Tephra ICA Arts Festival 2027

We invite you to apply to the 36th Annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival, May 15-16, 2027.  The annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival is a competitive juried that is consistently rated as one of the best outdoor art festivals in the country, both for quality of the art work presented and for its exceptional artist hospitality.

These additions will further amplify our long-standing reputation for presenting high quality, one-of-a-kind artwork in the dynamic, open-air setting of the Reston Town Center. Known colloquially as “the Reston Show,” the Festival attracts patrons and knowledgeable collectors from the Washington, DC metropolitan region and beyond.

• Friday May 14th setup
• 40,000+ loyal, art educated patrons (Geofencing Data 2026)
• Convenient and coordinated load-in and load-out
• Free parking in onsite garages (height restriction of 6'8" or 8'2") from Friday - Sunday 
• Free parking for oversized vehicles and trailers off site
• Reduced hotel rate at on site hotel -  Hyatt Regency 
• Water and snacks delivered daily
• Booth Sitters
• $5,500 in cash awards - winners jury-exempt the next year
• Complimentary tickets to the Festival Award Breakfast for artist plus one guest, includes hot breakfast and mimosas.
• Professional staff and fabulous volunteers onsite during entire show
• 24-hour security 
• Extensive Marketing and PR
• Year round promotion on the Tephra ICA website
• Tent Rental Company - 10'x7' or 10'x9' with 10'x20' sidewalls (not an artist tent)
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The annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival is a competitive, juried event that is consistently rated as one of the best outdoor art festivals in the country, both for the quality of the artwork presented and for its exceptional artist hospitality. This event is produced by Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), a 501c3 non-profit with a 50-year history in promoting innovative contemporary art. Funds generated from the event support the institution's year-round exhibitions and educational programs which are free and open to the public.

Please Note: Due to high wind concerns, EZ up or light weight accordion style, pop-up tents are not permitted at this Festival. Please carefully review the Booth Information section of this application to ensure you have proper equipment to participate. A limited number of tent and weight rentals are available to accepted participants on a first come first served basis.

CALENDAR
September 15, 2026: Application Open - $55 Jury Fee
January 3, 2027: Preferred Application Deadline
January 4-17: Late Application Jury Fee $65
January 25-29, 2027: Jury Deliberations
February 8, 2027: Artist Notification 
March 8, 2027:  Booth Fee Deadline
March 20, 2027 - COI listing Tephra ICA as additionally insured due
March 30, 2027: Booth Assignment's Sent by Email (may be sent earlier)
March 30, 2027: Social Media Marketing Packet Sent (may be sent earlier)
May 14, 2027 (Friday): Set up 9am to 3:30pm Vehicles allowed on show footprint
May 15, 2027 (Saturday): Show Hours: 10am to 6pm
May 16, 2027 (Sunday): Show Hours 11am to 5pm
May 16, 2027 (Sunday): Breakdown 5pm - 9pm

Please note: An invitation to participate does not guarantee booth space. We invite more artists than we have available spaces to ensure a full, well-curated show. Once the show reaches capacity, any invited artist who has not committed by paying their booth fee will be automatically moved to the waitlist.

BOOTH FEES: A New, Fairer Booth Pricing Structure for 2027

For 2027, we are replacing the previous block reservation system with a new Premium, Standard, and Value booth pricing structure that recognizes the reality that not every Festival location experiences the same level of patron traffic. Rather than paying an additional fee to reserve a particular block, you can now choose the booth category and price point that makes the most sense for your artwork, sales expectations, and budget. You are welcome to request a preferred block or location on your application, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests within the booth category you select; however, specific block and booth placements cannot be guaranteed. Our goal is to create a system that is more transparent, equitable, and flexible while continuing to thoughtfully place artists throughout the Festival.

Application fee: $55 until 1/3//27 | $65 1/4/27 - 1/17/27

• Premium Booth (Booths 600-630 & 900-944): $875 (10'x10' inline) | $1000 (10'x10' Corner) | $1300 (10'x15' Inline) | $1500 (10'x15' Corner) | $1750 (10'x20' Inline Corner) | $1875 (10'x20' Corner)
• Standard Booth (Booths in 200, 300, 400, 500, 700-710, 800-814, 945-953): $675 (10'x10' inline) | $800 (10'x10' Corner) | $1000 (10'x15') | $1300 (10'x15' Corner) | $1550 (10'x20' Inline Corner) | $1675 (10'x20' Corner)
• Value Booth (Booths 100-112, 707-711, 815-818): $575 (10'x10' inline) | $700 (10'x10' Corner) | $860 (10'x15') | $985 (10'x15' Corner) | $1150 (10'x20' Inline Corner) | $1275 (10'x20' Corner)

FAST FACTS
Location: Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
Contact: Robin Markowitz, Festival Director 
Email: rmarkowitz@tephraica.org
Website: https://www.tephraica.org/festival
Mailing Address: 12001 Market Street #103, Reston, VA 20190
Telephone:  703-471-9242 (Office), 202-251-0637 (Robin Markowitz - Festival Director)
Images: 4 images of art + 1 booth image
Projection Jury: Images viewed simultaneously, artists viewed in order of application is submitted
Jurors: 3 Art Professionals
Multiple Applications: If an artist has work in different media categories you may apply with multiple applications. You can only showcase work that has been accepted.
You must apply separately for Jewelry. You cannot showcase jewelry unless accepted in that category.
Security: 24 hours
Rentals:  10'x7' or 10'x9' tent rentals available (not artist tents), extra weights, folding chairs and 6' tables
COI naming Tephra ICA as additionally insured is required. Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and booth.Tephra ICA / Reston Town Center is not responsible for damage to work or booth due to weather, accidents or unrelated incidents. 
Your COI is due 45 days before the show 

JURY PROCESS
Artist excellence in original work is the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. Images are reviewed by jurors in a blind jury online process. Artists are assigned a number and judged only on the digital images submitted, not on any other qualifications. The digital images will be displayed in one row showing (4) images of art and (1) of booth. The identity of the artists is not disclosed to jurors. The jury is comprised of three art professionals. Artistic excellence and a well-balanced show are the criteria for the selection of exhibitors. Scores are averaged together.

• You can submit up to three applications when entering multiple categories. If you are planning to showcase any jewelry in your booth, you must apply in Jewelry. 
• We encourage artists to prepare images to meet ZAPP requirements prior to uploading them to your ZAPP profile. Visit this link to the ZAPP Help Center to learn about Image Preparation.

Booth Image Requirements

• Do not submit a booth image with identifiable signage or with the artist in the image. Jury selection is anonymous, as much as possible. This can disqualify you from the jury process.
• It is preferred that the booth image be taken from the front showing three walls and giving the best overall sense of the artist’s work. 
• The purpose of the booth image is to show scale of work and ensure that you have a complete body of work, as represented in the first four (4) images. It will also provide a fair and accurate portrayal of your overall presentation AS IT WILL APPEAR AT THE SHOW.
• The booth display image may also be used on site for quality control purposes.

CATEGORIES
The Festival reserves the right to re-categorize an artist's submission. Every attempt will be made to notify the artist if this is done. Buy/Sell is not allowed in any category! You must be juried into the jewelry category to sell any jewelry in your booth.

Artisanal Food: Packaged for home consumption only. Must be approved by Tephra ICA. Photos of both booth and food are required. Artisanal food will be limited to the 100 block.

Ceramics: Original functional and/or non-functional works other than jewelry created by the artist from clay, porcelain, stoneware, and/or earthenware. No factory produced work, no RAM pressed work allowed. Clay work from commercial molds prohibited. Painted commercial slip-cast work is prohibited.

Digital Art (Computer): Includes original work created by using computer programs to significantly manipulate or alter source material(s) such as scans or digital files. Work must be signed and be limited editions, using only archival quality materials. Digital photographers, i.e., those who use a digital camera or process images digitally to perform standard manipulations (cropping, color/tone adjustment, sharpening, etc.) should apply in the Photography category. Digital Art prints must be made from the artist's original digital file under the artist's supervision. In all cases, works need to be produced by the exhibiting artist. Photography is not permitted in this medium.

Drawing and Pastels: Original compositions that are drawn by the artist's hand incorporating ink, chalk, wax, rayon, charcoal, pastel, pencil, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.

Glass: This is work that has been handcrafted by the artist by glass blowing, fusing, casting or kiln formed or original designs in stained glass. No pre-manufactured items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by artist, are permitted.

Graphics and Printmaking: Original works created using traditional printmaking methods including block, lithograph, and/or serigraph.

Jewelry: Hand-fabricated jewelry designed and made by the artist in metal, wire-wrapping, precious metal clay, wood, fiber, gemstones, flame-worked beads, and bead weaving is acceptable. Stringing is not allowed, including pearls. Work that has been designed by the artist but with no subsequent hands-on work by the artist is strictly prohibited. No commercial casts and molds are allowed. Precious metal clay jewelers must label their work as such.

Metal: These are original works that are created through the forging, twisting, and fabricating of various metals. Sculpture and jewelry should not be put in this category.

2D Mixed Media: These are works that incorporate the use of two or more media such as ink & pastel, or painting and collage-type materials, which are combined in a single original work. No components manufactured by others may be used. No catalog merchandise is permitted.

3D Mixed Media: Three-dimensional works incorporating multiple materials. If recycled materials are used, they must be altered or used in a way different from their original purpose.

Painting (Oil/Acrylics/Encaustic/Tempera/Watercolor): These are original compositions that are created by the artist's hand. Painting over prints/giclées or pre-existing images (regardless of the substrate) is not considered an original. These are considered "altered reproductions" and must go in browse bins and labeled as outlined below.

Photography: Includes all photographic processes, which begin with a camera lens. Photographs made from the artist’s original image, both from film and original digital files, are included in this category.  Photo collage and painting on photographs, which are traditional photographic processes need to be in this category. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes (including any digital alteration and or hand painting, over painting, etc). The process must be displayed with the photograph or indicated in the displayed artist's statement. Work must use only archival quality materials. In all cases, the work must be produced and printed by the exhibiting artist or under the artist's supervision.

Textiles; 2D or 3D artworks hand-tooled from the rawhide of non-endangered species or created from fibers including batik, basketry, bookmaking, decorative fiber, embroidery, leather, papermaking, quilting, sewing, tapestry, wearable art (not including jewelry), and weaving.Sculpture: Three-dimensional works incorporating any materials that are carved, modeled, constructed, or cast. If recycled materials are used, they must be altered or used in a way that is different from their original purpose.

Wood: Original handcrafted work in wood that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.

Jurying
Each year, Tephra ICA identifies top visual arts leaders, artists, and practitioners to participate as jurors to allow a thoughtful and critically engaged review process; and our panels typically include at least one working artist. Each application will be digitally reviewed by the jurors, as well as by members of the Tephra ICA curatorial staff.

The applications will be scored independently by each of the jurors, and each artist will be given a score between 1–7 based on quality, originality, craftsmanship, and overall booth display. The scores are tallied and reviewed, and artists will be invited to participate in the Festival based on juror consensus.

Tephra ICA reserves the right to review, approve, and reject the juror’s decisions at its discretion. All scores will be confidential, and artists will not be given their individual scores or feedback on their portfolios.

Please note, opportunities to invite artists from the waitlist will become available on an ongoing basis after artist registrations/declines are received. Waitlisted artists will be notified of participation opportunities via email. 

Artist Awards
Tephra ICA recognizes outstanding artwork through ten (10) Awards of Excellence and (1) Judith Forst People's Choice Award

The same jurors who adjudicated the applications will visit artist booths on Saturday, May 15 and move through the Festival at their own pace. Jurors will assess artist booths in terms of quality, originality, consistency, and display. Artists are scored based on their entire body of artwork, not just one piece. Awardees each receive a $500 cash prize, a blue ribbon to display on their booth, and are automatically juried into the following year’s Festival. Award winners must still complete an application for entry for the 2028 Festival; however, the application fee will be waived. 

 

Rules and Regulations

The purpose of the Tephra ICA Arts Festival is to provide the public with an opportunity to engage directly with exceptional artists whose work meets the high artistic standards established through our jury process. To maintain the integrity and quality of the Festival, all participating artists must adhere to the following Rules and Regulations.

1. Original Work & Artist-Made Requirement

All artwork must be original and handcrafted by the applying artist(s). By submitting an application, the artist confirms that the artwork presented is authentic, was created by their own hands, and is accurately represented by the images and descriptions provided in the application.

Artwork produced by a production studio, employees, assistants, or other third parties is not permitted.

2. Artist Attendance & Identification

Artists must be present in their booths during all open hours of the Festival, except for brief breaks when relieved by an authorized booth sitter. Dealers, agents, employees, or representatives may not substitute for the exhibiting artist.

A valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required at artist check-in. Artists must wear their Festival Name Badge during all Festival hours, as well as while setting up or breaking down their booths.

Tephra ICA reserves the right to verify an artist's identity at any time during the Festival.

3. Juried Body of Work

All artwork exhibited must be consistent with the quality, category, style, and body of work accepted through the jury process.

Artists may exhibit and sell only work within the category or categories for which they were accepted. Work substantially different from the juried application may not be displayed without prior approval from Tephra ICA.

4. Festival Compliance

Participating booths will be visited periodically by the Tephra ICA Arts Festival team to ensure that both the artist and the work exhibited comply with Festival policies.

If a complaint or concern is received, it will be documented and may require follow-up with the artist. Tephra ICA has the exclusive authority and responsibility to determine whether exhibited work complies with Festival standards.

At Tephra ICA's discretion, non-compliant artwork may be removed from display and/or a booth may be closed. Violations of Festival policies may result in dismissal from the Festival and forfeiture of all fees paid.

5. Artwork Security

Each exhibiting artist is solely responsible for the security and protection of their artwork, booth, display, equipment, and personal belongings throughout the Festival.

6. Insurance

All participating artists are required to maintain appropriate liability insurance coverage and will be asked to provide a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing Tephra ICA as additionally insured in advance of the Festival.

Artists are also strongly encouraged to carry appropriate property insurance covering their artwork, tent, displays, equipment, and other property.

7. Booth Sharing & Prohibited Work

Booth sharing is not permitted. Only artists who have applied, been juried, and been accepted into the Festival may exhibit or sell work from the booth.

The following are not permitted:

• Buy-sell merchandise or imported work.
• Artwork or merchandise created by someone other than the accepted artist(s).
• Work made from kits, commercial designs, commercially available molds or patterns, or work created in classes or workshops.
• Items purchased and subsequently embellished or altered for resale.
• Commercially manufactured merchandise or products, including items such as posters, mouse pads, magnets, canvas bags, and similar merchandise.
• T-shirts and commercially manufactured clothing.
• Items produced using third-party commercial printing.
• Candles.
• Weapons.

Artists found exhibiting or selling work that is not their own may be required to remove the work and may be dismissed from the Festival.

8. 2D Reproductions

All reproductions must be clearly identified as "Reproduction" either on the front of the individual piece or prominently on the front of the display bin containing the reproductions.

For artists accepted in Painting, the booth should primarily represent the original work juried into the Festival. At least 80% of the displayed wall artwork must be original paintings, with reproductions remaining secondary to the presentation of original work.

9. Artist Statement

Artists should prominently display an Artist Statement in their booth describing the techniques, materials, and processes used to create their work.

This provides patrons with a deeper understanding of the artist's creative process and reinforces the Festival's emphasis on meaningful interaction between artists and collectors.

10. Overnight Parking & Camping

Camping or overnight sleeping in any vehicle is strictly prohibited at Reston Town Center and in the designated oversized-vehicle parking area.

Booth Space

All accepted artists will be required to share information about their booth infrastructure and submit a picture showing their tent and weight set up, for formal approval.

1. All booth spaces are located on asphalt in marked spaces measuring 10’ x 10' 5". All tents and/or structures must fit within the allotted footprint. Artists will be asked to keep awnings down during set up.

2. Artist displays inside the tent must be constructed to withstand crowds, wind, and inclement weather. The Festival’s outdoor location is subject to wind, which can be strong in this urban setting.

3. All artist display structures must be commercial or professional quality.  All booths must be weighted with at least 65lbs per leg attached at the frame (total weight per tent 260lbs) per Fire Marshal standards and to ensure stability in inclement weather. 

Due to high wind concerns ezups or light weight accordion-style, pop-up tents are not permitted. Artists with heavy duty, accordion-style tents must have staybars that are weighted in addition the weights at the corners  Other types of innovative artistic displays that are not standard tents are also subject to approval by Festival staff. 

4.Additional equipment such as tents, weights, tables, and/or chairs can be rented from our onsite vendor in advance of the Festival dates.

5. Electricity is NOT provided. No artist generators, battery operated lights are encouraged.

6. Security is provided by Festival Management, however anything left in the booth overnight is at the artist's own risk. Festival Management and their agents affiliated with the event will not be responsible for artwork and display left in booths overnight.

7. The use of the booth is restricted to the artist(s) to whom it is assigned.

8. No Early Breakdown: Artist agrees to keep their booth intact and fully operational until the official end time of the event.

Refund Policy and Cancellation Policy:
The application fee is non-refundable. Cancellations prior to March 15, 2027 incur a $80 cancellation fee. If cancellation is made later than March 15th no refunds will be issued.