Virtu Art Festival 2026 - 30th Annual

About the Show Producer:
The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business and civic organization serving the two-state community of Westerly-Pawcatuck (RI & CT).  It is a private, 501(C) 6 organization dedicated to improving the economy and the quality of life for residents and tourists alike.  The Chamber is committed to bringing the arts to Westerly because it recognizes that a rich arts environment helps contribute to the economic vitality of the community.  If you have questions not answered in the information below, do not hesitate to contact Lisa Konicki at The Ocean Community Chamber at 401-596-7761 or Lkonicki@oceanchamber.org

Virtu's Goals:
To assemble an exhibition of quality arts that represents a diversity of talents, to support the work of artists and provide them with a venue for exposure to a captive audience, to promote the knowledge of and respect for artistically diverse expression, and to exchange hands-on participation in the arts for children.

Show Dates & Times: 
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, May 24, 2026  | 10 am – 4 pm

Deadlines:
May 13, 2026 - Application Deadline: Second Round
**FULL** Categories that are closed Jewelry, Ceramics, Wood
Applications will continue to be reviewed and juried on a weekly basis until May 13, 2026 or the show is filled.
February 28, 2026 -  Application Deadline - First Round
March 2 -March 6, 2026 - First Round Jurying and Notifications


**Categories will fill and close on an individual medium basis.  Mediums that tend to close first are Jewelry, Pottery and Wood.** 
  
Advertising/Marketing:
We will take the liberty of making copies of many of the photos and slides that are sent to us for the jurying process.  These will be circulated to the regional media in hopes of having them printed with articles on Virtu.  We will provide the artist's name in all cases but cannot guarantee that you will be credited.  It is at the discretion of the paper.  We will keep a library of clippings as they appear and will be happy to provide you with a copy of any article that features your work.  The Virtu Committee is spending thousands of dollars advertising this event.  You can look forward to extensive coverage in several newspapers in the two-state area and on local radio.  The downtown area will be flanked with 22 gorgeous Virtu banners on lampposts surrounding the park. A billboard on Main St. will also promote this event. We have over 34,000 followers on our Facebook page that will also be reached with our marketing campaign.  We will also promote on the dedicated Virtu Art Festival Facebook page and will share promotional posting on a wide range of event pages throughout Southern New England. 

Volunteers:
A fantastic crew of volunteers are ready to assist with unloading, providing breaks, and transferring items to your car at the show's conclusion.

Food:
Free coffee and pastries will be available while they last on both mornings.  You can find these items centrally located at the gazebo in the park.  There are several great eateries in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck that you can purchase food from - many will deliver lunch to your booth!   

Security:
The OCCC employs a private security officer overnight (Friday and Saturday evenings from 5PM - 8AM) to patrol the event grounds; however, we cannot be held responsible for stolen items. During the show, the Westerly Police Department will have a presence downtown.   They will periodically drive through the park as well. 
We recommend, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, all art works should be removed from the park.  In addition to security concerns, experienced show participants realize that nature's elements can be very damaging to work left out overnight.  Moisture and wind are the two greatest concerns.  Artists who leave shelving or other items in their tent overnight may wish to secure them under a weighted sheet to ensure they do not blow around during the night.  It is strongly suggested that the corners of your tent be braced with foam "noodles," to prevent tent from imploding due to wind or water pooling.

Credit Card Services:
We do not provide these services for sales made during the show.  

Trash:
Receptacles will be available throughout the event.  Please use them.
 
Rest Rooms:
Porta-potties will be located in the parking lot on High Street between the Post Office and Miceli's Furniture, along with freestanding hand-washing stations.  On Saturday, the restrooms in the Library are also available.

Image Preparation and Tutorials
For more information about your images and preparing them to upload, please visit our ZAPP® Image Preparation page. For specific help and tutorials with image editing programs and professional photography resources, please visit our ZAPP® Tutorials and Resources page. 

How To Find JPEG File Size
1. Close out of your photo editor.
2. Locate the jpeg file saved on your computer.
3. Highlight or select the jpeg file.
4. PC users right-click and select Properties. MAC users click on File in the top left corner and scroll down to Get Info. 
You will see the final file size. If your file is larger than the recommended file size, re-save to decrease the file size. 

How To Re-save to Decrease File Size
1. Re-open the jpeg in PhotoShop or a comparable photo editor.
2. Go to Save As and the JPEG Options dialogue box will pop up.
3. Change the Quality setting to 11 or 10 and click OK.
Following these steps will decrease the file size and safely retain the image quality.
 
Image Re-sizing Tools
Here are two online tools which were designed by ZAPP® users. Either of these tools will re-size images if you don't have access to any photo-editing equipment.

• Ripfish: http://www.ripfish.com/zapp/

Please contact the ZAPP Artist Support Team with any issues:
email:  ContactZAPP@westaf.org
phone: (888) 562-7232

Park Rules:
The event is held in a beautiful, but delicate setting.  Wilcox Park is an arboretum, and therefore no vehicles are allowed to drive on the grass.  Vehicles limited to 7 feet 8 inches and a weight limit of 6.5 tons net weight may drive into the park on a sidewalk, and then be unloaded in a 5-minute zone with help of volunteers.  Rules are very strict. Small hand trucks, golf carts and tractors will transport your items to your space.

NO stakes permitted at this show! Artists must use weights. 

Driving into the Park to set up/break down:
Traffic in the park is restricted to a minimum.  A one-way vehicle access lane has been designated.  Vehicles are limited to cars, vans and pick-up trucks.  The width limit is 7 feet 8 inches and the weight limit is 6.5 tons net weight.  Vehicles may enter the Park from High Street (directly across from the Longo's Restaurant) and exit on Broad Street.  PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL TO KEEP YOUR VEHICLES OFF THE GRASS!!!  We must respect the park and its landscaping.  Do not attempt to "pass" or go around another vehicle by veering onto the lawn.  At all times your vehicle wheels must remain on the sidewalk designated for one way traffic flow.  Do not drive your vehicle on any blue stone areas.  Do not move any orange cones/barricades or attempt to create your own temporary unloading zone.  Exiting the park is tricky due to two large granite pillars and a fire hydrant near the exit.  PLEASE PROCEED SLOWLY!  No trailers, U-Haul trucks, or campers are allowed to drive in the park due to weight restrictions and sharp curves.  Failure to adhere to any of these rules pertaining to Wilcox Park is grounds for immediate ejection from this event, without refund, and possible ban of your participation in future shows.

Parking on Grove Avenue to set up/break down - The Westerly Police Department is supportive of this event, but does not allow parking near the monument or the intersection.  Utilize the six existing parking spaces on Grove Avenue only.

Parking:
No vehicles are allowed to park in Wilcox Park during the show.  Show participants must park their vehicles at one of the many parking lots listed below:
The Washington Trust Company parking garage (entrances on Broad and Main)
The Washington Trust Company employee lot at 50 Main Street (Saturday and Sunday)
Parking lot behind PACE Adult Day Center of Westerly and next to the Chamber Billboard at 5 Union Street
Parking lot at 14 Canal Street, Westerly (directly across from Hilltop Café)
Saturday only parking is available at Central Baptist Church on Elm Street and behind Westerly Town Hall (entrance to lot is on Union Street), On street parking on Railroad Ave, A handicapped parking area is being reserved on Broad St. in front of the Town Hall.  Remember, we want to keep the spaces in downtown OPEN FOR CUSTOMERS!  Do not park your vehicle in the lot between the post office and Miceli’s Furniture.  This is a privately owned lot and must be reserved for shoppers.  No exceptions.  Do not park your vehicle in the private drive next to the library, facing the town hall.
NOTE:  The food vendor is located on the esplanade next to the library.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES 

• No painted or decorated buoys allowed in this show. 
• No alcohol allowed on the premises. 
• You must clean up after your pet. 
• All tents must be removed by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026

 
Campers:
Will be permitted to park overnight at the Chamber of Commerce office, One Chamber Way, Westerly, RI.  Public restroom facilities will be available for your convenience.  Although Rhode Island has an ordinance prohibiting camping in public areas, the Westerly Police Department is supportive of Virtu and overnight parking at The Chamber is acceptable this one weekend only. 

This event has always relied on a minimum of 125 and maximum of 180 artists successfully registering for the show.  Our non-profit organization incurs thousands of dollars in expenses related to trash, porta-potties rental, marketing, security, set-up/break down personnel, morning coffee & donuts, creation station supplies and event administration. 

Fee for show:  **IMPORTANT**
Early Application Discount - $220 for 2 day show (if application is received by 2/17/26)
$240 - for 2 day show! (applications received after 2/17/26)

Members in good standing of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce get $100 a reduced rate for the show - it pays to be a member! 

If there is an emergency Government shut down and special events are forced cancelled, a 100% refund will be promptly issued to each artist that is registered. 

Space Size:
12 x 12 outdoor event space with a maximum 10 x 10 tent size. Double booth space is available on a case by case basis, for double fee.

Tents:
Each exhibitor is required to bring a tent/tarp in case of inclement weather.  Show is held rain or shine!

Tent Location:
Each artist will be assigned a 12' x 12' area in which to display.  Requests are considered but artists are not entitled to specific locations, or end spots.  Your booth space may not be in the same exact location as in past years.  A layout with your booth number will be emailed closer to the event date.  Please note that freshly seeded grass areas, newly planted trees or other factors may require us to adjust locations at the last minute.  Therefore, there are no "exact" booths.  We ask your flexibility with this situation.  Spaces will be marked by noon on Friday morning. Spaces will be assigned with great consideration to the park's terrain, and your booth space is non-negotiable. 

Set-Up Information & Time:
Friday, May 22^nd,  from 12 – 4 PM and Saturday, May 23^rd , from 6 - 9:30 AM

Tents may be set up on Friday, May 22, 2026 starting at 12:00 noon.  Vehicles are allowed in the park 12-4:00 p.m. only.  No exceptions!  After 4:00 p.m., only artists wishing to find their space and set up may do so by using carts to bring in their work.  No vehicles!  Artists who set up after 4:00 p.m. must be absolutely sure they are setting up in the correct location, as no Virtu staff will be present.  If you set up in the wrong location, you will be forced to move the next morning. Security will be provided from 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings to 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  The park is usually very quiet at night.  Set up begins Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m.  

No stakes of any size are permitted at the show! You must use weights to hold down your tent.  Artists who do not bring weights will not be permitted to set up and will not be refunded.  No exceptions. You must use weights (cinder blocks, barbells, whatever works).

Payment:
Your booth, once accepted into the show, may be paid for by check, cash, or money order. 

Make check payable to: OCCC  

Mail checks to:
Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
1 Chamber Way
Westerly, RI 02891
note in memo: VIRTU

Once accepted into the show, checks will be cashed as soon as they are received. 
No refund of fee once accepted into the show. 
No Exceptions unless event is forced cancelled due to Government restrictions or promoter cancels event. 


SALES TAX PERMITS FOR VIRTU – VERY IMPORTANT

1. If you have a permanent RI sales tax number, you should bring it with you on the weekend of the show and file your taxes yourself according to RI law.  You MAY be exempt from collecting sales tax at this show.  See below.
2. If you do NOT have a valid RI permanent sales tax number, you MUST fill out a temporary permit form, and report your sales.  You MAY be exempt from collecting sales tax if you meet the criteria below.  We will give you an application form once you arrive to the show.   If some of your works meet the criteria for exemption and some do not, you must collect and report taxes on those that do not.

ARE YOU EXEMPT FROM COLLECTING SALES TAX?
All original and limited edition works of art sold in the State of Rhode Island are exempt from state sales tax, starting December 1, 2013.
What types of work are exempt?  According to the law, the following works of art are covered:

1. A painting, print, photograph or other like picture.

If the print or photograph is signed and numbered in limited copies (1/500), the Division of Taxation would consider it exempt. A photo or attached to card would be considered taxable.  Fine art photography would qualify. Commercial photography (for example, wedding photography or photographs taken as part of a commercial assignment) would not qualify.

2. A sculpture
3. Traditional and fine crafts

Crafts are defined as art objects, either utilitarian or decorative, that are made by hand. Examples of traditional and fine crafts are textile art, woodworking, basket making, jewelry making, furniture making, metalsmithing, ceramics and pottery, and so on.
 
Works of art are permanent objects, not items designed or intended as a consumable. Candles or soaps are not tax exempt.

What qualifies as a “limited edition work of art”?
This law provides an exemption to works of art, and not to work that is mass produced or of a commercial nature.
An “original work of art” is defined as “the creation of a solitary work, conceived and produced by the artist and author or under their direction, not intended for multiple or mass production.” 
A “limited edition” work of art is defined as “the creation of a solitary work, conceived and produced by the artist or under their direction, which is intended for limited reproduction, signed and numbered by the artist.” The key phrase is “signed and numbered by the artist.”  This implies that the work is produced “under [the] direction” of the artist—rather than mass-produced—and is a “limited reproduction.” A common example would be giclée prints, high quality digital reproductions of original works of art.  These prints would need to be created under the direction of the artist, intended for limited reproduction, and signed and numbered by the artist.
Should you need help applying via ZAPP, please check out their step-by-step guide on applying located here:
https://www.zapplication.org/help-center.php?page=how-to-apply 
Please contact the ZAPP Artist Support Team with any issues:
email:  ContactZAPP@westaf.org
phone: (888) 562-7232
 

Once you've been accepted into the show and payment received, there are no refunds. 
However, we will credit your payment towards the following year's show.