Coconut Grove Arts Festival® 2027

Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association is now accepting applications for the 63rd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival — one of the nation's most prestigious outdoor juried fine arts shows. For 63 years, this iconic South Florida event has brought world-class art to the charming village of Coconut Grove, just south of Downtown Miami. With its idyllic waterfront setting and festive atmosphere, the Festival continues to thrive as one of the country's premier celebrations of fine art.

2026 Highlights:

• Over $4.4 million in reported sales, ranging from $0 to $115,000
• Over $100,000 in scholarships awarded to Miami-Dade students
• One of the most successful Emerging Artist programs in the country, showcasing the next generation of talent
• Artist amenities include daily continental breakfast and lunch; designated artists restroom trailer with running water.
   

Presented by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, Inc., a nonprofit with a full-time professional staff, active Board of Directors, and over 600 volunteers. Event proceeds support educational and community initiatives. The Festival is supported, but not funded, by the City of Miami.

 

Emerging Artists: To participate in our 2 year program, please visit www.cgaf.com, read the program description and then apply directly there if you are interested.

APPLICATION FEE

• General Application Fee: $40
• The application fee for 2026 Coconut Grove Arts Festival Award Winners is waived. A code will be emailed directly to you. You may also contact FestivalArtist@cgaf.com for the code.
• Application Fee is nonrefundable.

Application deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 midnight

Blind Jury: September 15 through September 25, 2026

Notification: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at noon EDT (subject to change with advance notification)

Space requests: Begin October 14, 2026 upon booth purchase. 

Deadline to Accept & pay booth fee: Friday, November 20, 2026

Deadlines

to cancel: 

Monday, November 30, 2026 - Last day to cancel and receive a full refund of the booth fee (less $80 processing fee). 

Thursday, December 31, 2026 -Last day to cancel with a 50% refund of booth fee.

After this date, no refunds will be processed. 

 

Festival Set-up - Friday, February 12, 2027

Artist check-in and set-up begin AFTER 12:00 pm

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please read this prospectus in full.  Once submitted, CGAF considers this to be our contract with you.  

TO APPLY
Each exhibiting artist must complete an online application with only one artist per entry unless you are entering as collaborating artists. A separate online application must be completed for each medium in which you would like to apply.  Each application requires a jury fee and its own set of images.

All decisions are final. Our primary concern is the creative vision of the applicant and the quality of the work. Work must be original, handcrafted. We reserve the right to refuse any application.

 

STATEMENT

The application will automatically have a question for an artist's description of the material and technique of up to 300 characters. We recommend a description that focuses on material & technique rather than inspiration. Statements are read aloud to the jurors. Jurors can see the statement, therefore, we ask that you not personalize the information with your name.

IMAGES
Five (5) images are to be submitted for each individual media category entered by the artist. Four (4) images of individual work and a mandatory booth shot.

The booth image is IMPORTANT. It is factored into the jury’s decision. The booth image is used to show how you will present your work at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.  Outdoor booth shots are best.  Booth images may not be created in a computer program.  Booth Image must be blind and must not contain any identifiable sign or photo of the artist themselves. 

If you do not have a booth image (because you are new to the art show world), please provide an image of a grouping of your body of work to give an idea of how you will present your work at the show and how your work looks grouped together, and a brief explanation of why there is no booth image, in the title part of your “booth image.”



COLLABORATING ARTISTS
Collaborating artists is defined as a group of two (2) artists that work together on any one piece of art. If two artists collaborate, it is regarded as one joint entry. If accepted, only finished work that is the result of the collaborative process may be displayed and sold.

Both artists are required to sign in and present photo identification prior to setting up.

Both artists must be present during the Festival hours in the booth during the entire three-day festival.

Assistants, employees, office, or other support staff are NOT considered to be collaborators. If an artist has a helper who assists the artists with frames, setup, selling, paperwork, etc., but is not producing the work, this person is not a collaborator, but may certainly assist at the Festival. 

MULTIPLE CATEGORIES
If an artist wishes to apply in more than one category a separate application form, jury fee, and set of images must be submitted for each category. The work in each category must be substantially different. Artists may apply in up to 3 categories, but only two entries can be accepted into the show.


THE JUDGES AND JURY PROCESS
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival selects up to 285 artists to participate through a blind jurying process. A jury panel of five independent judges consisting of museum curators, gallery owners, professional artists, and art educators will gather to review each application. Jury may include peer jurors. 

The jury process is virtual and will not be open to the public. Decisions of the jury are based solely on the quality of the artwork. All Jury scores are final. Recent history shows that approximately 1/3 of our artists each year are exhibiting for the first time.

Media categories are used as a tool for organizing artists' images into related groups for the jury's review. While a balanced show that equitably showcases both works of fine art and fine craft, as well as diversity among media, is a principal objective, the Arts Festival establishes no quota or entitlement by media category.

The following guidance is given to the jurors:

• Your selection criteria should be based on ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE of the quality, creativity, and overall impression of original hand-crafted work created by the artist. The ideal work will be well-conceived and expertly executed.
• There is no entitlement or quota per category, or ratio of applications received to the number of artists selected.
• We are looking for a show that is representative of diverse styles and techniques. We are also looking to include a broad range of pricing. 
• We are asking you to bring your areas of expertise to the forefront as well as make the effort to look beyond your area of expertise, keeping in mind that we are aiming for a diverse, well-balanced show formed by consensus.
• We hope that you look beyond your own personal taste, which is different from critical observation assessment.
• We will encourage discussion and expression of your artistic knowledge during the scoring. We ask that you do this in the spirit of respect and understanding. 

All decisions are final. Our primary concern is the creative vision of the applicant and the quality of the work. Work must be original, handcrafted. We reserve the right to refuse any application.

WAITLIST

A waitlist will be developed based on jury scores. Waitlist order will be based upon total jury score and then by application date within that score range. A waitlist will be established for each category. Artists on the waitlist are notified via Zapplication and email of their acceptance.

 

A waitlist for each category will be created based on jury scores, with order determined by total score and then application date. Artists will be notified of acceptance via Zapplication and email.

 

AWARDS PROGRAM

Judging will occur Saturday and Sunday, evaluating both artwork and booth presentation. Winners will be announced Sunday afternoon, with $50,000 in awards presented at the 2027 Festival.

 

CATEGORIES/MEDIUMS

• All work must be original and signed by the artist. 
• In applicable categories, archival quality materials must be used. Editions must be limited to 250. 
• Absolutely no reproductions are allowed.  This applies to Mixed Media 2-D, Drawing & Graphics, Painting, Printmaking and Watercolor. This includes reproductions receiving additional modifications or enhancements by the artist. 
• Be certain to read restrictions for your category below. 

 

Claywork

Original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign each piece. 

No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted.

 

Digital Arts

Two-dimensional work created by the artist using computer technologies. May include scanned images, from the artist or other sources that have been non-trivially modified using computer programs. Work must be printed with archival quality materials and properly signed and numbered as a limited edition no greater than 250 including all sizes. Traditional photographs taken through a digital media should apply in the Photography category.  

 

Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces and/or framing options is prohibited. 

 

Work generated by or with the aid of Artificial Intelligence is prohibited. If invited, artists may be called upon to submit reference materials, provide working files or a description of their process. 

 

Drawings & Pastels

Two-dimensional works created by the artist using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencils, wax crayon, or from the fluid medium of inks and washes, applied by pen or brush. Work must be created with archival quality materials and properly signed.

Reproductions are not allowed. 

 

Emerging Artist

This category is restricted to our emerging artists from 2026. Please do not apply in this category. If you would like to participate in this program, please refer to the instructions on our website, www.cgaf.com or email festivalartist@cgaf.com. 

 

Fiber

Two- and Three-dimensional work, wearable and non-wearable, created from fibrous materials. This category includes but is not limited to baskets, books, embroidery, paper, quilts, weavings, felting, etc. All work must be designed and created by the artist. 

No commercial or mass production works are permitted, regardless of additional modifications or enhancement by the artist.

 

Glass

Glassworks that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or have been crafted by glass blowing, molding, or casting. Works may be etched or engraved. 

No forms of mass production are permitted. Hand Painted commercially produced glassware is not accepted. 

 

Jewelry

Creating artwork through the forging, twisting, and fabricating of various metals. All jewelry, whether produced from metal, glass, clay fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials should apply in this category. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work is allowed. No work where the majority of components are purchased or not made directly by the artist. No work that is made of commercially purchased components (beads, glass, gems, pearls, metal) that are strung or assembled and/or twisted on wire with no substantial original work done by the artist.

 

Metal

Three-dimensional artwork created by the artist through the forging, twisting, and fabricating of various metals.

 

Mixed Media - 2-Dimensional

Works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production. Two-Dimensional Mixed Media should include more than one of the following: paint, pencil, watercolor, photography, printmaking, or drawing.

Reproductions are not allowed. This includes reproductions receiving additional modifications or enhancements by the artist. 

 

Mixed Media - 3-Dimensional

Works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production. Three-Dimensional Mixed Media should include more than one of the following: Claywork, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or any other 3-D objects.

 

Painting

Creation of still life, portrait, landscape, abstract, or other image on a flat surface, such as canvas, with oil and/or acrylic paint or sticks. Work must be created with archival quality materials and properly signed. 

Reproductions are not allowed. 

 

Photography

Two-dimensional work created by the artist that includes digital and film photography. Work that has not been manipulated digitally to achieve results beyond what could be produced in a traditional dark room. Hand-colored photography and emulsion transfers are accepted in this category. Only the artist’s original source material is acceptable. Work must be printed by the artist or under the artist’s supervision in limited editions no greater than 250 including all sizes, properly signed and numbered on archival material. Photographers are strongly encouraged to do their own printing. 

Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces and/or framing options is prohibited.  

 

Printmaking

Printmaking is a transfer process of producing original art, usually in multiples. Printed original works are hand manipulated by the artist using etching, engraving, silk-screening, stone and plate lithography, linoleum block or woodcut, etc., which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition no greater than 250 using archival quality materials. Printmakers must do their own printing. 

 

Sculpture

Three-dimensional work created by the artist primarily in a single medium such as shaping figures or a design in the round or in relief, by chiseling marble, modeling clay, casting metal, or other materials. 

No forms of commercial or mass-produced or enhanced items not made by the artist are permitted.

 

Watercolor

Creation of still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other images on a flat surface with watercolors. All work must be on archival materials and properly signed. 

Reproductions are not allowed.

 

Wood 

Original works that are hand-tooled, machine worked, turned, or carved. Embellished or painted, store-bought furniture is not accepted.

 

ARTIST AMENITIES

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival wants to ensure that your participation is a positive experience. During the Festival, the following amenities are offered to all artists:

• Artist Hospitality Area, centrally located.
• Artists’ Only restroom trailer
• Continental breakfast/lunch provided, as well as coffee in the morning and cold water throughout the day.
• Artist Gallery and contact information on the CGAF website through event
• A personalized discount code you can share with collectors, giving them early access to Festival tickets at a discounted rate.

Exhibit Space

All booth spaces are on asphalt and measure approximately 10’x 10’ with at least 2 feet between each tent. Booths and displays must be constructed to withstand crowds, rain and wind. Exhibitors should be prepared for inclement weather with rain covers, tie-downs and weights. Booths should have a minimum of 50 pounds weighted on each leg. Stabilizer bars are strongly recommended.Exhibitors will be held liable for any damage made by their tents. Each exhibitor is responsible for his/her own display in case of damage or loss. 

Most booth spaces will back up to a median with plants that may prevent use of the back area as storage. Exhibitors will be held responsible for any damage to plants or fixtures in their immediate median area if this extra area is utilized.

The Festival retains the right to regulate the various aspects of the booth display including, but not limited to, the number of pieces of artwork, size and number of bins, and overall placement within the allotted space. 

Spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once invitations have been sent. No Exceptions. You will be asked to request up to 3 locations for the 2027 show via Zapplication once booth fee is paid. We will do our best to accommodate your requests but will not be able to guarantee a specific space. A booth map with spaces will be provided upon invitation to the festival.   

BOOTH FEES

Standard Booth (10'X12'): $875

Double Booth (10'x22'): $1,750

Endcap Corner Booth Upgrade: $375

Corner Booth Mid-row Upgrade: $275

Sculpture Garden (10’x22) $1600

Note: Sculpture garden does not allow for a tent, so work must be able to withstand all natural conditions. 

Note: Limited availability For double booths and corner upgrades.

Deadlines to cancel 

Friday, November 20, 2026 - Last day to cancel and receive a full refund of the booth fee (less $80 processing fee). 

Thrusday, December 31, 2026 - last day to cancel with a 50% refund of booth fee.

After this date, no refunds will be processed. 

Application Fees are non-refundable.