Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2027

About Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown is the nation’s premier spring outdoor fine art event and kicks off the spring Texas art festival circuit. 

• Located in the heart of Downtown, showcasing a sophisticated outdoor gallery with a stunning backdrop of the Houston Skyline 
• Bayou City Art Festival has a demonstrated history of record sales for artists.
• Bayou City Art Festival is the signature outdoor art event for the city of Houston 
• 30,000+ in annual attendance
• We are the first stop for fine artists on the Texas Fine Art Festival tour and we look forward to hosting you in Houston!

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL 

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown & Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park are produced by Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA)

Both festivals showcase exceptional art from across the country. The Art Colony Association is dedicated to supporting its exhibiting artists while promoting the arts and raising funds for local nonprofits.

Twice a year, more than 1,000 artists apply to be reviewed by ACA jurors, with only selected artists invited to exhibit. The festivals give art collectors the opportunity to meet artists face-to-face, experience original works, and purchase world-class art while building meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

The 19 fine art/fine crafts categories are:

1. Clay
2. Digital (not photography)
3. Drawing/ Pastel
4. Fiber/ Textiles
5. Functional Art (includes furniture, wearable art, etc.)
6. Glass
7. Jewelry
8. Leather
9. Metal
10. Mixed Media 2D
11. Mixed Media 3D
12. Painting/ Acrylic or Oil
13. Painting/ Watercolor
14. Photography/ Digital or Computer Manipulated
15. Photography/ Traditional Film (no machine enhancements)
16. Printmaking/ Intaglio, Relief and Planographic
17. Emerge: Artists on the Rise 
18. Sculpture/ 3D - 1 medium (Clay, Glass, Metal, Stone or Wood)
19. Wood (Decorative)

 

The ACA is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, Executive Director Kelly Batterson, and Director of Artist Relations Wendi Meisberger.

Jury Information and Policies

1. Panel consists of 5 - 7 jurors 
2. Judges are selected based on specific interests, professional knowledge, and/or background in the arts
3. Festival staff members are not voting members of the panel and their opinions are not reflected in the final jury scores
4. Jurors change with each event
5. Work is scored on a 1 to 7 scale
6. All five slides, four shots of the work and one booth shot, are projected simultaneously. Judges have access to the artist's statement but are not shown the artist's name or any other identifying information
7. Please do not include your name or any identifying information in your submitted images. Failure to abide by this rule will result in lower jury scores

 

Awards

• Cash Prizes awarded for Best in Show, 2nd and 3rd
• Ribbons awarded for Best Booth and Museum of Fine Arts Houston Curatorial Award
• All winners receive jury-exempt status for two years
• The Awards will be announced during complimentary artist breakfast Sunday, April 4, 2027
   

Artist Relations Services

• Designated parking
• Laminated booth signs
• Exhibitor identification badges
• Booth sitters
• Hotel special rates
• 24-hour security during the Festival, beginning 1 day prior to the event
• Water, snacks, and other refreshments provided during festival hours
• Complimentary patron art pickup for large artwork during festival hours

FESTIVAL ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bayou City Art Festival is committed to encouraging artistic exploration while maintaining a high standard of quality through our jury process. The following rules outline basic eligibility, application, and participation requirements for all artists. Festival Producers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and regulations at their discretion.

1. ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

• The Festival is open to all applying artists. All applicants are presented to the jury without distinction as to whether they are previous exhibitors.
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Exceptions may be considered for special circumstances. A parent or legal guardian must contact the Artist Relations Director prior to applying.
• Commercial agents, dealers, manufacturers, and galleries are not eligible to apply or exhibit on behalf of an artist.
• All artwork must be original and created by the applying artist(s). Work produced by apprentices or employees will not be accepted.
• The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools in the creation of submitted or exhibited artwork is prohibited. 
• If two or more artists collaborate to produce original work, each artist must be identified on the application.
• To preserve the artist-to-patron experience and align with industry standards, exhibiting artists must be present on-site for the entire festival. Spouses, employees, galleries, or other representatives may not substitute for the artist. A photo ID is required at check-in.

2. APPLICATION & JURY REQUIREMENTS

• Artists may apply in more than one category, but each application must represent a different body of work. Only one application may be submitted per body of work, with a jury fee required for each category.
• Artists applying in multiple categories must use the same artist name on each application. Artists accepted in multiple categories will exhibit in one booth space.
• Artists must submit work that accurately represents the artwork they intend to exhibit and sell at the Festival.
• Artists should not appear in their submitted booth images, and artist names or studio names should not be visible in submitted images.
• No kits, molds, tumbled stones, embellished objects, edible art, or other commercially produced items may be submitted.

Emerge: Artists on the Rise

The Emerge: Artists on the Rise Program is designed for artists with little to no experience exhibiting and selling artwork at festivals. Qualifying artists have participated in two or fewer art festivals, gallery shows, or similar exhibiting experiences.

• Artists may apply to either the Emerge Program or the regular application process, but may not apply to both.
• The application process and jury fees are the same for both programs.
• Artists accepted into Emerge will receive a reduced booth fee and a festival-provided tent.
• Emerge artists will be placed in the Emerge: Artists on the Rise area as determined by Festival Producers.
• Emerge applicants who do not have a booth image may submit a fifth image of their artwork in place of the booth image.
• The Festival reserves the right to pre-screen Emerge applicants to determine eligibility and suitability for the program.

3. BOOTH & DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS

• Artists participating in the regular application process must provide their own clean, white 10' × 10' tent. Bayou City Art Festival does not provide tent rental options, and outside tent rentals are not permitted.
• The booth image submitted with the application should accurately represent the artist's intended festival display.
• Original artwork must occupy more than 50% of the artist's booth space.
• Artists must display and sell work that corresponds with the body of work submitted to the jury.
• Postcards, books, note cards, posters, T-shirts, and other promotional items are not permitted as part of the artist's booth display.

4. MEDIUM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Artists must define "limited edition" through their Artist Statement and disclose the process to the buyer.
• Prints exhibited by artists accepted in the Graphics/Printmaking category must be limited editions and properly signed and numbered.
• Reproductions of other two-dimensional artwork must be clearly labeled "Reproduction."
• Ceramic work must be handmade by the artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each piece must be signed.
• Only artists accepted in the Jewelry category may display or sell jewelry

5. IMPORTANT FESTIVAL POLICIES

• Participating exhibitors are responsible for collecting and paying all applicable city and state sales taxes on sales made during the Festival.
• Bayou City Art Festival does not collect a commission on artist sales.
• Artists must comply with all instructions from Festival staff and uniformed security personnel regarding site safety and Festival regulations.
• Only one exhibitor is permitted per booth and may display the medium in which they were juried.

6. IF INVITED

Artists invited to Bayou City Art Festival will receive a detailed Artist Packet containing additional information and requirements regarding:

• Booth assignments and location requests
• Parking, transportation, and load-in/load-out
• Festival schedules and artist check-in
• Booth display and inventory regulations
• Site safety and vehicle policies
• Deadlines and required forms
• Festival operations and other artist logistics

Additional exceptions to Festival policies may be requested after acceptance. All exceptions must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the Festival and require approval from the Director of Artist Relations.

By submitting an application, artists acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to comply with the Festival's eligibility requirements, rules, and regulations.

The following booth options and fees are provided for reference and are subject to change for the 2027 Festival based on Festival budget and planning.

BOOTH OPTIONS

Single Booth: $525
10' × 10' booth with 1 selling side. The front 10' section is open for selling, with neighboring booths on both sides.

Corner Booth: $775
10' × 10' booth with 2 selling sides. The front 10' section and one side are open for selling, with no tent on one side of the space.

Double 2 Booth: $1,050
10' × 20' booth with 2 selling sides. Two 10' sections are positioned side-by-side across the front, with neighboring booths on both sides.

Double 3 Booth: $1,300
10' × 20' booth with 3 selling sides. Two 10' sections are positioned side-by-side across the front, with one additional open side.

Double 4 Booth: $1,775
10' × 20' booth with 4 selling sides. Two 10' sections are positioned side-by-side across the front, with both sides open for selling.

Electricity: $250
Electricity is available for an additional fee and includes one 4-outlet electrical box.

BOOTH REQUIREMENTS

• Artists are responsible for providing their own 10 x 10 professional quality tent.
• Tents must be properly weighted on all four corners.
• The Festival does not provide tent rentals, and outside tent rental companies are not permitted.
• Artists are responsible for providing their own booth display materials, including walls, panels, shelving, tables, lighting, signage, and other necessary display equipment.

BOOTH REQUESTS & PLACEMENT

• Artists will have the opportunity to submit a Booth Request Form through ZAPP after purchasing a booth space for the Festival. Artists may indicate preferred booth locations and/or special placement needs.
• Booth requests are not guaranteed and are subject to availability, Festival layout, and Artist Relations approval. 

Additional information regarding booth placement, setup, load-in, parking, and Festival logistics will be provided to Invited artists in the Artist Welcome & Information Packet.

CHECK-IN / LOAD-IN

• Check in will be held Friday April 2, 2027 from 11:00am - 7:00pm
• Load-in will begin Friday April 2, 2027 after 8:00 pm 
• Artists must follow all setup and load-in instructions provided by Festival staff. No setup is permitted after 8:00 AM on opening day, Saturday April 3, 2027

ACA Booth Fee Refund Policy: With documented reasons for cancellation, ACA will offer refunds starting after the first day of purchase and up to 45 days prior to the opening day of the festival. Refunds are issued through ZAPP and will be returned to the card used for purchased or on file. All refund requests must be submitted by email to artist@bayoucityartfestival.com with a brief explanation for cancelation.

• 100% refund of booth fee up to the booth purchase deadline, February 10, 2027
• 50% refund of booth fee between February 11-March 5, 2027
• No refunds will be approved after March 5, 2027