Fairs/Festivals
La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026
La Quinta, California
Application Fee: $50
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 6
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
Stunning Coachella Valley venue, enthusiastic patrons, best in class artists, unsurpassed community support and event staff who are committed to providing a VIP artist experience; these are just a few of the exceptional allures of the La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE. SCOPE Events, LLC invites you to apply to be one of the 170 premier artists to join us for the 4 day La Quinta Art Celebration held annually in the month of November.
The ENCORE Celebration draws a different audience than the traditional March event. In November, La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE invites art enthusiasts from the affluent Coachella Valley as well as patrons from elite California coastal communities. Golf courses open just prior to ENCORE Celebration and Veteran’s Day holiday weekend so the desert should be busy and the timing perfect. A significant marketing budget is allotted to reach present and potential art patrons. We strive to curate the right mix of attendees who are true art collectors.
The promoters, Paul Anderson and Kathleen (Kat) Hughes bring a combined 50+ years of experience in art event production. This dynamic duo has a proven track record of past success and a true commitment to the arts. In addition to the amazing art experience, the Celebration offers gourmet food, live music, and premium top-shelf beverages. La Quinta is a community steeped in pride for the Arts.
The ENCORE Celebration draws a different audience than the traditional March event. In November, La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE invites art enthusiasts from the affluent Coachella Valley as well as patrons from elite California coastal communities. Golf courses open just prior to ENCORE Celebration and Veteran’s Day holiday weekend so the desert should be busy and the timing perfect. A significant marketing budget is allotted to reach present and potential art patrons. We strive to curate the right mix of attendees who are true art collectors.
The promoters, Paul Anderson and Kathleen (Kat) Hughes bring a combined 50+ years of experience in art event production. This dynamic duo has a proven track record of past success and a true commitment to the arts. In addition to the amazing art experience, the Celebration offers gourmet food, live music, and premium top-shelf beverages. La Quinta is a community steeped in pride for the Arts.
General Information
La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 is a commission art event. Artists are required to pay 20% of all art sales that are a result of participating in La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 either during the event and/or as an art commission created specifically for an art patron after the event ends. This allows the event to offer low booth fees. The risk is shared between the Promoter and the Artist. If an Artist doesn’t sell well, then there is lower cost to participate than at a booth fee only show.
The mission of SCOPE Events, LLC is to support the arts and create opportunities for Artists to exhibit and sell their art. Proceeds from the Celebration in Coachella Valley are returned to the community through donation to Tools For Tomorrow, an esteemed non-profit organization. Tools For Tomorrow (TFT) provides free, on-site, after-school arts literacy programs for elementary school children in grades 3-5. It operates in 17 different schools and introduces children to both visual and performing arts.
Invited Artists Receive:
Artists agree to use the Point of Sale (POS) application developed by SCOPE Events, LLC to tabulate daily art sales through this POS application at the La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 event. Artists will familiarize themselves with the use of the App and abide by its rules. Training/technical assistance & support will also be available throughout the event as needed.
Celebration Dates and Times Required Artist Presence
November 10 & 11, 2026: Registration: Tuesday and Wednesday, open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Day appointed. Volunteer golf cart drivers and Labor for Hire available.
November 12 – 15, 2026: Thursday through Sunday – show hours from 10 am 4 pm
November 12, 2026: Thursday - Artist Award Reception from 4:30 – 6 pm (Attendance is optional)
November 15, 2026: Sunday evening - Load-out begins in 4:30 pm until– 10:00 pm. Labor for Hire available.
November 16, 2026: Monday morning – 7:00 am through 12 noon – Load-out of large and heavy art.
Important Dates
To ensure timely communication from this event, please review your entire Artist Profile in ZAPPLICATION before submitting your application, specifically your phone numbers and email addresses.
Application Category Definitions
You may apply in more than one category, but you must submit a separate application and separate images for each medium. If you apply in more than one category, even the Booth image must showcase art in the category in which you are applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you are accepted, you may exhibit only in that category for which you have been juried and accepted.
2-D Mixed Media and Digital Art
2-D Mixed Media art uses MULTIPLE media with a relief depth of LESS than 1/8” of an inch thick. This category includes collage, handmade paper, fiber that is not wearable, etc. Digital Art is art in which the original image was created by the artist, using a computer. Work is in limited editions, signed and numbered, on archival quality materials. Reproductions must be in signed editions less than 450.
3-D Mixed Media
Art using MULTIPLE media that has a relief depth of MORE than 1/8” of an inch thick. This category is for objects which are "decorative" rather than "functional.”
Ceramics
Art that is Original Clay Work. No machine made or mass-produced work will be accepted.
Drawing and Pastel and Printmaking
Drawing and Pastel is art that is created with pencils, charcoal, chalk, pastels, etc. Printmaking is an artistic process based on the principle of transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, most often paper or fabric. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, while modern artists have expanded available techniques to include screen-printing.
Fiber/Wearable
· Fiber: Original work created by the artist includes non-wearable artwork from fibers such as basketry, batik, weaving, tapestry and papermaking. Excludes jewelry
· Wearable: Includes clothing or leather goods, such as belts or purses that can be worn. No factory-produced items, regardless of additional modifications or enhancements by the artists may be exhibited. No tie dye or factory-produced items are permitted. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production accepted Excludes jewelry.
Glass
No molds or other forms of mass production allowed.
Jewelry
No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work.
Painting
Works created using oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints on canvas, archival paper, or handmade paper. Reproductions or giclées may not exceed editions of 450. 80% of the booth display must be original artwork. Artists must define their work in their Artist Statement and disclose their process.
Photography
Art using a camera, including black and white or color digital or original prints from negatives. Prints must be made from the Artist's original work, be processed by the Artist or under the Artist's supervision, properly signed and numbered, and in editions of not more than 450. Photographs taken through a digital capture device (i.e., camera) must apply in the "Photography" category even if it has been manipulated in post processing using a computer.
Sculpture
Art that is 3-dimensionally sculptural and is original work done in any medium.
Wood
Original hand-tooled, machine worked or carved work. If painted or inlaid with a different material, applicants should choose 3-D Mixed Media.
Artist Representation of Original Artwork:
Artist agrees that all work submitted to the jury process and displayed and represented for sale to the public at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 has been designed and executed by the Artist. All work exhibited must be for sale. Artist certifies that all jury images submitted represent his/her original work. Artist may display only work juried in the medium accepted. The La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 reserves the right to advise artist of any work that does not meet event standards and may take action deemed necessary for compliance.
Fine Art Multiples:
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artwork are allowed. Artists must define "limited edition" through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer.
Editions may not exceed 450. Original art must occupy 80% of the applicant's booth space. In the case of photographers, this means gallery quality framed work. La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026
reserves the right to monitor displays of multiples and request artists to remedy violations to the satisfaction of La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026. No postcards, posters, or any offset
reproductions are permitted. A limited number of note cards and coffee table style books are permitted and must be tastefully displayed. They may not represent more than 10% of artist display and must meet approval of Event Director. Nothing should be sold that is less than $100.
Artist Awards
The mission of SCOPE Events, LLC is to support the arts and create opportunities for Artists to exhibit and sell their art. Proceeds from the Celebration in Coachella Valley are returned to the community through donation to Tools For Tomorrow, an esteemed non-profit organization. Tools For Tomorrow (TFT) provides free, on-site, after-school arts literacy programs for elementary school children in grades 3-5. It operates in 17 different schools and introduces children to both visual and performing arts.
Invited Artists Receive:
- Daily continental breakfast, a deluxe boxed lunch delivered to your booth, snacks throughout the day, and unlimited bottled water
- Volunteer golf-cart drivers for load-in (they are not able to lift or carry your art and supplies)
- Labor available for hire to physically help with load in and out
- Volunteer Booth Sitters
- Artist Helpline available 24/7
- Artist Award Reception with gourmet appetizers, premium wine and beer; Artists and assistants attend for free
- 24-hour on-site private security
- Artist contact information included in official event program and on the event website
- Opportunity to purchase low-cost ads in the event program and SW Art Magazine
- An atmosphere of appreciation, kindness, and Celebration that make the show truly unique.
Artists agree to use the Point of Sale (POS) application developed by SCOPE Events, LLC to tabulate daily art sales through this POS application at the La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 event. Artists will familiarize themselves with the use of the App and abide by its rules. Training/technical assistance & support will also be available throughout the event as needed.
Celebration Dates and Times Required Artist Presence
November 10 & 11, 2026: Registration: Tuesday and Wednesday, open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Day appointed. Volunteer golf cart drivers and Labor for Hire available.
November 12 – 15, 2026: Thursday through Sunday – show hours from 10 am
November 12, 2026: Thursday - Artist Award Reception from 4:30 – 6 pm (Attendance is optional)
November 15, 2026: Sunday evening - Load-out begins in 4:30 pm until– 10:00 pm. Labor for Hire available.
November 16, 2026: Monday morning – 7:00 am through 12 noon – Load-out of large and heavy art.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: July 17, 2026, 11:59:59 PM PST.
- Jury Process: July 21-23, 2026
- All Invited notifications emailed through August 4, 2026
- Accepted Artist Participation Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Refund (Full) Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Map uploaded to website and booth numbers announced: August 4, 2026
- Incremental Booth Fees & Electricity balance due: November 5, 2026
To ensure timely communication from this event, please review your entire Artist Profile in ZAPPLICATION before submitting your application, specifically your phone numbers and email addresses.
Application Category Definitions
You may apply in more than one category, but you must submit a separate application and separate images for each medium. If you apply in more than one category, even the Booth image must showcase art in the category in which you are applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you are accepted, you may exhibit only in that category for which you have been juried and accepted.
2-D Mixed Media and Digital Art
2-D Mixed Media art uses MULTIPLE media with a relief depth of LESS than 1/8” of an inch thick. This category includes collage, handmade paper, fiber that is not wearable, etc. Digital Art is art in which the original image was created by the artist, using a computer. Work is in limited editions, signed and numbered, on archival quality materials. Reproductions must be in signed editions less than 450.
3-D Mixed Media
Art using MULTIPLE media that has a relief depth of MORE than 1/8” of an inch thick. This category is for objects which are "decorative" rather than "functional.”
Ceramics
Art that is Original Clay Work. No machine made or mass-produced work will be accepted.
Drawing and Pastel and Printmaking
Drawing and Pastel is art that is created with pencils, charcoal, chalk, pastels, etc. Printmaking is an artistic process based on the principle of transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, most often paper or fabric. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, while modern artists have expanded available techniques to include screen-printing.
Fiber/Wearable
· Fiber: Original work created by the artist includes non-wearable artwork from fibers such as basketry, batik, weaving, tapestry and papermaking. Excludes jewelry
· Wearable: Includes clothing or leather goods, such as belts or purses that can be worn. No factory-produced items, regardless of additional modifications or enhancements by the artists may be exhibited. No tie dye or factory-produced items are permitted. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production accepted Excludes jewelry.
Glass
No molds or other forms of mass production allowed.
Jewelry
No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work.
Painting
Works created using oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints on canvas, archival paper, or handmade paper. Reproductions or giclées may not exceed editions of 450. 80% of the booth display must be original artwork. Artists must define their work in their Artist Statement and disclose their process.
Photography
Art using a camera, including black and white or color digital or original prints from negatives. Prints must be made from the Artist's original work, be processed by the Artist or under the Artist's supervision, properly signed and numbered, and in editions of not more than 450. Photographs taken through a digital capture device (i.e., camera) must apply in the "Photography" category even if it has been manipulated in post processing using a computer.
Sculpture
Art that is 3-dimensionally sculptural and is original work done in any medium.
Wood
Original hand-tooled, machine worked or carved work. If painted or inlaid with a different material, applicants should choose 3-D Mixed Media.
Artist Representation of Original Artwork:
Artist agrees that all work submitted to the jury process and displayed and represented for sale to the public at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 has been designed and executed by the Artist. All work exhibited must be for sale. Artist certifies that all jury images submitted represent his/her original work. Artist may display only work juried in the medium accepted. The La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 reserves the right to advise artist of any work that does not meet event standards and may take action deemed necessary for compliance.
Fine Art Multiples:
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artwork are allowed. Artists must define "limited edition" through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer.
Editions may not exceed 450. Original art must occupy 80% of the applicant's booth space. In the case of photographers, this means gallery quality framed work. La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026
reserves the right to monitor displays of multiples and request artists to remedy violations to the satisfaction of La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026. No postcards, posters, or any offset
reproductions are permitted. A limited number of note cards and coffee table style books are permitted and must be tastefully displayed. They may not represent more than 10% of artist display and must meet approval of Event Director. Nothing should be sold that is less than $100.
Artist Awards
- Best of Show - $2000 Award and invitation to exhibit in SPRING 2027 Celebration or Celebration ENCORE 2027.
- Best of Category - $500 Award and invitation to exhibit in SPRING 2027 Celebration or Celebration ENCORE 2027.
- Award of Merit and Civic Purchase winners - receive Award and acknowledgement at Celebration ENCORE 2026 event and on website.
Application Requirements
Rules and Regulations
| Rules and Regulations Each exhibiting artist must personally check in at registration and be on-site for the duration of the event.
Price Range of Work We encourage Artists to have varied prices. The images you submit for jurying should show a range of your pricing. Take advantage of the space provided in this section and give a detailed description (see example below). Example: Price range $50-$5000 Earrings range $50-$200 Bracelets range $150-$1000 Necklaces range $1000-$5000 Your detailed description will help jurors better understand your body of work. Work must be original and hand-crafted. Artist guarantees the accuracy of the description of the works presented and the authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands. The sale of non-original promotional items is prohibited. Commercial studios involved in multiple or volume production will not be considered for the show. Artists may apply in multiple categories. Each medium is evaluated separately. If you apply in more than one category, only the booth slide may be repeated. Artists may display work only in the media categories in which they are accepted. For example: If you are planning on showing any type of jewelry you must be accepted in the jewelry category. All work exhibited must be comparable to work shown in submitted images. The Event Director reserves the right to ask that any work that is inconsistent with the juried subject be removed. Artists accepted to the show must exhibit two-dimensional work (e.g., photography, painting, watercolors, graphics, pastels, prints and drawings) as appropriately framed and glazed pieces. Unframed, matted works may be shown in a portfolio for customer browsing and are limited to 15% of your total inventory. These bins must not be the primary focus of your booth display. Collaborating Artists If you are submitting an application as a collaborating artist/partner, you must submit the name with the application and only joint signed work may be shown and sold. Below are instructions for submitting an application as collaborating artists:
Jury Process
Eligibility: The Event is open to all applying Artists. No work by apprentices or employees will be accepted. Commercial agents, dealers, or manufacturers are not eligible to enter. No kits, molds, tumbled stones, embellished objects, or edible art may be submitted. 20% COMMISSION ON SALES IS COLLECTED BY LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION ENCORE 2026. Artists will be responsible for paying 20% of their total sales (before tax) for any sale generated as a result of participation at the art event. Scope Events, LLC Sale (POS) system: All Artists agree to use this system for cashiering their Sales at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE and are required to make their Sales Commission payments by e-check by providing ACH debit authorization for their designated checking account. Artist Presence: All Artists must be present on site for the four days of the event, November 12-15, 2026. Event hours are 10 am - 4 pm each day. Gates open promptly at 10 am and Artists must be in their booths and ready to greet the art patrons. All set-up must be complete before gates open. Artist Check-In and Load-In: All Artists must register and load-in on Tuesday, November 10 or Wednesday, November 11, 2026 between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm. If one has large work, the Tuesday check-in is recommended. If the art is extremely large or may require use of a fork-lift, contact Kat Hughes for consideration to check-in on Monday, November 9, 2026. (We do not have a fork-lift on site.) Artists will be assigned the date to register. Registration closes at 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday and neither an Artist or their assistant is allowed on site without proper event credentials received at Registration. Flat Bed Golf Labor for Hire is available and can be pre-booked for both Load-in Tuesday and Wednesday and Load-out Sunday night. It may not be available on Monday load-out if we are unable to secure enough flatbed golf carts. We will have a better indication by October 1, 2026. The Labor Crew has been vetted by the event. They drive flat beds and assist with set-up or tear-down. Payment is made online at the time Labor is scheduled. The crew appreciates tips. Please do not utilize casual day workers as once you have given them show ID it is impossible for security staff to prohibit them from entering the gates at any time. Keep the show secure! An Artist cannot check-in and set-up on opening day, November 12, 2026. Once an Artist has credentials they may continue to set-up on November 10 & 11, 2026 until 10 pm. However, after 5 pm only two gates are open and all others are locked for best security practices. Artist Representation of Original Artwork: Artist agrees that all work submitted to the jury process and displayed and represented for sale to the public at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 has been designed and executed by the Artist. All work exhibited must be for sale. Artist certifies that all jury images submitted represent his/her original work. Artist may display only work juried in the medium accepted. La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 reserves the right to advise artist of any work that does not meet event standards and may take action deemed necessary for compliance. Fine Art Multiples: Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artwork Safety: Exhibiting Artists must comply with all event safety requirements, and local and state laws. Parking: Artist vehicles must park in designated areas only. Artist Assistants are to UBER or carpool to keep parking spaces open for patrons. Parking is a premium at this event. Noncompliance will result in elimination from consideration for any future SCOPE Events, LLC events. Required Licenses, Permits and Tax: 1. City of La Quinta Temporary Business License Participating Artists are required by the City of La Quinta to purchase a business license and comply with all city regulations. https://www.laquintaca.gov/business, then select the business license for those living inside La Quinta or living outside La Quinta. The fee for this license is non-refundable and is due by October 1, 2026. One must have a CA Seller’s permit before one can apply for a City of La Quinta Business License. 2. California Seller’s Permit
Taxes
The Artist agrees to sign the Artist Acceptance Form, Booth Request Form, and payment of $400 for a single booth fee by, all done through the Artist Portal. Once the event is able to confirm Artist into a Double or Extra-Large booth the balance of the confirmed booth fee will be due. All booth fees must be paid in full by November 5, 2026. Artists agree to use the Point of Sale (POS) application developed by SCOPE Events, LLC to tabulate daily art sales through this POS application at the La Quinta Art Celebration 2026 event. Artists will familiarize themselves with the use of the App and abide by its rules. Training/technical assistance & support will also be available throughout the event as needed. All Artists agree to use this system for cashiering at La Quinta Art Celebration events and are required to make all payments by credit card or cash. |
| Event Site Map: The map will be available to participating artists on the La Quinta Art Celebration Artist Portal , August 4, 2026 |
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
650
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
170
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
10
Booth Information
Booth Info
2026 Booth Fees for Invited Artists
Single Booth (12x12 may be without corners) - $400
Double Booth (12x24) may be without corners or irregular shaped) - $800
Extra Large Booth (12x36 or larger. The majority of these booths are irregular shaped)- $1200
Booth Image:
Booth image shows the jury: Your body of work.
2026 Booth Fees for Invited Artists
Single Booth (12x12 may be without corners) - $400
Double Booth (12x24) may be without corners or irregular shaped) - $800
Extra Large Booth (12x36 or larger. The majority of these booths are irregular shaped)- $1200
Booth Image:
- Must submit an image of your outdoor booth set-up to show what would be expected at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE.
- The booth image must be recent – within the last 3 years.
- If you do not have a current outdoor booth image, please create a mock booth set-up on the grass. Think of it as creating an outdoor gallery. Less is more.
- If your indoor/outdoor booth set-up is the same (with the exception of a canopy tent) then simply state that in the description.
- Booth images may not be created in a computer program or manipulated, enhanced or otherwise affected by a computer in any way.
- This is a blind jury process. Do not submit booth images with any identifiable sign or image of the artist themselves. If your name is visible in the work or on your display or tent, please be sure to photoshop out. One point is deducted from your jury score if these directions are not followed.
Booth image shows the jury: Your body of work.
- Provides dimension and scale.
- Shows overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work.
Refund Policy
Refunds:
- Application fees are non-refundable.
- Booth fees are 100% refundable until September 30, 2026. After that date, booth fees are non-refundable. Cancellations must be in writing (email is acceptable).
- La Quinta Business License Fee is non-refundable and must be paid directly to the City of La Quinta in order to exhibit.
- Cancellation by La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026. There is no rain policy. The Event will operate as planned in the case of rain or adverse weather conditions unless deemed unsafe. Artist understands in the case of Force Majeure, the La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2026 will not be liable for any damage sustained.
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $50