Chesapeake Bay Art Association 62nd Fall Art Festival 2026

Norfolk, Virginia

View Site Plan

Application Jury fee: $35

Contact Information

Chesapeake Bay Art Association

Contact Email: Ovartshowjury@gmail.com

Contact Phone: 757-606-4867

Requirement Overview

Eligible Applicant Types: Artist & Non-Artist Vendor
Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
Submission Limit: 2

Media Requirements

Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
Total | Max: 4

Opportunity Summary

Chesapeake Bay Art Association (CBAA) is celebrating its 62nd Annual Fall Art Show - the CBAA Fall Art Festival - held at the picturesque Lakewood Park in Norfolk, VA. Set amongst mature trees and beautiful scenery, visitors can expect to enjoy art, live music and food vendors during the event from 10a-5pm (ends 4pm Sunday). Our 2-day juried arts festival welcomes artists and artisans from all across the country as well as local participating Junior High and High School students. Artists, artisans, and student artists are eligible to win awards. Proceeds of the art show benefit the CBAA Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to eligible high school senior students who are planning to further their education in the arts the following Spring at CBAA'S SPRING MEMBER SHOW.

CBAA'S FALL ART FESTIVAL features high quality fine art in a wide variety of styles, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, drawing, print making, fiber, photography, jewelry, glass, wood, pottery, metalwork, sculpture, mixed media and more.

CBAA'S Annual Art Show is one of the oldest of its kind begining in 1962 where it orginated in the Ocean View area of Norfolk, Virginia and was created by members of the CBAA. We look forward to hosting this event each year and we thank our artists, sponsors, food trucks, City of Norfolk, CBAA members, volunteers and visitors for making this another memorable event and to help raise scholarship funds.

General Information

FESTIVAL DATES

CBAA Art Show & Festival: Saturday October 3, 10:00AM- 5:00 PM & Sunday October 4, 10:00 AM - 4 PM 2026
Load in: Friday, October 2nd, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (set up day) & for those who remove their art daily - additional set-up times on Saturday/Sunday October 3rd/4th between 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM. Instructions for set up will be emailed to accepted participants prior to the show. Artists will be designated particular hours for load-in to allow everyone ample time to set-up. VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE ON THE GRASS FOR SETUP. HOWEVER, THIS IS WEATHER DEPENDENT AND WILL BE INDICATED AT CHECK-IN. STAKING IS PROHIBITED!! MUST USE AMPLE WEIGHTS TO SECURE YOUR TENT & ALL 4 TENT WALLS ARE REQUIRED TO CLOSE UP & SECURE TENTS/ART DAILY AT THE CLOSE OF EACH DAY!! 24HR SECURITY~ NORFOLK SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON SITE DURING AND THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE FESTIVAL EVENT!!
Load out: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, between 4pm - 6pm ONLY. Please do not breck down your tent area before 4:00PM on Sunday.
Applications Open 2/13/2026 Application/Jury Fee is $35 and NONREFUNDABLE. (These expenses are paid upfront).
AWARD WINNERS OF 2025: Will receive a coupon code via email when booth purchasing takes place at the cost of the JURY FEE ($35). Winners are still REQUIRED to submit an application and pay their respective booth fees minus the coupon code. Refunds will not be processed for 2025 winners who fail to utilize the emailed code at booth payment checkout time.
Early Bird applications end: April 1, 2026 is $25.00
Application Deadline: Applications closed as of Midnight EST 6/30/2026. However, interested participants may email ovartshowjury@gmail.com for space availability after this time.
Juried process: 07/1/2026 - 07/11/2026, first jury pool, second time of jury for late entries will occur following the EXTENDED DEADLINE (If applicable) & ALL BOOTH FEES ARE DUE WITHIN 3 DAYS OF YOUR WELCOME LETTER. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK YOUR EMAILS & PAY WITHIN THE DEADLINE. Unpaid spaces may be assigned to those on the waitlist.
After Deadlines: ARTISTS MAY EMAIL CBAA AT: ovartshowjury@gmail.com TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY & YOU MAY BE PLACED ON A WAITLIST IF FULL. ARTISTS PLACED ON A WAITLIST ARE STILL JURIED PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE & A $10 LATE FEE INCURRED ($20 LATE FEE AFTER 7/15)
Payment Due: 08/01/2026
REFUNDS: 08/15/2026 LAST DAY TO REQUEST A FULL REFUND OF BOOTH FEES ONLY! Refunds will be on a case-by-case basis and will subtract credit card fees processed for payment and returned back to artist (JURY/APPLICATION FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE)

AWARDS:
~ Best in Show $650
~ Marilyn Waide Fentress Memorial Award for Best in Seascape $300
~ Ellen B. McKinnon $100
~ Orange Award for the most energy in an art piece $100

ARTISTS IN 2D & 3D MEDIUMS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR JUDGING IN SEPARATE CATEGORIES (ONE OF EACH IN 2D AND 3D CATEGORIES):

AWARDS
~ First Place: $500
~ Second Place: $400
~ Third Place: $300
~ Honorable Mention: $100

NOTES:

Artists will be fully responsible for all personal sales and for collecting Virginia State Sales Tax. Currently the Virginia State Sales Tax is 6%. See www.tax.va.gov and form ST-50
Free parking on site and overflow parking within walking distance. Please note and acknowledge the potential for inclement weather, high wind, or storms, and take precautions to secure tables, tents, banners, etc. and have appropriate tents, coverage and weights to secure tent and all items. CBAA will NOT be held responsible in the event of ANY damage to your personal/ business items nor any damages to the park or any other parts, structures, vehicles, etc.
Festival is rain or shine. No Refunds will be given due to inclement weather. The costs CBAA incurs in planning for the event prohibit refunds.
This contract cannot be transferred or assigned to another artist.
Artists will submit three (3) digital images of artwork and one (1) booth image. The booth image will be of the outdoor display tent you will use in the show. A BOOTH IMAGE is required.
Artists are required to have their own art show insurance to protect their property.
Proof of liability insurance will be required prior to show.

Jurying will take place at the time of deadlines for the application. Artists will be notified once they have been accepted, declined &/or placed on a waiting list. Additional artists will be notified by late August if space allows.

SECURITY: Will be provided on site 24 hours/day from Friday 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM Sunday.

REFUNDS: 8/15/2026 TO CANCEL FOR FULL BOOTH REFUND ONLY subtracting the credit card fees to process payment both coming in and out, NO JURY FEE REFUNDS/ NO CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES REFUNDED.

FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS SHOWS

CBBA Event Committee evaluates each show held & takes in consideration ALL feedback received from artists and attendees alike, making any necessary adjustments, improvements & recommendations as the show continues to grow. Feedback is collected via CBAA Show evaluation forms that are provided in your WELCOME LETTER as well as the swag bag provided during checking in at the CBAA Welcome Booth. All evaluation Show evaluation forms will be collected on Sunday afternoon prior to the end of the event!
A portion of the budget for this show is earmarked for Advertising.
CBAA has invested in additional signage (Big Feather Banner Flags) and banners "ART SHOW TODAY!" for use along the roadside to aid in our marketing efforts!

SOCIAL MEDIA/ADVERTISING

Artists please provide your Social Media links when applying. Artists should ensure links are functional and correct.
It is to the benefit of everyone accepted to this show to like, share, and comment on all CBAA show-related social media advertising. We will do our best to tag those who have provided accurate social media links to their benefit as well. Sharing is caring!
Advertising Logos/ info can be emailed and made available to assist in marketing efforts!

Application Requirements

Once you arrive, please register at the Hospitality Tent to confirm your space assignment and obtain badges, show information, and other required materials. You will be notified of your space assignment in advance; however, numbers can change so please verify your assigned location at check-in. Requests for a booth will be reviewed and we will try to the best of our ability to grant requests, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rules and Regulations

*TENTS OF HAY OR STRAW ARE PROHIBITED PER NORFOLK FIRE MARSHALL (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

TENTS/DISPLAYS:

Artists must provide their own display unit(s).
Electricity is NOT provided.
REGARDING STAKING: PARK RULES PROHIBIT STAKING AND/OR ATTACHING TENTS OR ANY EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS TO LIGHT POLES OR ANY PARK STRUCTURES! Tents must therefore be properly weighted. Again, NO STAKING ALLOWED. You are responsible for all damages incurred to any UNDERGROUND PIPES, CABLES, or OTHER PARK INFRASTRUCTURE DUE TO OVERSIGHT IN STAKING WHICH IS PROHIBITED 🚫!!!
Your display unit(s) must be contained within the space you purchased.
REGARDING WEIGHTS: ARTIST'S TENTS MUST BE STURDY AND PROPERLY WEIGHTED TO WITHSTAND WINDS. Please be MINDFUL that HIGH WINDS can occur, and ADDITIONAL WEIGHTS AND ANCHORING MUST BE NECESSARY AT LEAST 50 lbs PER LEG.
SIDE WALLS ARE REQUIRED FOR YOUR TENT TO CLOSE YOUR TENT OVERNIGHT DUE TO SAFETY AND SECURITY OF YOUR MATERIALS. This is a paid SECURITY requirement for the show.
YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR TENT, ALL MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND ANY DAMAGES CAUSED TO THE PARK & ANY OTHER UNFORSEEN STRUCTURES/ PROPERTY. This includes PARK Property, Participants' Materials and Setups, Attendee Property, and Liabilty for Personal Injury.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH PRIOR TO LEAVING EACH DAY & THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.

SPACES PROVIDED:

10 foot by 10 foot spaces are laid out with “walk around” room which means we try for at least a 12 foot by 12 foot space measurement.
CORNER BOOTHS ARE LIMITED AND ARE A $40 ADD-ON.
SPECIAL REQUESTS: LIMITED SPACES ARE AVAILABLE NEAR RESTROOMS AND THE PARKING LOT.
- LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
- If you want to be next to another artist, please indicate that on your application for consideration and we will make every attempt to honor your request.
- You may also request a booth location and that will be considered once booth fees are paid.

We're here to make this an enjoyable show for you! Please let us know how we can help.

LIABILITY:

NEITHER CBAA NOR ANY CITY AGENCIES AND THEIR EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, ETC WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, ACCIDENTS, INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO PARTICIPATING ARTISTS, THEIR ATTENDANTS, TENTS, EQUIPMENT, ARTWORK OR ANY OTHER ACCOMPANYING PARTS OF THE ARTWORK/SUPPORTING DISPLAYS THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.
Artists are required to have their own art show insurance to protect their property.
Proof of liability insurance will be required prior to show.

NO RAIN DATES:

Artists are encouraged to have a suitable tent and materials to protect their work. This includes protecting work from unforseen weather changes overnight.

NO REFUNDS:

The cost of the event prohibits refunds. Artists leaving early or packing prior to scheduled show closure times without approval of the committee is prohibited.
Artists who leave early or begin packing prior to scheduled show closure times face the risk of not being invited back.

CANCELLATIONS DUE TO PANDEMIC OR SIMILAR SITUATIONS:

Cancellations are at the sole discretion of the City of Norfolk, CBAA Board, and Show Committee.
In the event of cancellation, you will be refunded your booth fee, minus the processing fees, if already paid.
Unfortunately, NO REFUNDS will be returned for application fees as these are upfront costs associated with our online application on ZAPP.

JURY PROCESS and ACCEPTED WORK:

EACH artwork entry MUST accompany a TITLE, PRICE AND MEDIUM DISPLAYED.
Based on creativity, technical ability/quality and use of medium.
Artists are allowed to show ONLY in the medium(s) in which they are accepted.
No artist may display work in a medium that has NOT been juried.
An artist may have more than one medium considered for the show and MUST APPLY AND SUBMIT images and JURY FEES for ALL MEDIUMS for jurying.
Artists will be notified if they been accepted, declined, or placed on a waiting list (see deadlines).
You will need to ACCEPT AN INVITATION to be CONFIRMED or let us know of your WITHDRAWAL so waitlist artists can be considered.
COLLABORATIONS:
- Can be accepted and Defined as two (2) artists working together in creation of the same body of work, each taking part in the design and creation of any one work of art.
- Collaborations are not defined as an artist representing another artist. Work represented in the space provided must be made by the hands of the applying artist(s) accepted into that space. This show is not intended to be a "gallery" or "representation" of multiple artists except in the case of accepted collaborations as defined previously or in the members and student display areas.
STANDARDS:
- Artist's Original Artwork must occupy at least 75% of your space.
- For instance: reproductions, prints or Giclees are allowed but must not exceed 25% of your items, and must be CLEARLY marked as such.
- ALL ARTWORK MUST BE THE ARTISTS’ OWN ORIGINAL WORK, CONCEIVED AND EXECUTED SOLELY BY THE HANDS OF THE EXHIBITING ARTIST(S) AND OF PROFESSIONAL QUALITY.
- ART GENERATED DIGITALLY, INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY and COMPUTER GRAPHICALLY GENERATED BY THE ARTIST MUST BE DISPLAYED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH AND RESPECTFUL OF THE STANDARDS OF ART THAT IS CREATED BY HAND AND SHOULD BE SIGNED.
- DIGITAL PRINTS SHOULD ALSO BE SIGNED/NUMBERED AND THE ARTISTS ORIGINAL IMAGE(S).
- NO MOLD WORK, KITS, AI OR IMPORTED WORK IS ALLOWED.
- NO BUY/SELL OR SALES/DISCOUNTS DISPLAYED.
- ABSOLUTELY NO ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE DERIVED ARTWORKS WILL BE ALLOWED. AI generated artwork is not copyrightable - this show is intended for copyrightable work conceived, derived, and generated solely by the applying artist's own hands.
- ABSOLUTELY NO PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGES, NOR PURCHASED GRAPHICS. This includes artwork purchased or licensed for commercial use even if it is arranged, laid out, or utilized in an artist's work - this show is for work conceived, derived, and generated solely by the applying artist's own hands.
- THE ART SHOW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ARTWORK WHICH IS, IN COMMITTEE'S OPINION, OBJECTIONABLE.
- DEROGATORY, DISCRIMINATORY, INAPPROPRIATE ARTWORK ARE PROHIBITED AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
- ARTISTS WILL RISK EXCLUSION FROM FUTURE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IF RULES ARE VIOLATED.

OTHER RULES:

Artists are responsible for their own work & attending their booth.
Artists who have applied for the show MUST be in attendance both days of the show.
Booth attendants ARE allowed to assist during the show but cannot replace an artist entirely. The public coming to this show wants to meet and connect with the artist making the work.
NO SMOKING, NO VAPING, NO SCENTED PRODUCTS - Be considerate of those around you. SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE PARK.
Artists are responsible for COLLECTING/PAYING VIRGINIA STATE SALES TAX (6%). www.tax.va.gov and Form ST-50. CBAA Reserves the right to request to see the artists License/Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax from the State of Virginia. Information regarding Virginia Sales Tax Laws is available here: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/retail-sales-and-use-tax

REFUNDS:

REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS, minus processing fees, (EXCLUDING JURY FEES) MUST BE MADE NO LATER THAN 8/15/2025, NO EXCEPTIONS.

*ARTISTS THAT DO NOT CHECK IN BY 8AM SATURDAY, 10/04/2025 WILL BE CONSIDERED A NO SHOW.

SETTING UP:

Set up times will be assigned between the hours of 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, 10/02/2025.
- We will stagger entry times into the park to facilitate efficient unpacking and setup for all.
On 10/03/2026, 10/4/2026, Saturday AND Sunday morning there will be additional setup time available from 8am-9:30am
Once unloaded, all Artists are asked to remove their cars to allow others to unload. There is ample parking both across the street from the park as well as in park designated lots to accomodate vehicles both during setup and the show.
If during check-in it is indicated that we have the approval from the City of Norfolk to drive on the lawn, cars will be allowed to drive behind their designated spaces for unloading only. No cars are to remain on the lawn, near, or behind assigned spaces during scheduled show hours.
A designated CBAA Art Show Committee Member will inspect all set-ups at the beginning of the show. Those found not in compliance with all rules and regulations will be asked to correct any items out of compliance or pack and leave - no refunds.

FOOD TRUCKS:

FOOD TRUCKS ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION AND MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL REQUIRED PERMITS AND LICENSES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO OPERATE AT THE SHOW.
APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF FOOD TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY AND MEET REQUIREMENTS. IT IS SOLELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE IN COMPLIANCE AND READ ALL NECESSARY FORMS.
FOOD TRUCKS ARE VETTED/REVIEWED FOR COMPLIANCE PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PARTICIPATION.
IF YOU ARE SELECTED, THE CBAA ART SHOW RELIES ON YOUR PARTICIPATION AND COMPLIANCE IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY NORFOLK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE CITY OF NORFOLK FIRE MARSHAL
APPLY EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED! 2 Full Days required.

Jury Details

Average number of applications submitted each year

150

Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event

Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event

Booth Information

CBAA MEMBERS
1 Booth 10 x 10 $235
second additional booth 10 x 10 $150

NON MEMBERS
1 Booth 10 x 10 $285
second additional booth 10 x 10 $150

FOOD TRUCKS
2 Days $250

Early Bird Coupon: $25 off Booth Fee

Corner Booths: can be requested when available (info provided in Welcome Letter), however it is limited & requests are not guaranteed. An additional $40 will be required ONLY if you requested & received a corner booth.

If you need more space, please contact us back through the Zapp email system.

*TENTS OF HAY OR STRAW ARE PROHIBITED PER NORFOLK FIRE MARSHALL (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

TENTS/DISPLAYS:

Artists must provide their own display unit(s).
SEE RULES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING TENTS.
PARK RULES PROHIBIT STAKING AND/OR ATTACHING TENTS OR ANY EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS TO LIGHT POLES OR ANY PARK STRUCTURES!
Your display unit(s) must be contained within the space you purchased.
ARTIST'S TENTS MUST BE STURDY AND PROPERLY WEIGHTED (at LEAST 50 POUNDS PER POLE LEG) TO WITHSTAND WINDS.
Please be MINDFUL that HIGH WINDS can occur, and ADDITIONAL WEIGHTS AND ANCHORING ARE NECESSARY.
SIDE WALLS FOR YOUR TENT ARE REQUIRED TO CLOSE YOUR TENT OVERNIGHT DUE TO SAFETY AND SECURITY OF YOUR MATERIALS.
YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR TENT, ALL MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND ANY DAMAGES CAUSED IN THE PARK. This includes PARK Property, Participants' Materials, displays and supports, Attendee Property, and Liabilty for Personal Injury.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH PRIOR TO LEAVING EACH DAY THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.
10 Foot by 10 Foot spaces are laid out with “walk around” room which means we try for at least 12 Foot by 12 Foot space measurement.
CORNER BOOTHS ARE LIMITED AND ARE AN ADDITIONAL COST.

WHEN BOOTH REQUESTS BECOME AVAILABLE FOLLOWING THE JURY PROCESS (INFO SUPPLIED IN THE WELCOME LETTER SENT OUT), LIMITED SPACES ARE AVAILABLE NEAR RESTROOMS AND THE PARKING LOT. LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS SO THAT WE MAY ACCOMMODATE BOOTH ASSIGNMENT REQUESTS.

If you need to be next to another artist, please indicate that on your application for consideration and we will make every attempt to honor your request. You may also request a booth location (map with booth numbers will be added later) and that will be considered once booth fees are paid.

CBAA is here to make this an enjoyable show for you!

SETTING UP

Set up time will OCCUR IN WAVES WITH ARTISTS SETTING UP ONLY DURING YOUR DESIGNATED TIMES SELECTED which will be coordinated during the booth selection phase after booth fees are paid. This will help alleviate congestion.
WE ARE AWARE THAT THINGS HAPPEN OUT OF OUR CONTROL & MANY PEOPLE ARE TRAVELING AND MAY FALL OUT OF THEIR TIMES SELECTED. PLEASE CONTACT US TO MAKE US AWARE & THAT CONTACT INFO WILL BE IN YOUR WELCOME LETTER!!

**SET UP HOURS ARE: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, 10/02/2026. AND FOR THOSE REMOVING ITEMS DAILY MAY SET UP On SATURDAY/SUNDAY MORNING 10/3/2026 & 10/4/2026 BETWEEN 8AM-9:30AM

Packout without CBAA approval will not be allowed to begin until the scheduled close of the show. Packing and dismantling of your tent is after 4:00 PM on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4th.

Artists are REQUIRED to purchase Art Show insurance. Artist Insurance is NOT SUPPLIED or COVERED BY THE ART SHOW! "Act Insurance" is an example of one source.

Each artwork entry MUST have a TITLE, PRICE, AND MEDIUM.

Artists are responsible for collecting Virginia State Sales Tax (6%).

Refund Policy

All refunds requested must be on or before Aug 15, 2026. Refunds will only be given on booth fees minus any fees from Zapplicaiton for processing the card both coming in and going back out. No exceptions

No refunds on jury fee.

Additional Fees

Early Bird Application Jury fee: $25

Late Application Jury fee: $45

Non Member Tent 10x 10: $285

2025 Award Winner Non-Member Tent Space: $250

CBAA Member Tent Space 10x10: $235

2025 Award Winner Member Tent Space: $200

CBAA Member- 2nd Additional 10x10 Tent: $150

Non Member- 2nd Additional Tent 10x 10: $150

Corner Booth ADD on to Booth Fee: $40

Food Vendor Two Days: $250