The Harding Art Show 2027

Since 1975, The Harding Art Show has grown into one of the largest and most successful fine art exhibitions in the Southeastern U.S. From April 29–May 1, 2027, Harding Academy will proudly host the 52nd Annual Harding Art Show on our Nashville campus. With help from dedicated volunteers, we transform our PreK–8th grade school into a vibrant venue where artists display their work in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

We will feature approximately 90 artists and welcome around 5,000 guests—including art collectors, interior designers, and enthusiasts from the Greater Nashville community. Proceeds benefit Harding Academy’s student programs, facilities, and arts education.

The 2027 show will be held in person, with an option for artists to offer limited online exclusives, extending the show’s reach through our digital platform. We promote the show across multiple channels, giving artists exceptional visibility. The in-person format allows for direct engagement with attendees, creating lasting connections—a highlight for both artists and guests.

Our volunteers strive to make the artist experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Volunteers serve as liaisons to support artists in the months leading up to the show, welcome artists on campus for set-up by helping them unload their art, and are available throughout the show to troubleshoot issues.

The Harding Art Show 2026 show was a record-breaking success, generating $1.7 million in art sales.

IMPORTANT DATES
Application Open: September 8, 2026
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026 
Artist Notification: December 14, 2026
Artist Invitation Acceptance Deadline: January 8, 2027
Booth Purchase Deadline: January 8, 2027
Show Dates: Thursday-Saturday, April 29 - May 1, 2027
Artist Payment Issued: (approximately) May 21, 2027

SHOW DATES & HOURS
Artist Arrival & Set Up: Wednesday, April 28 (evening times TBA) OR Thursday, April 29 from 8:30 AM until 11 AM. 
Artist Dinner and Welcome: Thursday, April 29 at 4:30 PM
Opening Night Party (21 & up event): Thursday, April 29 from 5:30 PM until 9 PM
Daytime Shopping Hours: Friday, April 30 from 12 PM until 6 PM
Show and Cocktail Reception (21 & up event): Friday, April 30 from 6 PM until 9 PM
Family Day: Saturday, May 1 from 10 AM until 4 PM
Takedown and Artist Departure: Saturday, May 1 from 4 PM until 6 PM

FEES
Application Fee: $50
Indoor Booth Fee: $150
Outdoor Booth Fee: $100
 
ARTIST SELECTION

• Approximately 90 artists will be invited to participate in the 2027 Harding Art Show, a fine art sale with a diversity of price points and media. Openings for artists are available in every art category. The majority of artists are painters using oils, acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media; openings are also available in ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, metals, photography, sculpture, and woodwork.
• Artists are chosen by a designated selection committee, whose members (jurors) have a variety of backgrounds including artists, designers, and supporters.
• Artist applications must be accompanied by a short artist bio (no more than 5 sentences) and eight (8) digital images of the artists' artwork to be used on website/social media. Images must be current and represent the quality, average price points, consistency, and style of work the artist intends to exhibit. Respective prices for each image submitted must be included. Please ensure that images are of high resolution (if needed, refer to ZAPP’s Image Preparation information, addressed via the Help Center). 

ARTIST AMENITIES

• Advertising and Marketing: This is a heavily advertised event, including an extensive print and digital mailing list, thousands of social media followers, and partnerships with local publications and interior designers.
• Artist Hospitality: We strive for each artist to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Catered meals, beverages, and snacks are provided each day on a complimentary basis in our artist hospitality area.  We have a robust group of volunteers available throughout the show to help troubleshoot issues and provide support and assistance.  Each artist is assigned an artist liaison who provides critical show information, answers artist questions, and supports the artist throughout the entire show process.  
• Artist Booths:  For artists exhibiting indoors, Harding will provide white pegboards, hanging hardware, a power strip, and access to electricity. Artists are responsible for lighting and any additional staging or design elements for display.  We recommend artists bring at least 25-35 works (jewelers and ceramics artists need to bring more). Artists exhibiting outside will be provided a power strip and access to electricity but are responsible for providing their own booth/tent, etc.
• Onsite Security: Private security is provided 24 hours per day during the entirety of the event. Locked and video-monitored storage is also available for overflow inventory. 
• Easy Check-Out System: Harding is responsible for all activities related to check out and payment. 
• Prompt Payment: Within three weeks of The Harding Art Show, each artist will receive a direct deposit comprising 70% of his/her gross sales. A detailed report, listing all items sold will also be available. Please note that NO checks will be cut; ALL monies will be via direct deposit. The month prior to the show, all accepted artists will be required to provide EFT information. Instructions will be provided closer to the start of the show.

• All works exhibited must be for sale and must be original, designed and produced by, or under the direct supervision of the exhibiting artist. 
• The eight (8) images submitted in the application must accurately represent the artist’s work and be of the same quality, range of price points, consistency and style that will be exhibited.
• Artists should accurately designate their work in the media category that most closely corresponds to the majority of their items being brought to the show. We do not allow multiple applications per artist.
• No commercial reproductions, posters or promotional products are permitted. A small number of limited, signed, high-quality reproductions may be allowed.
• Except in special circumstances, the artist must be present with his/her art during the show. Volunteers will be available to provide respite for short breaks and meals.
• Artists will display their works for sale within their designated booths and will have limited space (on-site) for storing additional inventory. 
• Two weeks prior to the show, each exhibiting artist will be required to provide a list of inventory, brief description, and price for each item that will be brought to the show from which Harding will generate and print barcoded price tags. 

 
ARTIST SALES
Artists receive seventy percent (70%) of the total price of each item sold via The Harding Art Show, with the remaining thirty percent (30%) going directly to Harding Academy. Should any artwork be commissioned during the show or items be sold/commissioned within 120 days following The Harding Art Show, Harding Academy is to receive thirty percent (30%) of the total price of the item.
 
SALES TAX RESPONSIBILITY
Exhibiting artists are responsible for Tennessee sales tax, if any, due as a result of the sales contemplated herein, on the portion of the proceeds (70% which represents the fair market value and sales tax collected) received by the artist.
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or additional information, please send an email to artshow@hardingacademy.us.