Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 2027

The Woodlands, Texas

Jury fee: $40

Contact Information

The Woodlands Waterway

Contact Email: artistinfo@thewoodlandsartscouncil.org

Contact Phone: 832-304-9863

Requirement Overview

Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply. Emerging Artist Program or Grants exist.
Submission Limit: 2

Media Requirements

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

Opportunity Summary

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival has inspired art lovers for twenty-one years and consistently ranks among the country's top arts events. The community enjoys art, and the festival shares that passion with artists and visitors!

Along the Waterway that runs through The Woodlands Town Center, from The Marriott Waterway Hotel and Convention Center past The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Town Green Park, about 200 national, international, and regional artists showcase and sell their original works.

The festival's location, 27 miles north of the greater Houston area, benefits artists. The greater Houston area has over 6 million residents, including 1 million along the Montgomery County/North Houston corridor.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is organized by The Woodlands Arts Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors, an Advisory Committee, and over 500 community volunteers. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Inc.'s mission is to offer regional cultural enrichment opportunities that encourage, support, and promote the performing and visual arts.

Applications will be accepted from August 1, 2026 through October 12, 2026 at midnight.
Coupon Codes will be emailed to 2025/ 2026 Award Artists.
All plans are subject to change if circumstances beyond our control arise.

General Information

2026-2027 Important Dates

October 12, 2026: Application deadline at midnight (CST)

November 7, 2026: Artist Image Jury- LIVE

November 23, 2026: Artist Notification of jury results via email in ZAPPlication profile

December 19, 2026: Invited Artist Payment deadline -Contracts and booth fees due

February 1, 2027: Refund deadline at midnight CST. The marketing campaign kicks off.

April 7 & 8, 2027: Artist Load-in beginning at 9 AM. No vehicles on site after 9 AM Friday.

April 9,10 & 11, 2027: The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (Fri. 1pm-5pm , Sat. 10am-6pm & Sun. 10AM-5PM)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Apply online at www.zapplication.org. We use ZAPPLICATION for communication and marketing information. BE SURE YOUR PROFILE INFORMATION IS CURRENT AND CORRECT IN ZAPPLICATION. Please use proper capitalization.

Each Artist must submit four (4) images (three images of work and one booth image), one complete application per entry, and a $40 NON-REFUNDABLE jury fee.
If an artist has work in different media categories or distinctly separate bodies of work within one category, they may apply with multiple applications (up to two). NO ADVANTAGE IS GAINED BY SUBMITTING MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAME BODY OF WORK IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES.
All work must be original and made by the applying artist. NO BUY-SELL ALLOWED
Work to be exhibited must be represented in the jury images. The judges will note types of work not reflected in your submitted images at the festival, and future festival participation may be denied.
For each medium entered, include three (3) images of artwork completed within the last three years that accurately represent the current body of work to be exhibited. The Booth Slide (fourth image), preferably taken at an outdoor venue, must illustrate the artist's presentation of their work and display. The purpose of the booth image is to ensure the artist has a complete body of work and helps identify the scale of the artist's work.
Note: This is a blind jury process; please do not submit booth images that include identifiable signs or a photo of the artist.
The recommended image size is 1920 pixels on the longest side, with an approximate file size of 2.0 MB. For more information, please access www.zapplication.org/imaging_tips.phtml

JURY PROCESS:

A jury of judges selected based on their specific interests, professional knowledge, and/or background with our festival will jury the applications. Prior participation in The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival does not guarantee automatic selection to the festival. Festival staff members are not voting members of the panel, and their opinions are not reflected in the final jury scores.

YOUR artists’ statements are critical! The short artist’s statement (100 characters) is read aloud to the jury as images are shown. Your long statement allows you to share more information that we use to review your work before the jury and then again when you are accepted on our social media.

Applications are juried in the media category.
Each application is juried anonymously and given a numerical score from 1 – 7, with 4 not being used.
Scores are tabulated, and acceptance is awarded to the highest-scoring applicants within each category. The jury will select a balanced show composition, but no quotas exist.
Artists will be notified of their status via email, as listed in their ZAPPlication profile, by November 23, 2026.
The Executive Director, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, has the final authority to make such adjustments as deemed necessary and the right to invite up to five artists.
The 2025 & 2026 Best of Show Award Winners and Featured Artists are jury-exempt.* All award winners must register through https://www.zapplication.org by October 12, 2026.

*Special instructions with a coupon code will be emailed to enable Best of Show & Featured Artists to register for their complimentary booth and exempt jury status.

WAIT LIST: A wait list will be maintained. Selected waitlisted artists may be contacted when the waitlist is released, and up to one day before the event date.

On November 7th, 2026, a jury panel consisting of five to seven art professionals and collectors will jury the applications using a 1-7 scoring system. Artists receiving the top scores in 12 media categories will be invited to participate in the event.

All award winners must register through Zapplication. (Special instructions with a coupon code and booth upgrades will be emailed to enable BOS & Featured Artists to register for their complimentary booth and exempt jury status.)

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Participating artists agree to follow and abide by safety protocol as communicated by festival management.

No mass-produced reproductions are allowed.
Only artists juried into the JEWELRY category may display and sell jewelry.
2D is any work by design intended to be displayed on walls (or in vertical orientation) in a one-sided direction.

MEDIA CATEGORIES:

The Arts Festival uses media categories to organize artists' images into logical, related groups for the jury's review. While a balanced show that equitably showcases fine art, fine contemporary craft, and diversity among media is a principal objective, there is no quota or entitlement by media category.

Ceramics: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted. Each piece must be signed if multiple pieces of the same design are displayed. No factory-produced work is allowed. Clay work from commercial molds is prohibited. Painted commercial slip-cast work is not permitted.

2D 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, and fiber that is not wearable. Digital Art consists of any original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using a computer. Works in this category must be limited editions, signed, and numbered on archival-quality materials. Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category.

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.”

Drawing/Pastels/Printmaking: Works created using dry media, including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc., or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush, are to be entered in this category.
Printed works for which the artist hand-manipulated the plates, stones, or screens are adequately signed and numbered as a limited edition. All photogravure, photocopy, and/or offset reproductions will be rejected. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes. Prints must be matted and displayed in a suitable portfolio or stand.

Emerging Artist: This category is designed specifically for artists residing in Texas with little or no experience exhibiting and selling their artwork at any venue. Artists just beginning their careers in the art world are encouraged to apply.

The application procedure and fee are the same as the regular show.
Upon acceptance, Emerging Artists will pay a reduced booth fee of $300 and may rent a tent for an additional $250. You will be sent a coupon code that will discount the standard rates.
Receive mentoring through the Arts Festival.
Artists may apply to the Emerging Artist Program or the general show, but not to both.
The Arts Festival reserves the right to pre-screen and research emerging artists to ensure they are a fit for this category and do not have extensive experience exhibiting and selling their work.
Emerging Artists are asked to include the 4th image of their work instead of a booth image. When uploading the images, upload the 4th image of artwork by selecting 'YES '; this is the booth shot, even though it is not. Then select 'Emerging Artist' as the medium category and complete the application.
80% of all two-dimensional work displayed must be original.

Fiber: All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted. No factory-produced wearable items may be exhibited, regardless of any additional modifications or enhancements made by the artist.

Glass: Functional or decorative glass works that are kiln-formed or have been crafted by glass blowing, molding, or casting may be entered. No forms of mass production are permitted.

Jewelry: This category includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional works that incorporate more than one type of physical material. All images must be original in composition. No copies or derivative work allowed. All jewelry must be entered in this category, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work is allowed. PMC/precious metal clay must be labeled as such. Any jewelry with most components purchased or not made directly by the participating artist is prohibited. No commercial casts or molds are allowed. Work that the artist has designed, but with no subsequent hands-on work by the artist, is prohibited. No more than 15% of a piece may consist of commercial findings.

Painting: Original compositions created in oils, acrylics, or watercolor. Painting overprints/giclees or pre-existing images is not considered an original. These are considered "altered reproductions" and must go in browse bins and be labeled as outlined above.

Photography: Photographic prints made from the artist's original image, which have been processed by that artist or under their direct supervision, are included in this category. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes. All pieces must be signed, numbered, and dated in a limited edition. Prints must meet "archival quality" standards.

Sculpture/Metal Works: Three-dimensional original work done in any medium. If recycled materials are used, they must be altered or utilized in a manner that differs from their original purpose.

Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved are accepted in the wood category.

**2-Dimensional Reproductions:

Limited edition reproductions are allowed.
A reproduction is any work reproduced by a machine (rather than by the artist's hand). This includes giclée, photocopies, offset lithographs, prints, and other similar media. List the reproduction method on each one.
Reproductions must match the style and quality of the juried work.
Label all reproductions "reproduction" on the front of the piece or in front of the bin.
Reproductions should not be labeled "prints." You may not use the word "Print" unless it is a hand-pulled print.
A reproduction of an original altered by adding paint or other media is considered an "altered reproduction" and may not be sold as an original.
Postcards, note cards, calendars, mousepads, magnets, and other similar items are prohibited.

AMENITIES:

Promotion of the event to the art-buying public in sources including but not limited to newspapers, radio, direct mail, press releases, banners, billboards, magazines, and other advertising sources.
Artist information and business page of your work on the website
Website and Social Media promotion and cross-promotional opportunities provided
Security 24 hours a day during the load-in and load-out process and the festival event
Artist Relief—booth sitting, water, and snacks provided by Artist Relations Volunteer
Breakfast Saturday & Sunday of the event

ARTIST AWARDS:

On Saturday of the festival, a team of judges selected based on their specific interests, professional knowledge, and/or background with our festival, representing The Woodlands Arts Council, will walk the venue to choose 2028’s Featured Artist and our six 2027 Best of Show Artists. Judges will score the quality of the artwork and the booth presentation of the top-scoring artists from the Zapplication jury held in November.

The 2028 Featured Artist will receive a complimentary 3-night stay at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, a complimentary double booth for the 2028 Festival, and their art will be featured on all promotional materials for 2028.

The Best of Show Artists receive a free single booth space the following year with priority booth placement and an enhanced presence on our website.

ALL AWARD WINNERS will be jury-exempt for two years: no jury fee or process.

FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW PARTY:

ART DASH PARTY

We invite all participating artists to become a “VIP” Artist by donating a work of art valued at $250 or more to the 2027 Friday evening Art Dash Event held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. Donations will be limited to the first 100 artists who commit to participating. Your generous donation will be included in an exciting ‘60 Second ART DASH,” which benefits our student art scholarships and educational outreach programs.

As a donor, the artist and one guest will have complimentary party tickets, including fabulous food, drink, and entertainment. (VALUE $300.00)
This is a prime opportunity to connect with our community leaders, art patrons, and fellow artists. (Value priceless)
Donating artists will have their work highlighted on our festival website and Facebook page (Value priceless)

Application Requirements

By applying to The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, the artist agrees to adhere to and abide by all the following rules and the terms in the legal agreement.

Image Usage: The Accepted artist agrees that The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival may use submitted jury images for website, promotional, or publicity purposes.
Artists must be present with their work for the entire duration of the festival. Representatives may not attend in place of the artist. Please do not apply to this show unless BOTH the Artist and the Collaborator, as listed in your ZAPPlication profile, can and will attend all days of the Festival. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival requires photo identification (including collaborator) at check-in to ensure compliance. The Festival reserves the right to check ID each day of the Festival.
Accepted artists may not exhibit in other art festivals during the dates of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (April 9-11, 2027).
All work must be original, handcrafted work. The artist guarantees the accuracy of the descriptions of the works presented and the authenticity of the works as their own creations.
It is the artist’s responsibility to identify the category for which they would like to be juried. Please choose the category that best describes your work. If you do not choose a category (medium), your application will not be processed.
Artists may show only work in categories, and the body of work selected by the Jury. All work exhibited must be of the quality, category, and body of work shown in the images juried.
Work done by a production studio is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist. Your exhibited art must be original and your creation. No use of commercial kits or molds.
Exhibiting artists are required to display their booth number sign (distributed at check-in) in a prominent place in front of the booth in accordance with our Emergency Response Plan.
80% of all two-dimensional work displayed must be original. Artists must define reproduction or limited edition throughout their artist’s statement and disclose this information on the individual piece. T-shirts, postcards, note cards, mouse pads, or other personal promotional items are not permitted.
Artists who break down displays, who are “no-shows” before the opening of the Festival, or who depart before closing time on any day of the Festival will not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows unless proof of an emergency is presented.
All Artists are responsible for collecting and paying the State of Texas sales tax. (8.25%) https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/forms/index.php
No commission on sales will be paid to The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival.
All artist tent structures must be white and of commercial or professional quality. Due to possible high wind concerns, lightweight accordion-style pop-up tents are unacceptable (only ABC and Eurmax COMMERCIAL or equivalent grade pop-ups are acceptable). Tents must be appropriately weighted to ensure safety for the artist, the artist's next to you, and our patrons. The artist(s) assume liability if their tent is incorrectly weighted. Tent rentals for rent are available. No outside rentals or tent stakes. Weights and water barrels only. Please be prepared with extra weights, as strong winds may be present and require additional support. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING EXTRA WEIGHTS.
No driving on the grass or landscaping beds. All vehicles must stay on the pathway.
Artist is responsible for the insurance and protection of the work during setup and the show. The festival will not be liable for damage to work or setup due to weather or unrelated incidents.
Any breach of the rules will forfeit all rights of the artist and result in immediate removal from the show without a refund.
Booth Fee Refund Policy: With documented reasons for cancellation, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will offer refunds if cancellation is received by 12:00 a.m. CST on February 1, 2027. Refunds will equal “Total of Purchases” minus the $75 processing fee. Refunds are issued by check and will be mailed to the artist's address provided in ZAPPlication. All refund requests must be submitted via email to artistinfo@thewoodlandsartscouncil.org, along with a brief explanation for the cancellation.
No-Show Policy: Artists who have not checked in and/or called Artists Relations emergency phone number and/or emailed artistinfo@thewoodlandsartscouncil.org (Emergency Phone will be provided in Artist confirmation materials) will be considered a “no-show” by Thursday, at 5:00 p.m. CST. No-show artists are not eligible for refunds. Assigned space(s) will be forfeited to a wait-list artist.
Best of Show artists invited to return without being juried must apply by the deadline (October 12, 2026) with the coupon code. The code will be emailed to the award winners.

If WWAF is required for reasons beyond its control to postpone, shorten, or cancel, no artist shall have any right or claim for any damages, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, or any other kind, arising or alleged to arise because of postponement or cancellation of the event. No refunds or preferred treatment can be made for inclement weather or any other causes not in the control of WWAF.

Jury Details

Average number of applications submitted each year

700

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

200

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

Booth Information

Booth Information:
Single $ 600 (10 x 10)
Single with 1 Corner $ 900 (10 x 15)
Single with 2 Corners $ 1200 (10 x 20)
Double2 $ 1200 (10 x 20)
Double 2 with 1 corner $ 1500 (10 x 25)
Double 2 with 2 corners $ 1800 (10 x 30)
RENTALS
10’x 10’ Tent Canopy: $350
10' x 20' Tent Canopy: $475
Folding Chair: $10
Table (6’): $25
Table (8’): $25
Electricity: $300 at the time of booth purchase; $400 Requests during load-in. (NOTE: Electricity is not available in all locations and may affect booth placement).

We highly recommend bringing your own battery packs and wifi hotspots. We cannot guarantee wifi availability or electricity if requested after the booth assignment.

Tents, Tables, Chairs & Electricity must be ordered by February 15, 2027.

BOOTH PAYMENT OPTIONS:

OPTION 1: Credit Card through Zapplication
OPTION 2: Mail checks to: The Woodlands Arts Council, P. O. Box 8184, The Woodlands, TX 77387
A $32 bank fee will be charged on all returned checks.

BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS:

Priority for Booth Assignments is as follows:

1) Featured Artist and Best of Show Artists;

2) Invited Returning Artists;

3) Invited New Artists;

4) Invited Wait Listed Artists.

Individual booth assignments are made to create an appealing mix of media. Assignments are at the sole discretion of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and the Executive Director and are non-interchangeable and non-transferable.

Refund Policy

Cancellation notification must be received in writing February 1, 2026, by midnight CST
The jury fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
“Total of Purchases” will be refunded minus the $75 processing fee.
Refunds are issued by check and are mailed to the artist's address listed in ZAPPlication.
Submit notification by email to artistinfo@TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil.org.