Naples Art Institute's Art in the Park 2026 (Fall)

Naples Art Institute's Art in the Park is Naples' original outdoor art fair, first held in 1957. Over time, Art in the Park evolved into a seasonal series of events that firmly established itself as a showcase for the talents of local and regional artists, attracting a loyal and well-heeled audience. Its user-friendly format, affordability, and sales potential in Naples' affluent market appeal to young and emerging artists as well as established ones, helping them to build relationships and grow their business. 

For the 2026-2027 season, Naples Art Institute will host three Art in the Park events, all of which are by our building in Cambier Park, in the heart of Naples:

• Nov 28, 2026 - Art in the Park (Fall): ARTful Gifts - a fair with art and crafts to kick off Naples' holiday shopping season. Make your booth festive and bring works suitable for gifts!
   
• Feb 6, 2027 - Art in the Park (Winter): Invitational
   
• Apr 10, 2027 - Art in the Park (Spring): Local to Local (with Naples Art Institute Open House)

Art in the Park events are limited to 50 booth spaces, set along park pathways. Our building and existing park facilities provide all the supporting services needed for smooth, easy events. 

Naples Art Institute as the Art Fair Hub
Naples Art Institute, located at the corner of Cambier Park by Park Street and steps away from 5th Ave South, is at the center of the Art Fair. We are continuously expanding our efforts to connect our programs and facilities to the Art Fair, and open our doors widely to participating artists for hospitality or artistic discovery. Artists will have complimentary access to our museum exhibition during the day of the art fair.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• September 21, 2026 Application deadline
• November 2, 2026: Deadline for booth purchase
• November 28, 2026: Art in the Park (10am - 4pm)

Eligibility and Conditions for Acceptance ("NAI" = Naples Art Institute)

1. All artwork submitted to the jury process for display and sale at an NAI Art Fair must be original work, designed and executed by the accepted artist.
2. By applying, all artists certify that the images submitted with the application represent their original work, including both design and production.
3. Acceptance is non-transferable.
4. Work displayed and sold at any NAI Art Fair must be consistent with the work represented in the images submitted by the artist. An NAI Committee member will inspect all booths during the fair to ensure compliance.
5. Accepted artists must be present in their booths during all art show days and hours. No agents, representatives, family members, or friends may substitute for accepted artists. NAI’s booth-sitter service is available for short breaks.
6. Booths are for individual exhibiting artists and may not be shared between or among multiple artists.
7. Collaborating artists who jointly produce single works of art may apply as a single exhibitor under the following conditions:
   1. Artistic collaborations: two people working together from creative planning through to the execution of the completed artwork. The collaboration must be artistic and not a business collaboration (E.g., individuals who only contribute to ancillary processes, such as framing, printing, accounting, etc.)
   2. Collaborations must be identified on the application, and the efforts of each artist must be clearly defined in the artist statement.
   3. Acceptance of applications for a single booth space by collaborating artists is at the discretion of Naples Art Institute.
   4. Both collaborating artists must be present during all show hours.
8. No work solely created by applicants’ apprentices or employees will be accepted.
9. Commercial agents, dealers, manufacturers, or buy/sell vendors are strictly prohibited and cannot be proxies for artists.
10. Artwork created from commercially available molds, patterns, kits, or other commercial methods, embellished objects, or artwork produced in studios involved in volume production is not permitted.
11. Work made from ready-made items like clothing, furniture, etc., with painted, dyed, or added embellishments will not be accepted.
12. Copies of masters, advertisements, widely circulated photographs, or registered trademarks are prohibited. No work on display may violate copyright laws.
13. No posters, laser prints, t-shirts, postcards, calendars, cards, or other promotional items are permitted.

Art Categories Accepted
Ceramics – Original shaped and fired clay (including earthenware, porcelain, stoneware and terracotta); may not be machine-made, mass produced or used as an embellishment on another medium. Excludes jewelry.

Digital Art – Signed, original work that could not have been created without digital technology created by the artist using a computer, printed with archival quality materials. This category includes scanned images of the artist’s original photography work that have been significantly manipulated or enhanced into the final piece. Traditional photography taken with digital media should apply in the photography category.

Fiber/Wearable:

• Fiber: original non-wearable artwork from fibers, such as basketry, batik, weaving, tapestry and papermaking.
• Wearable: original clothing or leather goods, such as belts or purses. No factory-produced items, regardless of additional modifications or enhancements by the artists. No tie dye or factory produced items.
• Excludes jewelry.

Furniture – Original work in any material which is functional as a piece of furniture.

Glass – Original work created in glass by the artist including blown glass, fused glass or stained glass. Excludes jewelry.

Drawing/Printmaking/Graphics

• Drawing – Drawings are two-dimensional works on paper using one of the following: graphite, ink, charcoal, pastels, wax crayon, chalk and a variety of other marking media.
• Printmaking/Graphics – Printmaking is a transfer process of producing art, usually in multiples. It involves creating a drawing or other composition on a surface other than paper, for transfer to paper through the use of a press or through impressions made by hand.

Jewelry – All jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials, must be entered in this category.
No commercial cast, molds or production studio work is allowed. Failure for artists to apply in the correct category will result in disqualification. It is the responsibility of the artist to read the prospectus and apply in the correct jewelry category.

• Precious – Work made from materials including gold, sterling silver and precious stones, and enamel on silver or gold. All components should display a high degree of skill and original design.
• Semi-Precious – Costume jewelry or work made from non-precious metals or other materials such as glass, clay, paper, fiber, wood, leather, and polymer clay. All components should display a high degree of skill and original design. Beaders who present strong, sophisticated design elements and not merely string purchased beads will be considered.

Metal – Original metal work created by the artist without use of a production studio. Excludes jewelry.

Mixed Media 2D – Includes collage and handmade paper; incorporates more than one type of media and has a relief depth of less than 1/8 inch. Excludes jewelry.

Mixed Media 3D – Original, non-functional work which combines more than one material or media and exceeds 1/8-inch depth. Excludes jewelry.

Painting:

• Oil/Acrylic – Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other subject matter on a flat surface such as canvas with a single medium including oil and/or acrylic paint; egg tempera; casein or alkyd.
• Watercolor – Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other subject matter on a flat surface such as paper with watercolor paints.

Photography – Signed prints created by the artist from his/her own original negative or digital files that have been processed by that artist or under the artist’s direct supervision.

Sculpture – Original three-dimensional work created by shaping stone, or any other hard material. Excludes jewelry.

Wood – Original hand-tooled, machine worked, built-up, turned or carved work in wood; excludes jewelry. Anything which can be used as a functional piece of furniture should be entered in the furniture category.

Reproduction & Limited Edition Prints Policy
The mission of the Naples Art Institute is to promote and advance education, interest and participation in the visual arts. To foster an appreciation and value of the arts in people of all financial and economic levels the Naples Art Institute believes it is important to offer attendees the opportunity to buy reproductions of the participating artists’ original work. By providing this opportunity it may encourage the purchase of original artwork in the future. This transition is possible only if buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing and the process behind it. Therefore, our guidelines for the exhibition of reproductions are:

1. Creating unique and original works is an important part of your artistic growth and development, but reproductions may be essential to your financial needs. Naples Art Institute aims to encourage and support both your development as an artist and success in business. For this reason, reproductions may not occupy more than 50% of the artist’s wall space.
2. Fine art reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled and signed on the front of each piece.
3. Reproductions must be on archival material and all work displayed in the booth must be for sale.
4. The method of reproduction and brief process description must be on the back.
5. No hand colored or enhanced reproductions will be considered “original” works; they will be considered reproductions
6. Browse bins may occupy only minimal space and must be aesthetically pleasing and not obstruct patron flow. All bins must be WITHIN your booth space, not outside your booth.
7. Reproductions may not be mixed with originals in browse bins.
8. No laser prints or photo copies are permitted.

Limited Edition Prints are works for which the artist hand manipulates the plates, stones or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition. These hand pulled prints are considered to be originals. Printmakers are encouraged to identify their process.

Artist Statement
An Artist Statement describing the technique, materials, and processes used in the creation of your body of work must be included with each entry and is available to the jury. Your Artist Statement may also be used in the promotion of the show through public relations efforts and should be no longer than 1000 characters (including punctuation and spacing)

Wait List
For juried shows, a waitlist will be selected based on jury scores in each category; wait-listed artists will be invited as cancellations occur in that particular category.

Wait-listed artists can be accepted up to the day of the Art Fair, and will be notified by phone or email if/when a booth becomes available.

We will use the information provided on each artist’s ZAPP® account to contact artists for the waitlist. Artists should ensure their information is current and includes a means of contact that reaches them and elicits a response at short notice.

Health and Safety Policy
The health and safety of artists, NAI employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors are essential to our decision-making process. In organizing and managing each Art Fair, we strive to adhere to all applicable mandates, guidelines, and instructions from health experts and government officials. We will publish personal health and safety requirements for your information and compliance when appropriate.

Artists must also consider the safety and health of others while present at the Art Fair and take precautions to prevent the spread of infections or illness, including complying with all health and sanitation mandates, guidelines, and instructions from health experts, government officials, and the Art Fair Director.

General Art Fair Rules

1. Artists must comply with all Art Fair and governmental safety requirements.
2. The Art Fair is drug, alcohol, and smoke-free. This prohibition includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
3. NAI establishes setup and breakdown procedures in collaboration with local officials and conformance to City requirements. Please report to our Artist Registration booth upon arrival.
4. Artists MUST park in designated artist parking areas only. The artist information packet specifies parking requirements. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from future Art Fairs. NAI’s City permit depends on artists using only the area designated for artist parking. An NAI committee member will monitor for parking violations. Parking spaces may be reserved for select Art Fairs through NAI (limited availability).
5. Any artist closing up their booth before the official Art Fair closing time may be barred from participating in future events.

No-Show Policy
Artists who have not registered and/or emailed NAI’s Art Fair Director by 7 AM on the setup day of the Art Fair will be considered a NO-SHOW, their assigned booth space(s) and ancillary purchases (such as parking spaces) will be forfeited with no refund and may be assigned to waitlisted artists.

Insurance Requirements
Participating Artists must maintain general liability insurance, including bodily injury and property damage liability, in an amount of at least $1 million for the duration of the Art Fair. Participating artists must provide proof of such insurance (COI), listing Naples Art Institute, 585 Park Street, Naples, FL 34102, as an additional insured, no later than four weeks before the Art Fair.

For a guide to artist insurance: https://cerfplus.org/studio-protector/business-insurance-plans-for-artists/ (link provided for information only; NAI is not affiliated with this site, and not responsible for its content).

Sales Tax
Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting and remitting Florida State sales tax to the Florida Department of Revenue. You must be able to provide a valid FL sales tax number upon request.

For more information: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspx

Art Fair Calendar

• July 8, 2026: Application opens
• September 21, 2026: Application Deadline
• October 2, 2026: Acceptance Status Notification
• November 2, 2026: Deadline for booth space fee payment and proof of Insurance (COI)
• November 3, 2026: Waitlist Acceptance begins
• November 28, 2026: Art in the Park (10 am - 4 pm)

Fees
The City of Naples is continuously updating its Special Events policies and fees, including the scope and cost of City support services (Police, Fire, EMS) for event organizers, and increasing the traffic management and safety requirements for road closures, significantly increasing art fair expenses. Parking lot rental costs also increase. NAI makes every effort to limit increases in artist fees.

For our 2026-2027 season, the fees are: 

• $25 Application Fee
• $225 Single Booth Space Fee
  Exclusive NAI Member benefit: If artist is a current member of Naples Art Institute, they will be able to submit a photo, short description of their art, and a website link for marketing distribution by NAI (email and/or social media).

Exhibit Space
Exhibitors must have a white tent unless exempted by show director. For public safety and the protection of all artists’ artwork, tent and booth structures must be heavy duty and of a professional show quality. After-hours, tents should be completely enclosed for security. Proper tent weights and fire extinguishers are required by every participating artist. Only one artist’s work or the work of two collaborating artists may be displayed per booth. Artist must keep their space clean and orderly at all times.

Special booth space or special need requests will be considered but acceptance is not guaranteed.  Additional charges may apply. There is an opportunity to submit requests when accepting participation in the show. NAI reserves the right to design the show and assign spaces to best accommodate our patrons, artists and NAI.

During the show, all exhibitors will be visited by a Quality Control Committee member to ensure they are in compliance with our show policies. It is the exclusive right and responsibility of NAI through recommendations by its Advisory Committee to remove work that is not in compliance with the show policies and requirements. Non-compliance may result in expulsion from the show or refusal of future show participation. NAI art fairs are family-friendly events, and all exhibits must be in keeping with this atmosphere.

1. BOOTH SPACES: Standard booth spaces are 10’ x 10’ and work must be contained within the space. You may not infringe on another space physically or audibly.
   
   A limited number of double booth spaces (10’ x 20’) are available. Requests for double booths must be submitted (through ZAPP) with your application and are subject to NAI approval before purchase.
   
   Jewelers may not purchase double booths.
    
2. TENTS: Tents must be capable of withstanding weather conditions, including strong wind gusts and rainstorms, without tearing, collapsing, or any other structural failure. For reasons of safety and consistency of appearance, professional exhibition canopies such as Lightdome, Flourish and similar models are strongly recommended and preferred. The use of lightweight "EZ" pop up tents is prohibited.
    
3. WEIGHTS: The Naples City Fire Marshall requires all tents to be secured with at least 25 lb. weights on each tent leg, for a minimum of 100 lbs. per tent. An NAI Committee member will inspect each tent for weights. Weights must be installed and accessible for inspection at all times. Tents secured by structural and/or artwork weight may be accepted at the discretion of the inspectors and Fire Marshall, provided these solutions are in place for the duration of the Art Fair. Failure to secure a tent properly may result in immediate expulsion from the Art Fair. Weights may be rented from NAI (subject to availability).
    
4. FIRE REGULATIONS: The Naples City Fire Marshall strictly regulates the use of portable generators and fuel containers. Any Artist considering the use of such equipment must acquaint themselves with and adhere to those regulations. Any intended use of portable generators must be requested in writing at least two weeks before the setup time of the art fair to NAI, and is subject to both NAI and City approvals.
    
5. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: The Naples City Fire Marshall and NAI’s City permit approval require each tent to have a fire extinguisher. An NAI Committee member will inspect each tent for a fire extinguisher. Failure to have the required equipment may result in immediate exclusion from the show. A fire extinguisher may be purchased from NAI (subject to availability).
    
6. The Naples Art Institute Booth ID Sign must be displayed in a conspicuous manner at the right front corner of the booth.
    
7. Tables must be covered and skirted to the ground in a safe manner.
    
8. Discount/sales signs, ribbons, and awards from previous or other shows are prohibited.
    
9. No two-dimensional artwork may be displayed on the ground.

Fees and Refunds

1. Fees: The artist agrees to pay all fees due by their stated payment deadlines. Booth fees for this Art Fair are due by November 2, 2026.
2. Art Fairs are governed by City of Naples regulations and permits covering the dates, locations, layout, vehicle access, crowd size and safety, and other requirements. The City of Naples may review, update or modify its permit requirements, and may decline, revise or cancel permits, or request material changes to the Art Fair. NAI cannot be held responsible for any such actions affecting its Art Fairs and NAI’s standard cancellation and refund policies shall be the Artist’s sole remedy in the event of such changes.
3. Refunds: due to the compressed schedule for this event, all artist fees are non-refundable 
4. Cancellation for Force Majeure: The Art Fair is held rain or shine and there are no refunds for interruptions or early closures due to inclement weather. If the Art Fair is canceled outright for any reason beyond the control of NAI (e.g. access restrictions or damage to the venue, war, terrorism, act of God, fire, flood, weather, national or local calamity, national or local pandemic, riot or civil disorder, act or regulation of public authorities, unforeseen occurrence or labor dispute including strike or lockout of employees) then obligations of the parties are terminated and any fees paid will be forfeited. Neither the Artist nor NAI is liable to the other for any damages caused.