Art Under the Oaks 2026

Art Under the Oaks Fine Art Festival is celebrating its 57th year as the premier Fine Art Festival on St. Simons Island. Held in the beautiful live oak covered Postell Park in the heart of the Village, just steps from the ocean on St. Simons Island. Hosting over 60 juried talented artists from around the region.

Organized and hosted by art enthusiasts, Glynn Visual Arts’ Art Under the Oaks continues to be recognized for its careful attention to artists’ success, community partnerships, a beautiful location, and a fun weekend.

Accepted Categories:

2-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as collage, papermaking, encaustic, pen and ink, paint, pencil, watercolor, or photography.  The finished art should be suitable for wall mounting. 

3-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as mosaic, paper mache, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or any other 3-dimensional objects.

Ceramics: Original shaped and fired clay including earthenware, porcelain, and raku.

Digital Art: Two-dimensional works from which the original image is manipulated by the artist utilizing computer software applications. 

Drawing & Printmaking: Original drawings made with pen, pencil, charcoal, pastels, or chalk.  The printmaking process may include pulled plates, linoleum prints, etching, engraving, silkscreen, or lithography.  All prints must be signed and numbered by the artist. Photocopies are not permitted.

Fiber: Works created from fibers including basketry, batik, weaving, papermaking, knitting, and quilting.  An embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.  

Glass: An object made of glass including blown, fused, stained, cast, and molded.  An embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.

Jewelry: All jewelry is crafted from metal, glass, stone, clay, or other materials. Commercial molds or casts are not permitted. At least 50% of the organic materials in the finished product used must be produced by the artist. 

Metal: Functional and non-sculptural works incorporating metal.

Painting: The use of oils, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera suitable for hanging.

Photography: Prints, transparencies, or digital images made from the artist’s original file/negative that has been processed by the artist.

Sculpture: Three-dimensional work is done in any individual medium.

Wood & Furniture: Original works in wood that are built, turned, carved or tooled. Embellished manufactured wood items are not permitted.

Artist Amenities:
Glynn Visual Arts wants to ensure that your participation is a positive experience. We’re proud of our reputation for treating artists like family. We provide hospitality such as daily morning coffee, snacks, “Art Angels” for booth breaks, and friendly staff.     

Prohibited Items:

• T-shirts, embellished and commercial clothing
• Kits, imports, raw materials (beads)
• Manufactured toys
• Imported finished goods; baskets, beads, blankets
• Mass-produced items 
• Commercially manufactured or reproduced items (resale/buy/sell)
• Jewelry is made from more than 50% manufactured components
• Any item that employs the use of commercially available molds, templates or patterns (such as Cricut)

IMPORTANT

• No more than 20% of booth space may consist of reproductions. 
• Artists may only show and sell work from the category in which they have been accepted. 
• This is a family oriented show in a tourist high traffic area, please use your best judgement in displaying your work. 
• Any work misrepresented as original or deemed unsuitable by the jurying committee will be removed from the show. 
• No items with a copyright or depicting commercial logos are allowed. 
• No booth sharing is allowed.

Tips for Photographing and Submitting Artwork

To ensure the artist's work can be viewed in its best possible light, the images need to be large enough for the details to be apparent.  Similarly, proper lighting and exposure can bring out the fine details and highlight contrast and textures.  The images should be sharp, crisp, and in focus so that the jury is not straining to make out the artwork.  Consistency in look and feel of the images (background, lighting, theme, size) will add to the professionalism of the submission. The jury is looking at each of the submissions for a relatively short period of time, so first impressions are key. Anything over three years old will not be considered.
 

Advertising Plan:

- GVA Marketing strategies including:
         - PR - Local news outlets
         - Print and online media ads
         - Radio 
         - Billboards, banners, posters, and yard signs
        - Extensive business partner collaboration
        - Social media
         - Dedicated website page

Jurying Process:

Jurying will be done in two rounds. The first round of jury process will begin July 1, 2026 for early applicants with notifications sent on July 10, 2026. The second round of jurying will begin on August 2, 2026 with final notifications sent on August 15, 2026.

Commitment/Cancellations: Accepted application is a commitment to exhibit Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27 from 10am to 5pm. After notification of acceptance, no refunds or credits will be given for any reason. Once you have received your acceptance email, a link will be provided to pay for your booth space through our website www.GlynnVisualArts.org.

Rain or Shine
There will be no “rain date” and fees will not be refunded in the case of inclement weather.  The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of a named storm, Glynn Visual Arts reserves the right to make appropriate decisions for the safety of artists, vendors, and festival host.

All communications are sent via the Zapp system communication tool.
Please ensure that you have access to this email address as instructions will be sent here as well as any special updates - before, during, and after the show. All information is contained on the website and/or will be sent via email using the Zapp communication tool. No packets will be mailed.

Check-in: Friday, September 26, from noon to 5pm. Artists/vendors may continue set-up after 5pm.

Booth Assignments: Booth numbers will be assigned during check-in (see above).

Breakdown: No breakdown is permitted until after 5pm on Sunday.

• Booth numbers will be provided at check-in. Please include your booth space request in your application.
• The judges take into consideration the professionalism, quality and design of your booth space. Be sure to include a clear, current photograph in your application.

Pricing:

Each 10' x 10' space is $240

Once you have received your acceptance email, a link will be provided to pay for your booth space through our website GlynnVisualArts.org/Festivals

Booths: Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. Spaces comfortably accommodate a 10’x10” tent. Artists must furnish their own WHITE tent (weights only-no stakes), display tables, skirting and chairs. All displays, sales and promotional activities must be confined to the artist's assigned space. All display booths will be checked periodically during the Festival for compliance. Exhibiting artists must be on site at your booth during the Festival, no sales agents or business representatives. Ribbons and awards from other shows may NOT be displayed. 

• No generators, open flames, loud music, or drop cords across walkways are permitted.
• There is NO SMOKING within your booth or next to other booths. Please step outside the park space away from other exhibitors and guests. 

SET UP DAY: Setup takes place the FRIDAY before the Festival starts. Loading and unloading is permitted in close proximity to booth locations. Vehicles cannot drive on the pavers in the park. Be sure to bring a hand truck or cart with you as some spots require transporting your materials a short distance. We ask that after you unload your vehicle, you proceed to parking and return on foot to continue booth set-up.  Late arrivals (after 5pm) must notify the show director by 5pm in order for us to inform security. You may set up on Saturday morning, but must be ready by 10am. Truck & trailers cannot be parked on city streets overnight. Please contact us for RV and Camper areas (off island).

 

Parking: Artists must park in designated parking areas during Festival hours: 

The Methodist Church parking lot in the 600 block of Beachview Drive

The public parking lot in the 400 block of Ocean Blvd. 

Open public spaces at Mallory Park, along Mallory Street. Best for trailers.

Vehicles are not permitted in the Festival area, in the Pier Village/Brogans parking lot or near the lighthouse during the Festival hours. Sleeping in your vehicle overnight is prohibited.

Security: Security is provided by the Glynn County Police Department on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to 8am. Exhibitors may leave displays up overnight. Neither Glynn Visual Arts nor Glynn County is liable for any damage or loss.

Sales Tax: Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting and reporting sales tax on sales to the GA Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Division. We are located in Glynn County