest and the Market program. If you participate in numerous Markets in may impact if you are accepted into Artsfest.
COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTIONS
Annmarie Sculpture Garden and the Artsfest jury acknowledge that not everyone is able to purchase original artwork due to the prices these pieces command. In an effort to keep the art accessible to everyone, Artsfest does allow the sale of commercial reproductions. However, it is important that all customers are aware of what they are purchasing, and it is for this reason Artsfest has adopted the following policy for the sale of commercial reproductions:
All reproductions must be clearly labeled as such. Other terms such as “print,” “giclee,” “offset lithograph,” etc. are PROHIBITED. Labels must say “Reproduction.”
It is suggested that reproductions be kept in a browsing bin that is clearly labeled “Reproductions.”
Reproductions must be signed in editions of no more than 300.
Reproductions should only be a supplementary part of the artist’s display and should not exceed more than 50% of the artist’s displayed body of work.
As a general guideline, reproductions should be sold for 30%-50% of the price of the original. Size of artwork, number of prints in the edition, and number of editions should also be taken into account when pricing reproductions.
Artists displaying work not consistent with these requirements will be asked to remove disputed work. Annmarie Sculpture Garden reserves the right to close any booth that is not in compliance with the written policies.
Penalties for failure to abide by these rules include immediate removal of artwork in violation of these rules, ejection from this year’s festival, and possible suspension from exhibiting in future festivals.
PROCESSING PAYMENTS & SALES TAX INFO
When processing credit card payments from guests, artists are to conduct all business in the presence of the guest. Do not take their credit card behind your booth or out of their sight to process. If you have to write down their credit card number, you must inform them and secure their permission in advance. Ask for their phone number in case there is a problem. You must secure their card information in a safe manner and black out the number as soon as you have processed the payment.
There is WiFi in the Arts Building, but WiFi is spotty in other areas of the garden. If you have Comcast/Xfinity, bring your login and password information with you, as you may be able to catch one of the Comcast/Xfinity Hotspots.
We discourage artists from accepting personal checks as payment. If you decide to accept a check, we strongly encourage you to record the guest’s driver’s license number and their phone number.
There is an ATM in the Arts Building.
Each artist is responsible for collecting Maryland state sales tax and must adhere to all sales tax laws of the State of Maryland. Questions should be directed to the Office of Comptroller, Annapolis, Maryland (410) 767-1540.
SET-UP INFORMATION & FEES
Murray Arts Building (indoors): MURRAY ARTS BUILDING BOOTH INFO & LAYOUT
Regular Booths are 10’ x 10’, with option to reserve a corner or premium booth. WiFi included. Artists are responsible for their own set-up and teardown. Intended as the premier exhibition space at Artsfest, the jury will be looking for exceptional artists with beautiful displays. Displays are to be professional and high-quality. Electricity is included in fee, but you MUST bring your own extension cords. Table rental fee is $15 each. Artist MUST provide their own chairs and their own carts. We strongly encourage you to bring your own lighting; we will do our best to direct the gallery lights onto the booth area, but if lighting is important to you, please plan ahead and bring your own! SPECIAL NOTE: Due to limited vehicle access, the bulk of booth set up for indoor section must be done on Thursday and Friday. Please do not set up a tent inside the Arts Building. Artists are also encouraged to tear down indoor booth on the Monday after Artsfest. Bring your own chairs and a cart. No pets. No smoking, no vaping.
Tent Circle Booth Info: TENT CIRCLE BOOTH INFO & LAYOUT
Regular Booths are 10’ x 10’ on asphalt, with option to reserve a regular booth, corner booth, or a premium corner booth. WiFi included. Artists are responsible for their own set-up and takedown. We are sorry, but you should come prepared to do all your own set up, we cannot guarantee that staff or volunteers will be available to help you. You must supply your own tent. NO spikes or stakes can be used to set up your tent or booth display. YOU MUST USE some kind of non-invasive weight system. DO NOT TIE your display apparatus to trees, shrubs, or signs. You can drive your car to the booth for unloading and loading, but your car cannot remain parked at the booth. The fee for use of 110 volt electricity is $50.00; artist must bring their own outdoor (3 prong) extension cords. We strongly suggest that you bring a VERY long cord as your outlet may not be nearby. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will we provide an artist with an extension cord. Tables can be rented at $15 each. Artists must bring their own chairs and their own carts. No generators. NO generators. NO pets. No smoking, no vaping.
Wooded Path Booth Info: WOODED PATH BOOTH INFO & LAYOUT
Set along our beautiful sculpture walk, under a shady canopy of trees, each booth space varies slightly in size and shape. Please note that WiFi is not reliable due to tree canopy, come ready to use cell service to process credit cards. All Regular and Premium booths are guaranteed to accommodate a 10’x10′ tent. Many artists choose to use a canopy that can adjust to adjacent trees. Cars cannot be driven directly to the booth; our volunteers and staff will do their best to help shuttle your supplies, but each artist should bring a cart and be ready to transport their own supplies. Artists are responsible for their own set-up and takedown. We are sorry, but you should come prepared to do all your own set up, we cannot guarantee that staff or volunteers will be available to help you. Electricity is $50. Tables can be rented at $15 each. Artists must provide their own chairs. BRING A CART. No generators. No pets. No smoking, no vaping.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SALES
After years of observing artists and guests at Artsfest, we have some suggestions about how to have a successful weekend at Annmarie:
- Don’t hide in your booth. Stand somewhere visible in your booth and greet guests as they walk by. Be friendly!
- Create a welcoming atmosphere in your booth. Guests like attractive displays and will venture in if something looks inviting. Guests like to talk to the artists, so invite them in and share your creativity and excitement!
- Stock your booth! Booths that look empty are just not very fun or inviting.
- Bring a sign with your name and website clearly displayed! Make sure the name of your business is visible – have a sign with your name – and have business cards! You may not make a sale today, but someone may call you up after the event.
- Watch out for trip hazards in your booth. Check for anything that may trip someone up, or catch on their clothes or bags.
- Try to have a nice range of price points. Lots of people come to Artsfest ready to spend money, but others might just want a small gift. Be prepared for all types.
- Make sure your prices are visible. Most people hate having to ask, “How much is that?” With more than 160 booths and so much to see and do at Artsfest, having to ask all the time is a turn-off and may cause some people to just walk on by.
- Try not to put everything in the case. We realize some things have to be in the case, but consider keeping less expensive items out where guests can pick them up and examine them.
- Secure your tent, art, and supplies at night, and dispose of trash in the giant dumpster by the Handicap Entrance. We are in the middle of a garden, so little critters may venture out looking for food. Don’t leave unsecured food in your tent!
- Reports of theft are few and far between, but keep a friendly eye on things. The more you engage with visitors, the less you need to worry about theft. Look people in the eye, shake their hand, and talk to people – friendly diligence is key!
- Please note that Ann’s Circle cannot be responsible for any theft, damage, or breakage to your booth, merchandise, or vehicles.
- Please treat a guest’s credit card as if it were your own. The less you handle the card, the better. Do not take their credit card out of their sight. Don’t write their credit card number down without their permission, and if you have to write it down, black the number out as soon as you are done with it. Guard their credit card carefully!
- If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know!
NRTSFEST IS A SMOKE-FREE EVENT
Artsfest is a smoke-free, vape-free event, but we will provide a designated smoking/vaping area. Under no circumstances are artists allowed to smoke or vape in or around their booth.
NO PETS
Pets are NOT permitted during Artsfest.
NO BALLONS, NO LATEX, NO MYLAR
NO GENERATORS
RV PARKING
RV Parking at Artsfest is EXTREMELY LIMITED. You cannot make RV reservations until you have been accepted for Artsfest. You MUST make a reservation and pay in advance to park an RV in our parking field. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and payment must be made in advance. No exceptions, no refunds. The RV Fee is $75/day; no partial payments.
YOUR CAR
Our rules about cars and parking are not without reason and have been developed over the years as a result of trial and error. The main goal of our policy is to ensure the safety of ALL artists and ALL visitors. During set-up times, artists may park their cars in approved locations to unpack/pack. Once you have unpacked your car, you must immediately move it over to the parking field. This frees up room for another artist to unpack/pack. ALL CARS must be removed from the Garden by 9:30 am on Sat and Sun. NO EXCEPTIONS. At the end of each day, there is a 30-minute period from about 5:00-5:30 pm when we must politely get all the visitors out of the 50-acre property: no cars are allowed in the Garden during this time. You must wait. We value the physical safety of you and our visitors.
OUR FAMOUS SUNDAY TEARDOWN PROCEDURE
We have a system that has been developed over the years. It is very effective, but it does take some time, so PLEASE BRING your SENSE OF HUMOR and your PATIENCE with you when you come to Artsfest. Please be kind to your colleagues, the Dowell Road residents, the staff, the Boy Scouts, the ROTC kids that work the parking lot, and our wonderful volunteers!
For Artsfest teardown, we use the A – B entry system. The As come in first, and then about 30 minutes later, the Bs come in. This helps with traffic congestion. If you are a B, we suggest you use the time to organize and pack. We place staff members with walkie-talkies at all congestion points to help control traffic. Please obey their directions and hand signals and help us make Artsfest a safe event for everyone! Remember, bring your patience and sense of humor with you when you come to Artsfest! It will make the whole experience much more enjoyable for everyone. If you are rude, you will get a C.
We love Artsfest and want you to love it too! If you have a question, suggestion, or concern, please contact a staff member:
Helen Lindsey
Artist Coordinator
[email protected]
Jaimie Jeffrey
Curator of Education / Deputy Director
[email protected]
IMPORTANT DATES for ARTSFEST:
March 31
Deadline to apply for ARTISTS
April 30
Notification of Jury decision for ARTISTS
May 1
Deadline to apply to McMullin Program
Deadline to apply for PERFORMERS
Deadline to apply for an ACTIVITY BOOTH
Deadline to apply for FOOD VENDORS
Deadline to apply for CULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL Organizations
May 15
Notification of acceptance decision for PERFORMERS, FOOD VENDORS, ACTIVITY BOOTHS, and CULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL Organizations
June 1
ARTIST booth reservation & rental fees due
July 1
ARTIST cancellation deadline; cancellation fee $75
Mid-August
Artsfest set-up information emailed to EVERYONE!
Thurs, Sept 17
Noon-4:00pm – Early Bird Set-Up for INDOOR ARTISTS & FOOD VENDORS
Fri, Sept 18
10:00am-5:00pm – Booth Set-Up (Indoor booth set-up complete)
Sat, Sept 19
– 7:00am-9:00am – Booth Set-Up
– 9:30am – ALL cars must be moved to Parking Field
– 10:00am-5:00pm – Artsfest Open to Public
– 10:00am-5:00pm – Jury will observe ARTISTS Demonstrating work
– 5:00-5:30pm – Public leaves site; no cars allowed in garden during this time
Sun, Sept 20
– 8:00-9:90am – Booth Re-stocking
– 9:30am – ALL cars must be moved to parking lot
– 10:00am-5:00pm – Artsfest Open to Public
– 12:00pm – ARTIST Awards Presentation
– 5:00-5:30pm – Public leaves site; booth teardown; no cars allowed in garden during this time
– 5:30pm – Group A cars enter
– 6:00pm – Group B cars enter
– Dusk – Sunday teardown ends
Mon, Sept 22
10:00am-2:00pm – Monday teardown for those who need extra time