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2026 ArtWalk Application Guidelines

Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 

Time:12 PM to 5 PM

Rain date Sunday, December 13 

Location: Boylan Heights Neighborhood, 27603, Raleigh, North Carolina

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HOW TO APPLY?

Apply here

  • Application Deadline: Applications must be received by Monday, April 30, 2026

  • Application Fee: $12 (non-refundable), payable by credit card at the time of application submission

  • Participation Notification: Artists will be notified in June of their status

  • Participation Fee (if selected):

    • $80 for non-Boylan Heights artists

    • $50 for Boylan Heights residents​

 

WHAT IS ARTWALK?

ArtWalk is a juried art show where artists of all disciplines—pottery, jewelry, painting, photography, woodworking, textiles, mixed media, and more—showcase and sell their work from porches, lawns, and driveways throughout Boylan Heights. The event draws thousands of visitors and provides an opportunity for artists to connect directly with art lovers in a festive and welcoming setting.

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SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be reviewed and scored within their declared media category by a panel of jurors. The jury is composed of artists and Boylan Heights residents representing a wide range of professional art experience. Artists receiving the highest scores within each media category will be selected.

The jury changes each year to ensure fairness and maintain a diverse selection of artists. Spaces are limited, and while we wish we could accommodate everyone, not all applicants will be selected. Only artists who have been juried into the event may participate. Please do not invite artists who have not been selected.

Previous participation in the Artwalk does not guarantee acceptance for this year.

The Artwalk committee will maintain a waitlist for media categories that reach capacity. Waitlist placement is determined by jury score. Applicants placed on the waitlist will be notified and may be contacted through December 1st if a space becomes available.

 

Selection Criteria

  • Originality: Demonstrates a unique voice or approach; work must not be mass-produced.

  • Craftsmanship: Quality of materials and technical execution.

  •  Presentation: Professionalism of submitted images and booth setup.

  • Consistency: Cohesive body of work; style and quality are consistent across submitted images.

  • Fit for ArtWalk: Work aligns with the event’s character and standards.

  • Medium: Artists are juried only within their declared medium.

What Is Not Accepted:

  • Buy/sell or mass-produced items; commercially manufactured kits or patterns; work inconsistent with submitted images; work not created by the applicant.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Choose the most appropriate category for your work. 

  • If your art is suitable in multiple categories, you may submit another application for that category. The application fee is required for each category you apply for, but if selected, you will pay one participation fee.

  • Provide a short description (40 characters max) of your art. This will appear on ArtWalk maps and promotional materials.  Please make sure your description is clear and concise.

  • Submit 4 high-resolution images - see the photo general guidelines.

  • If you want to be placed next to another artist, do NOT select the shared space option. Instead, list their name in the 'Location Request' section of the application.

  • If you wish to share a booth, select "Yes" in the shared space section. Both artists must apply separately, pay the $12 application fee, and be accepted by the jury. If both are selected to share one booth, only one participation fee ($80 for non-Boylan Heights artists or $50 for residents) is required.

 

PHOTOS - GENERAL GUIDELINES 

Following these guidelines will help maximize your chances of participation. Applications that include images that are unclear, difficult to view, or do not meet these requirements may be disqualified.

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✔ Submit up to 4 digital high-resolution images (fewer are allowed, but no more than four).
✔ Images must be recent and representative of the type of work you will display at ArtWalk.
✔ Do not include your name, watermark, logo, or any identifying details — jurying is anonymous.
✔ Submit one artwork per image. Avoid group shots, collages, or multiple items in one frame. If submitting a booth image, it must clearly show your display and be free of clutter.
✔ Use a neutral or uncluttered background to showcase your work in the best light.

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🚫 Do NOT submit images that include:

  • People or any distracting background elements

  • Artwork displayed at other markets, art fairs, or in retail settings

  • Work that is not yours or that you do not plan to sell at ArtWalk

  • Blurry, low-resolution, or pixelated images 

 

PROMOTIONAL USE OF PHOTOS AND ARTIST LINKS

By submitting images, you grant ArtWalk permission to use them for marketing purposes, including promotion on our website and social media channels, unless you opt out by selecting the appropriate box in the application.

ArtWalk does not create individual artist or artwork pages on our website. If you would like us to link directly to your work, you must provide an active website or public social media account (Instagram or Facebook) in your application. If no link is provided, we are unable to feature or link to your work online beyond general event promotion.

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BOOTH PLACEMENT & EXHIBITOR GUIDELINES

  • Booth size: Approximately 10x10 feet.

  • Booth locations will be assigned by ArtWalk staff and may be on a porch, lawn, driveway, parking lot, or inside a studio throughout Boylan Heights. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, specific locations cannot be guaranteed.

  • Artists are responsible for bringing their own display materials, including tables, chairs, shelves, tablecloths, and signage. All display materials must fit within the assigned 10x10 space.

  • Electricity is not guaranteed—please plan accordingly. If your setup requires power, please notify the ArtWalk Committee in advance.

  • Wi-Fi is not available.

  • Flammable gases and open flames are not permitted. Generators and personal electrical devices are not allowed.

  • The ArtWalk Committee is not responsible for any artwork or materials belonging to the artist at any time.

 

EXHIBITOR POLICIES

  • Booths/tables may not be sublet. Only the person(s) listed on the application for that booth space may sell work in the booth.

  • Limit two (2) artists per booth.

  • If sharing a booth, both artists must be listed on the registration form and must be accepted by the jury.

  • There is no smoking on host properties.

 

EVENT DAY GUIDELINES

  • Set-Up Time: Begins at 10 AM. Artists are responsible for setting up their own booths.

  • Booth Locations: You will be assigned a porch, lawn, or driveway.

  • Respect the host property: Please be mindful of porches, lawns, and walkways. Booth displays should not block sidewalks or walkways.

  • Support: We provide the space, but booth set-up, including materials, and logistics are the artist's responsibility. If you need assistance, please plan ahead. Someone will be available to answer questions on-site. Artists should cooperate with their host and fellow artists at their assigned locations.

  • Attendance: Artists must be present for the entire event (12 PM – 5 PM). Any exceptions must be approved by the ArtWalk Co-Chairs in advance.

  • Clean-Up: Artists are responsible for booth teardown and leaving their space clean.

 

REFUND POLICY​

  • Full refund if the Boylan Heights ArtWalk cancels the event.

  • No refunds if the event date changes due to weather; artists must be available for either date.

  • Full refund for written cancellation requests received on or before November 1, 2026.

  • No refunds after November 1, 2026.

 

LIABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Boylan Heights ArtWalk is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged artwork. Artists participate at their own risk and are encouraged to take necessary precautions to protect their work.

If you have any questions about the application process or ArtWalk, don’t hesitate to reach out at boylanheightsartwalk@gmail.com.

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