Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival 2027

The 31st annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival takes place Labor Day weekend Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6, 2027. The show is located in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. 140 exceptional visual artists have been selected to exhibit by an independent jury panel comprised of both working artists and art professionals. The Emerging Artist Program provides regional artists in the early stage of their art career an opportunity to gain experience marketing and showing their work. In addition to the exhibiting artists, the show offers art education, demonstrations and performance art.

 Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization founded and produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors composed of local professional artists. Our focus is on promoting the arts, educating the public and strengthening creative and educational bonds with the community. A third of Art In The Pearl's budget is spent on marketing, and cultivating relationships and partnerships with local businesses to publicize and promote this well-loved long-standing festival.

We acknowledge that the history and culture of arts and crafts shows have not been inclusive to BIPOC artists historically and currently. We are working to dismantle this structure, and our own, to generate a more equitable space for artists and arts workers. All are welcome to our show and to apply. 
-Art In The Pearl Board of Directors

2027 Artist Prospectus & Application
The 31st annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival consists of 140 artists. Art In The Pearl will invite the top scoring juried artists to exhibit at the 2027 event. A waitlist is also determined based on jury scores. This three day event gives patrons the special opportunity to meet and purchase art from exhibiting artists in-person.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 
February 15, 2027

Jury Notifications: 
April 1, 2027

Deadline to accept invitation to participate and pay booth fee:
May 15, 2027

Last day to cancel participation in 2027 show and still receive 50% booth fee and rental refund, less $45 admin fee:
June 30, 2027

Load-In/Set-up:
Friday, September 3, 2027

Festival Dates/Hours:
Saturday, September 4, 2027
10am - 5pm
Sunday, September 5, 2027
10am - 5pm
Monday, September 6, 2027
10am - 4pm

Jury Selection and Process
A total of 140 artists will be chosen to exhibit through a highly competitive jury process. Applicants remain anonymous during the jury process. All of the jurors will view each artist's set of images on a monitor in a horizontal grouping. The materials, dimensions for each image and artist statements will be made available to the jury. Artistic excellence and innovation are the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. The five jurors will view all artist images at the same time. Scoring is based on originality, design, technical proficiency, and craftsmanship. All scores are combined and averaged. Art in the Pearl establishes no quota or entitlement by media category. The top scoring artists receive invitations to exhibit. Remaining applicants in the final round are placed on a waiting list of alternates. Decisions of the jury panel are final. We reserve the right to move applications into the most appropriate category.

Monitor Jury: Images are viewed simultaneously from left to right horizontally. 
Jurors: There will be five jurors comprised of professional artists, art educators and gallerists.
Jury Format: Two days: First day scoring Yes, No, Maybe and second day scoring 1-10
Applications for Jury: Sorted by the date the application is received

Digital Images:
- Five images are required for each application. Four images must be of individual pieces of work (No groupings). The fifth image must be a booth shot. If you are applying as an emerging artist or it is your first time applying to an art fair, please submit professional photos of your work in a gallery or displayed as a body of work.
- The purpose of the booth image is to ensure the artist has a complete body of work which is represented both in the first four images and also within the fifth image. It also helps identify the scale of the artist's work.
- Note: This is a blind jury process. Applications with identifying information will not be shown to the judges. Do not submit booth images with any identifiable signage, photos, name or business names of the artist(s).
- In addition, any work outside of the medium and context of the 4 images submitted that may appear in the booth shot will not be considered accepted by the jury, due to it's mere presence in the booth image. If artists have multiple bodies of work, Art In The Pearl encourages them to submit these in separate applications.
- Images: 4 images of work + 1 booth image

2027 Jurors 

Debra Adelson
Collingswood, NJ
Debra Adelson is a contemporary studio jewelry artist based in Collingswood, New Jersey. She earned a BFA in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from Tyler School of Art. Her current body of work combines glassmaking, jewelry-making, and lapidary techniques. For nearly 30 years, Debra has exhibited her award-winning work at major juried art shows nationwide, as well as in galleries and museum shops, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Corning Museum of Glass. Her work is also part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. In 2023, Debra received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and she is the author of The Art of Jewelry: Plastic & Resin, published by Lark Books in 2008.

Wayne Jiang
Portland, OR
Wayne Jiang is a Portland-based realist painter and teacher. He holds a degree in illustration from San Jose State University. In his paintings, Wayne enjoys creating an ambience that reflects on stillness, solitude, and mystery. He believes in using simple, quiet scenes and objects to communicate deep emotion and relevance. In his work, there are influences from 17th Century Dutch genre and still life paintings, 19th and 20th Century American Realism paintings, and documentary photography. His work has been widely exhibited in museums and galleries in the last three decades such as the Morris Graves Museum of Art, Triton Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery and Guardino Gallery.

Gina Pannorfi 
Chicago, IL
Gina Pannorfi is a fiber artist who creates one of one handmade textiles, celebrating tradition, color, and handcrafted beauty. Her work explores color, texture and pattern through multiple processes grounded in ancient traditions. Through hand-dying, hand-painting, batik, felt-making, and fashion design she creates a collection of more than 30 styles of timeless wearable art and home decor. She has been traveling the country for the past 22 years participating in Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs. Her work has been carried in high end boutiques and museum stores world wide. Gina Pannorfi is a graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As her work and business continue to evolve, so does her unmistakable style.

Nicholas Stelter
Portland, OR
Stelter had a passion for art for as long as he can remember. While growing up, he spent warm summer days in his grandfather’s woodworking shop learning valuable lessons. He was a skilled engraver who had meticulous attention to detail and a great knowledge about different tools and techniques. From his time working with him, to watching his mother who is a ceramics artist, he developed an eye for art and a passion for working with his hands. Stelter began working with glass in 2000. While he started with stained glass, he also explored working with stone, concrete casting, and the possibilities of wood. Now in his studio he is thrilled to create new pieces of glass art. He enjoys the creative process, seeing an idea come to life. While his pieces have a similar shape, no two pieces have the same pattern which make each one unique.

Babette Harvey
Portland, OR
Babette has been a professional clay artist for the past thirty years. She is known for her sculptural work although she began her career as a functional potter. She attended Portland State University and majored in ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and Craft before starting her professional ceramic career in 1996. She has shown her work in many juried fine art shows and selected gallery exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest where she has received numerous awards. Babette was a featured artist on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat in 2010. Her work has been published in the Ceramic Monthly magazine and other publications. Babette’s work is included in the permanent collections of The Hallie Ford Museum of Art, The Clay Art Center in Washington, and private collections in Japan, England, Australia, Hawaii and throughout the United States. Her work has been exhibited at the Oregon Governor's Mansion during the International Artist Showcase. Her sculpture, “Antelope Wishes She Could Sing Too”, will be on display at The Portland International Airport in December 2026 - 2028. In addition to her professional studio work, Babette has been an instructor of ceramics at Portland Community College for fifteen years. She has also taught workshops throughout the Pacific NW. She has held several volunteer positions on the boards of both the Oregon Potters Association and Art In The Pearl.

Collaborating Artists
Artists submitting an application as a collaborating artist or partnership must submit the names of both collaborators with the application. Artists may not add a partner after the jury.

Waitlist
Artists will be notified if they are on the waitlist and if a spot becomes available. Please do not call.

The Regional Emerging Artist Program
The Emerging Artist Program is designed to assist regional (Oregon and Washington based) artists who have minimal to no experience exhibiting and selling their artwork. Artists who are in the early stage of their art career and/or have made a recent career change to art are encouraged to apply. Emerging artists may not have previously participated in more than 2 juried art shows and/or gallery exhibitions. Acceptance to the Emerging Artist Program will be determined by a combination of jury scores and committee review.

Upon acceptance, emerging artists will pay a discounted booth fee of $350 and will exhibit in a 10×10 booth space. Art In The Pearl will provide the canopy. Emerging artists will be responsible for their own display setup. Art In The Pearl will provide a mentor to help guide the emerging artist participant through the details of festival preparation, display, and sales.

– If a booth image is not available, submit an image taken of a grouping of works representative of the works to be exhibited at the show.

Artists may apply to either the Emerging Artist Program or the general show, but they may not apply to both. Art In The Pearl reserves the right to prescreen and research any emerging artist applicant to make sure they conform with the requirements for this category and have the level of experience represented in the application.

Booth Fees and Acceptance of Offer to Exhibit
Notifications will be sent via email April 1, 2027. Selected artists must confirm and pay the booth fee in Zapplication by May 15, 2027. Failure to respond by May 15, 2027 will result in revocation of the invitation and immediate invitation of an alternate from the waitlist. A $45 administration fee will be charged if an artist withdraws after having submitted booth payment. The applicant is responsible for keeping their contact information current on their Zapplication profile.  

Booth Fee:
10' wide x 10' deep - $750
15' wide x 10' deep - $1155
20' wide x 10' deep - $1395
Emerging Artist Program 10' wide x 10' deep - $350

Sales
Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization that receives no commission on the sales of artwork. Artists keep all proceeds. There is no sales tax in Oregon.

Admission
Our extensive marketing program is directed towards a diverse population from the Portland metro area, as well as a nation wide audience. Admission is free to the public.

Artist Statement
The application requires a description of materials, process, and technique. Please describe your work and process, not your philosophy or inspiration. This statement (to be posted in your booth) is part of our mission to educate the public.

Awards
Three Best of Show awards are given to artists for outstanding work, and the Mel Stiles Award for Creative Achievement in Craft. Award winners are invited to return in their awarded category the following year, and the three Best of Show winners receive a cash prize. The artists will be featured on the Art In The Pearl website and social media platforms.

2027 Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Artist Contract, Rules and Media Categories
 

1. Eligibility: Artists must be at least 18 years of age. A maximum of two collaborating Artists may share a booth, provided both were included on the initial application and both contribute creatively to each piece.

2. Authenticity and Originality: All exhibited work must be original, handcrafted, designed and executed by the accepted Artist(s). Production studios and imported work is strictly prohibited. 

3. AI Policy: AI-generated work of any kind is strictly prohibited. 

4. Computer-aided Technologies: 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC tooling—where these technologies are used in place of the artist’s hand in creating the final piece, are strictly prohibited. 

5. Attendance: Participating Artists must be present with their work for the entire three-day duration of the festival. Representatives are not permitted to attend in place of the Artist. Valid photo identification is required at check-in.

6. Booth Requirements and Display: Artists may only exhibit work that aligns with the category, style, and quality of the body of work submitted to and selected by the Jury. Artists must provide their own outdoor display that is structurally sound, compliant with fire code regulations, and capable of withstanding inclement weather. Displays must be maintained in a professional, neat, safe manner, and not expand beyond the assigned booth space. An artist statement describing materials, process, and technique must be displayed.

7. Reproduction Rules: Only high-quality, unframed, signed, and numbered reproductions (editions up to 250) of two-dimensional originals are permitted in browse boxes or flip bins. They cannot be hung on walls (reserved for original works) or printed on canvas. Any scanned, digitally uploaded, photographed, or printed work (and subsequent hand-modifications or embellishments) is considered a reproduction and must be clearly labeled "reproduction" on the front. Terms like "print," "offset lithograph," or "giclee" are prohibited.

8. Sale of Promotional Items: Examples include but are not limited to- postcards, note cards, calendars, posters, magnets, stationery, t-shirts, canvas prints, framed posters and reproductions are strictly prohibited.

9. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Members of the Quality Assurance Committee will inspect displays throughout the event. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in removal from the festival without a refund and potential ineligibility for future events.

10. Insurance: Artists are solely responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance and protecting themselves, their work, display, belongings, and vehicles. 

11. Release of Liability: By submitting the application, the Artist agrees to release and hold harmless Art In The Pearl Inc., the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and all associated sponsors along with their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers—from any responsibility, personal liability, claims, loss, or damage of any kind arising from participation in the Festival, including, without limitation, any claims based on negligence.

 

Media Categories

Media categories are used by Art In The Pearl as a tool for organizing artistsʼ images into logical, related groups for the juryʼs review. While a balanced show that equitably showcases both works of fine art and craft, as well as diversity among media is a principal objective, Art In The Pearl establishes no quota or entitlement by media category.

2-D Mixed Media: Includes any combination of a variety of materials used to create an original work of art that is by design to be displayed on walls with a one-sided orientation. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

3-D Mixed Media: Incorporates more than one type of physical material to form an original work of art visible from 360 degrees. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

Ceramics: All original clay work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted. Work produced from commercial molds is not acceptable. No more than 15% of display may consist of slip cast work which has been designed by the Artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each piece must be signed.

Drawing: Compositions that are created by the artistʼs hand 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.

Fiber: All work crafted from fibers including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, leather work, batiking, and papermaking. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production are permitted. All pre-manufactured wearable items are prohibited, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist. The Fiber Wearable category includes all items that are worn or used for adornment.

Glass: No forms of mass production are permitted. All pre-manufactured items are prohibited, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist.

Jewelry: All jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials, must be entered in this category. Work must be designed, created and executed by the artist. No more than 15% of a piece may consist of commercial findings. Commercial casts, molds, production studio work or computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

Metalwork: Original work created through the forging, casting, cutting, engraving, manipulating and fabricating of various metals. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

Painting: Original compositions created by the artistʼs hand in oils, acrylics, watercolor, encaustic etc. are in this category.

Photography: The photography category includes hand colored, Polaroid transfers, emulsion transfers, etc. Please do not enter such work in the Mixed Media category. Photographers are encouraged to do their own printing. All photographic work must be made from the artist's original image, which has been processed by that artist and is included in this category. 

*All work must be signed, numbered, and dated in limited editions of no more than 250 per image.

No photographic images printed on canvas are allowed. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces and/or framing options is prohibited. Photographers are required to disclose a detailed process description. 

Printmaking: Defined as multiple originals where the artistʼs hand has manipulated the plates, stones, blocks, composite reliefs, or screens. Prints must be properly signed and numbered in limited editions not to exceed 250. 

Sculpture: Three-dimensional original work incorporating any materials that are designed and executed by the artist. Any work that is reproduced must be signed and numbered. Production studio work and computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked by hand, turned or carved. Production studio work or computer-aided technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC tooling is NOT allowed.

Thank you for your interest in Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!

 

Booth Information
- Artists are responsible for appropriate insurance, the security of their belongings, and protection of work and display. Art In The Pearl will not be responsible for damage to work or display due to weather or unrelated incidents.  

- Accepted Artists will be allocated a space measuring 10ʼ deep by 10ʼ wide for their display. (A limited number of double wide booths are available.)

- Artists are to provide their own display structure appropriate for an outdoor event. Booths must be of sound construction, conform to fire code regulations, and must be capable of withstanding inclement weather.

- If an exhibitor does not have a tent, a local rental company is available for assistance.

- Artists are responsible for the back, sides, and top of the booth. Please keep your back-storage and back of the booth area neat and covered. Booths must be visually presentable to adjoining booths and must not obstruct or endanger neighboring booths or the general public.

- Artists must confine booth structure and all work, boxes, chairs, and other display materials within the allotted exhibit space. 

- Contracted security will be provided 6:30pm Friday until load-out Monday evening. 

- There will be a security fence around the perimeter of the show installed Friday and will remain up through the duration of the event.

- Browse bins may occupy no more than 15% of booth space, must be aesthetically pleasing, and may not obstruct traffic flow.

***These requirements will be enforced for reasons of safety, at the sole discretion of the Art In The Pearl.

Fees
Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, the selected artist is required to reserve and pay for their booth space through Zapplication by May 15, 2027, if they wish to exhibit.
The following are the booth space fees
10ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep - $750
15' wide x 10' deep - $1155
20ʼ wide x 10ʼ deep - $1395
Emerging Artist 10' wide x 10' deep - $350
Electricity (non-refundable) - 600watts - $95
All space is subject to availability at the time of reservation.
 

Refund Policy
In the event of a cancellation, Art In The Pearl will refund 50% of the booth fees and rentals paid in advance if Art In The Pearl receives written notice of cancellation no later than June 30, 2027. Application/jury fee, electricity and parking are nonrefundable, and no other refunds will be made for cancellations after June 30. A $45 administration fee will be charged if an artist withdraws after having submitted booth payment. In the event that Art In The Pearl withdraws its invitation to an artist or removes an artist from the show for violating a rule or policy, any prepaid booth fees will not be refunded.