Cool Art Show by PAVA 2027

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2ND

The 38th Annual Cool Art Show by PAVA is a juried fine art and fine craft show presented by The Professional Association of Visual Artists.  The show attracts 2500 local visitors each year. 

The show is held indoors in the St. Petersburg Coliseum, an air-conditioned, 100+ year old theater and performance hall venue.  The space accommodates 66 artist booth spaces, in addition to in-house concessions and artist led Interactive Arts Area for visitors.  On-site parking is free, for both artists and patrons, with easy access from I-275.  Artist ammenities include Friday setup, continental breakfast and all day snacks on show days.  No overnight camping available.

All fine art / fine craft artists may apply to the show.  A PAVA 1 year membership (new or renewal) will be included in the booth fee.  Members may apply to participate in additionak PAVA exhibits for 1 year.  PAVA is a non-profit, all volunteer organization.  

SHOW DATES and TIMES:

• Friday, July 16th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.:  Artist Load-in and setup. 
• Setup and preparation time continues both Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
• Show dates:  Saturday, July 17th and Sunday, July 18th
• Show Hours:  Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  Sunday, March 14th
ALL NOTIFICATIONS:  Monday, April 5th
DEADLINE TO ACCEPT AND PAY: Sunday, May 2nd
BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS ON ZAPP:  Friday, July 9th

MEMBERS' AWARDS:  The PAVA Members' Awards are now a part of the PAVA Cool Art Show.  Booth artists are automatically eligible for the awards.  IMPORTANT:  Awardees are select by the consortium of non-PAVA art professionals jurying the show.  Selections will be made using the images submitted with your application.  NO ON-SITE jurying.

• Best of Show:  $500
• Distinguished Artists (4 awards):  $300
• Artists pf Merit (5 awards):  $100

PAVA Members who do not wish to participate as a booth artist, are eligible for separate awards designed specifically for studio artists.  Information will be provided to those  artists whose membership is current as of 3/1/2026.  Information will be available on May 3rd.

WAIT LIST POLICY:   Qualified professional artists who are not included in the initial invitations to the show, will be placed on the wait list.  In the event an invited artist is unable to accept or must withdraw, wait list artists will be invited to take the vacate spot. Wait list invitations are at the discretion of PAVA and the Cool Art Show 2027.

• Wait list invitations may be offered at any time between May 3rd and July 9th.
• Wait list invitees will receive an invitation through ZAPP and ZAPP email, that includes a deadline to accept and pay.  The deadline will be 5 days or less depending on proximity to the show dates.
• Please check your email and spam folders regularly.

SITE FACTS:

• This is an indoor, climate controlled venue. 
• Exhibitors must provide their own displays.  There are no rentals.
• Tents are not required unless the framework is integral to supporting the walls or furniture of your display. 
• Displays must be sturdy and stable. 
• The floor is a polished wood floor.  Please take any necessary precautions to protect the floor.
• Pets are not permitted.  Service animals only please.  By Florida statutes, service animals are dogs and miniature horses only.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the building or on the surrounding property. 
• No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the show by artists
• No open flames of any kind (candles, etc.) are permitted.
• No painting, pastels, assembling or framing or other art activities during the show.
• No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the building.  Beer and wine are available for purchase at the concession.
• The building is locked and secured during non-show hours.  You do not need to "close your booth' at night.
• We recommend you remove or secure small valuables and personal items each night. 
• There will be uniformed security on site both Saturday and Sunday morning during the additional setup hours of 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.   Badges are required to enter before 10 a.m.

PAVA and the Cool Art Show are not responsible for the safety and security of your display, artwork or personal belongings.

INTERACTIVE ARTS AREA: The Interactive Arts Area is located across from the concessions.  Both children and adults can take part in creating artwork and a memory.  The activities will be led by a PAVA artist not exhibiting in the show. 

CONCESSIONS:  There are city operated concessions in the building.  They offer a limited menu of sandwiches and snacks.  Beverages, including beer and wine are available.  Concessions will be open on Saturday and Sunday only.  There are no other food locations in the neighborhood.

ARTIST OASIS:  FREE for artists and their assistants.  Friday water and snacks.  Saturday and Sunday, breakfast, all day snacks and beverages will be available in the "PAVA Office" located left of the stage (formerly Alcove 7).

PARKING:  Parking is on-site and free to both artists and visitors.  Detached trailers or work vans / box trucks may be left overnight in designated areas on site. Large RV's and overnight camping of any kind are prohibited. It is a misdemeanor to sleep in your vehicle overnight in the city.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Incomplete or incorrectly filled out applications and applications that do not meet the art, booth and image requirements stated in this application will not be considered for the jury process.

PAVA and the Cool Art Show 2027 reserve the right to refuse any application.  Submitting the application and fee indicates acceptance of the policies of PAVA and the Cool Art Show 2027.

• Applications must be submitted through Zapplications on or before Sunday, March 14th.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• Invited / Not Invited / Wait List notifications to artists will be communicated via ZAPP email and on the Zapplication website.
• Artists must Accept or Decline and Pay through ZAPP using a  credit or debit card or PayPal.  No checks or other forms of payment are accepted.
• No telephone or personal email notifications.
• Booth numbers will be posted on ZAPP on or before July 9rh.
• All decisions of the jury and the show management are final.

APPLICATION FEE:  $40 per applicaiton, non-refundable.  To apply in more than one category, a separate application and fee must be made.

ARTISTS EXHIBITING JEWELRY: Only artists who have juried in the Jewelry category are permitted to exhibit jewelry in their booth. Artists working in ceramics, glass, metal, wood may exhibit up to 4 jewelry items created by their own hands in their primary media, without filing a separate application. One application image MUST be of this jewelry.

COLLABORATIVE TEAMS:  Artists who work together throughout the artistic process, from design through completed product, may apply via a single application.  Both artists will be listed on the booth sign and in promotional materials.  Both artists must be present at all times during show hours.

BOOTH SHARING:  Booths may be shared by non-collaborative artist partners who have similar or complimentary media types.  Maximum 2 artists per booth.  Each artist must submit a separate application for his or her work. One person may be accepted by the jury and one not.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS:
Artwork exhibited in the booth must be original fine art / fine craft works created by the artist's own hands or under the artist's direct supervision.

REPRODUCTION POLICY:  Up to 20% of your wall exhibit may be professional quality reproductions.  This means 2 reproductions allowed in every 10 pieces hung.  NO REPRODUCTIONS if hanging less than 10 pieces.  Reproductions must be part of a numbered series.  A sign or label that is at least 3 inches square, that includes the word "REPRODUCTION" in letters that are at least 1/4 inch high, must be placed beside wall displayed reproduction.  All reproductions, including those in browse bins, should be clearly labelled as such.

ACCEPTED MEDIA:

• Painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor)
• Pastels
• Drawing (pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, pen & ink, pigments)
• Mixed Media (2D or 3D)
• Photography (film or digital)
• Digital Art (computer images generated from the artist's own source material)
• Printmaking - by the artist's own hand
• Metal (sculptures or other 3-D objects, wall pieces, designed and smithed by the artist)
• Sculptures (natural substrates, metal, paper, wood, resin)
• Paper / Papier Mache
• Mosaics
• Clay / ceramics (handmade, kiln fired or low temperature alternatives)
• Glass (handmade, blown or kiln fired)
• Fiber (handmade / hand dyed fabrics and weavings, no embellishment or commerical produced items, no home craft needlework)
• Leather
• Jewelry (fine metals and gems, casual metal or beadwork, all components handmade by the artist, no assemblage)
• Wood (decorative or functional handmade items)

IMAGES:

• Each application must include 3 images of original that accurately represent the work you intend to exhibit.
• Each application must include 1 image of your booth / display as your booth will look during the show , including artwork representative of your exhibit.
  • Booth shots that include any persons or signage that would identify you as the artist are subject  to immediate disqualification. 
  • A non-professional booth setup may also result in disqualification.
• Artwork submitted for jurying must have been completed after January 1st, 2024.
• Artists are juried based on the images submitted.

BOOTH REQUIREMENTS:
Booths must be professional in appearance and in good repair.  They must be sturdy and stable, and not present a danger to visitors or to other artists.  Artists must provide their own booth setups. 

• Tents are not required unless the framework is an integral support for the booth wall or furnishings.  If used, tents must be white, professional festival tents.
• Walls may be fabric, mesh, back-draped gridwall or finished wood. 
  • 3 walls, 6 - 10 feet in height are required for each 2-dimensional artist. 
  • Only a 6 - 10 foot back wall is required for 3-dimensional artists. 
  • Walls must be braced or weighted if free-standing, for the safety of artists and visitors.
• Items not on exhibit and all bags, bubble wrap, cash registers or cash boxes, must be behind the back wall of your booth or otherwise out of sight..
• All items must be contained within the 10x10 booth space.  Aisles and walkways must remain clear, per the local fire code (enforced).
• Browse bins (floor standing and table top) must be professional in appearance (wood, fabric / fiber).  No plastic tubs, milk crates, laundry baskets, etc.  Limit 3 browse bins per booth.
• Tables must be skirted.
  • Household linens are not a substitute for table skirting. 
  • Small non-plastic accent tables that compliment your artwork are permitted without coverings.
• Shelving and cabinetry must be professional in appearance.  No board and concrete block shelving, plastic shelving, milk crates, etc.
• Use of generators and lead - acid inverters are strictly prohibited. 
  • LED battery lights are permitted. 
  • Supplemental electricity is available for purchase. 

All booths and electrical connections must past inspection by the Fire Marshall.  Fabrics should be fire-retardant.  Non-compliant booths or components must be removed.  The Fire Marshall remains on-site throughout the show.

PAVA and the Cool Art Show 2027 reserve the right to remove at any time during setup or the show, any artist or portion of an artist's exhibit that does not conform to the art and booth requirements stated in this application.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
We will use the contact information provided by the artist in their Zapplications Profile.  It is the artist's responsibility to insure that this information, including social media information, is accurate and kept up to date.  Your social media information in ZAPP may be used in promotion of the show.  

• All participating artists must be present during show hours.
• Artist assistants may not substitute for the artists other than for short duration breaks.
• Only accepted artists may exhibit at the show.
• Artists should refrain from aggressive, abrasive or offensive actions or language toward patrons and fellow artists.
• Playing of music is prohibitted.
• No sales. raffles or other marketing ploys are permitted.
• Artists are liable for any damage or destruction of property of the City of St. Petersburg as a result of direct or deliberate action.
• Failute to comply with the policies of the show may result in expulsion from the show and exclusion from future events.

Check in and setip are Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the rear west entrance (Alcove 7),  You MUST pickup your packet which includes your booth sign and ID badge.  The badge is required to enter before 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Setup resumes on Saturday at 8 a.m.

If you are unable to set up on Friday, please email the show to reconfirm you will be there Saturday a.m.
You must be ready to open by 9:30 each morning.  .

Detailed setup instructions will be emailed one week before the show.

Breakdown starts at 4:01 p.m. on Sunday.  Anyone breaking down early will not be invited to future shows.  .

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED:  

• Anything NOT created by the artist's own hands or under their direct supervision.
• Commercially produced reproductions of artwork on hats, mousepads, key chains, magnet, notecards, shirts, towels, or other media.
• Antiques and collectibles.
• Sports signage or memorabilia.
• Upcycled or embellished furniture or home goods.
• Assemblage of any kind, includes bead stringing.
• Needlecraft (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc.)
• Food and beverages, food components (oils, spices, mixes, coffee beans, etc.)
• Candles, soaps, oils and beauty products.
• Tobacco, hemp and vaping products and accessories
• Pet products.
• Tattoo artistry..
• Home improvement items.
• Plants, lawn and garden.
• Home and cottage craft
• Anuthing made from molds or kits.
• Buy / sell / free trade.

FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX:  Each artist is responsible for the collection and payment to the Florida Department of Revenue.  The tax rate is 7%

BOOTH INFORMATION::

• ALCOVES: 9 available. Size: 15x15   
  • Individual rooms on each side of the main floor.  
  • Some alcoves have external doors.  All have large windows, standard height ceilings, in ceiling lighting and bifold front doors.
  • Alcoves are raised slightly on a diasis above the floor (1 - 2 steps), with a "patio" area in front.  NOT ADA compliant. 
  • NO HANGING OF ARTWORK OR SIGNAGE ON THE ALCOVE WALLS.  YOU MUST STILL HAVE EXHIBIT WALLS IN AN ALCOVE.

• MAIN FLOOR BOOTHS:  58 available, 34 corners and 24 standard (middle).  Size:  10x10 with additional 2 feet of storage behind. 
  • CORNER BOOTHS:  Artwork may be displayed on the outside aisle wall, but not between neighboring booths,
  • STANDARD BOOTHS:  "Interior" booths with neighboring booths on each side.  Artwork cannot be displayed between booths.
  • Space between booths is approximately 7 inches.

DOUBLE BOOTHS:  A limited number of double booths MAY be available at the show, if space permits.  Price is $620 (1 corner, 1 stnadard) or $640 (2 corners, center section), plus membership fee.

LIGHTING: The ceiling height on the main floor is over 30 feet high.  Lighting is in the rafters and decorative / theater style lighting.  Supplemental electricity is available for an additional charge of $60. LED battery operated lighting is also permitted.  No generators.  No lead acid inverters.

PAVA MEMBERSHIP:  A membership in the PAVA organization is required to participate in this show.  Membership fees are included with the booth fee.  The membership fee is good for one year and applies to all PAVA exhibits and shows. If you are a current member, the fee will be pro-rated as needed and your new membership will be effective July - July.

BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS:  Booth assignments will be posted on ZAPP once all booths have been filled.  We will do our best to accommodate all booth requests.  Booth assignments are final.  Please do not ask to change your booth location.

SUMMARY OF PRICING:

• Application Fee:  $40
• Booth Base Fees
  • Alcove Booths:  $345
  • Corner Booths:  $320
  • Standard Booths:  $300
  • Double (Corner / Standard) Booths:  $620
  • Double (Corner / Corner, center section) Booths:  $640
• PAVA Membership fee:  $60
  • New or renewal
  • Will be added to all booth fees at checkout
  • Permits artists to participate in additional PAVA exhibits and shows for 1 full year
• Optiontal electricity:  $60 (must be purchased in advance)

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE STATUS:
We generally have more requests for Alcoves and Corners than we have booths available.  Some locations are more popular than others.  If you do not receive the booth type or specific booth location you requested, you will receive the next best booth available.

All notifications will be completed by end of day on Monday, April 5th
Deadline to ACCEPT and PAY is Sunday, May 2nd

Unclaimed invitations will be offered to those on the Wait List beginning Monday, May 3rd and will continue until all booth opportunities have been claimed.

REFUNDS:  By paying the exhibit fees, artists have made a commitment to participate in the show.  No refunds will be issued in the event of a natural or socio-political event that forces the cancellation of the entire show.

Accepted artists wishing to withdraw from the show should inform the show via email, on or before June 28th..  If the vacated booth can be filled from the wait list, a partial refund MAY be issued at the discretion of PAVA management.  Application fees are non-refundable.  Electricity fees are non-refundable after July 11th.  Checks will be mailed for all refunds to the artist address listed in ZAPP.

Late withdrawals will be handled on a case by case basis.