Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show - 100th Annual, June 2027

The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is proud to be consistently recognized as one of
the best Fine Art Shows in the country. Several important features distinguish our shows from
other art shows.

Only original, non-functional fine art is accepted. The shows are led by a non-profit
organization of fellow professional artists. The Board of Directors exhibits in both annual
shows, creating an energetic, vested interest in success. Our focus on extensive marketing with
the show’s website, social media, emailed newsletters, regional outdoor signage, and targeted
advertising has propelled customer growth in the market. These factors, along with
the consistent excellence of our artists, have contributed to a 99-year history of distinction. 

June 4th - 6th 2027
The 100th Annual June Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show

There will be 145 available artist spaces. The venue is the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square, a
prestigious park setting in Center City Philadelphia. Surrounded by some of the most luxurious
residential addresses in the city, the show consistently attracts an affluent, culturally educated
clientele. 

In short, if you are a fine artist interested in a well-run urban show that offers an arts savvy
audience, a beautiful venue, and a community of high-quality exhibitors, then the Rittenhouse
Square Fine Art Show (RSFAS) should be on your schedule.
 

APPLICATION FEE
Application Fee is $45.00   
The application fee can be paid online through Zapplication.
 
ACCEPTABLE WORK  
This is an ORIGINALS ONLY fine art show. Only non-functional, original work created by the
artist may be shown, and all work must be for sale. All work displayed must be of the same or
better quality than the work submitted to the jury process. 

By submitting your application to the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, you attest that your artwork meets the definition of “fine art” and that the artwork that you are submitting is not the same artwork that you would also submit to the Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Show.  Noncompliance will result in your removal from either Show without a Refund.

UNACCEPTABLE TYPES OF WORK
NO REPRODUCTIONS of any kind may be shown, displayed, sold or promoted at this
event. Excluded work includes, but is not limited to: photography, giclées (even if embellished),
calendars, note cards, digital or computer-generated art, posters, books, or limited-edition print
reproductions, including work created using stencils, creating almost identical multiples or a
similar theme of assembly line and/or production work.  
 
No functional work of any kind may be shown, displayed or sold at this event.  Excluded work
includes, but is not limited to: jewelry, t-shirts, plates, cups, bowls, clothing, hats, pottery,
vases, vessels, jars, dishes, lamps or furniture and mirrors.
 
MEDIA CATEGORIES 
The following is a list and explanation of the categories of art acceptable for jury.

CERAMICS (Non-Functional)
Non-functional work created by the artist in which the primary material used is clay, made
by shaping, then firing. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted.
 
DRAWING/PASTELS
Two-dimensional works created by the artist using dry media including chalk, charcoal,
pastels, pencils, wax crayon, or from the fluid medium of inks and washes, applied by pen,
brush, or other tools for mark-making.
 
GLASS (Non-Functional)
Non-functional work created by the artist where the primary material is glass.  Techniques
include but are not limited to blowing, kiln-casting, fusing, slumping, or flame-working. Works
may be etched or engraved. No molds or other forms of mass production are permitted.
 
MIXED MEDIA 
Works created by the artist in which the outcome is the union of two or more art mediums. 
 

PAINTING (ALL MEDIA EXCEPT WATERCOLOR)

Two-dimensional original paintings created by the artist using oil, acrylic, egg tempera, casein, alkyd, encaustic, and other traditional painting media. Watercolor paintings must be submitted under the separate Painting – Watercolor category.

PAINTING – WATERCOLOR

Two-dimensional original paintings created by the artist using watercolor paints.

 
PRINTMAKING
Printed original works, hand pulled and manipulated by the artist using etching, engraving, silk-
 screening, stone and plate lithography, linoleum block or woodcut, etc., which have
been signed and numbered as a limited edition.
 
SCULPTURE 
Non-functional, three-dimensional artwork created by the artist from any
material, including wood, stone, metal, clay and fiber. 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS      
Each exhibiting artist must complete an online application with only one artist per entry, unless
you are entering as collaborating artists. Applying in different mediums requires a separate
application.  Each submitted application must include an application fee and a unique set of
images. Applications for different mediums may not use the same set of images.
 
THE JURY PROCESS 
This competitive show is limited to 145 exhibitors chosen by a jury of highly qualified fine artists
and guest jurors. Decisions of the jury are based on the quality, uniqueness, consistency, and
professionalism of the artwork. Your booth shot will affect your jury score. Invitations are
extended based on jury score, regardless of category.
 
THE COMPOSITION OF THE JURY VARIES FROM SHOW TO SHOW.

Digital Images
Artists will submit five (5) images per application. Four (4) images must be of individual
pieces of current artwork representative of the quality and style of the artist’s body of
work to be exhibited at the show. The 5th image must be a current booth shot
in an outdoor setting, showing the overall continuity and professional presentation of the
artist’s body of work. The body of work presented in the individual images should be
consistent with the body of work shown in the booth image.
 
IMPORTANT NOTES:
◦ DO NOT submit booth images with any signage or photo identifying them as the artist. Jury points will be deducted for failing to follow this instruction.
◦ DO NOT submit a virtual booth image. This will result in disqualification.
◦ DO NOT submit images of individual pieces that are functional work, or a booth image that contains functional work. This will result in disqualification.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL BE CONSIDERED SUFFICIENT REASON FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

Collaborating Artists 
“Collaborating artists” is defined as two (2) artists who work together on any one piece of art. If
two artists collaborate, it is regarded as one joint entry. If accepted, all work exhibited must be
collaborative.  Both artists will be required to be present at the show.
 
Multiple Categories
If you wish to apply in more than one medium, a separate application fee and a different set of
images must be submitted for each additional category.  Artists may submit as many
applications as they want.
 
If you wish to exhibit in more than one medium at the show, you must apply and be accepted in
each medium. Artists are not permitted to bring any artwork in a second medium unless you
were accepted in that second medium. No exceptions.
 
Waitlist
A waitlist will be developed based on jury scores. Artists placed on the waitlist will be notified

as cancellations are received. Should you be placed on the waitlist, you will be given the
opportunity to accept or decline the invitation to exhibit if or when an opening arises.
 
LOADING & UNLOADING 
We have staggered set-up times to relieve vehicle congestion and the stress of setting up.  You
will be given your assigned time before the show.  Loading and unloading are done by parking
near your booth, next to the curb.  This applies to all artists except those on 18th Street.  Artists
assigned to those spaces will have a set-up time, but must dolly their materials to their booth.
 
WEATHER    
The show will open rain or shine, and all artists are expected to have their booths open
promptly at the start of the show and during all show hours. 
 
WEIGHTS     
Weights are required, with a minimum of 50 lbs. on each leg of your tent. Show staff will be
checking and failure to comply will result in removal from the show. 

SECURITY & SAFTEY    
There will be officers patrolling the park day and night, from setup through closing. Display
panels and canopies may remain up overnight. It is suggested and advisable to remove your
artwork from your booth each night to eliminate the risk of damage or theft. In all cases,
exhibitors will be responsible for their own space and property. Leaving anything in your space
is done at the artist’s discretion. RSFAA claims no responsibility. Security should be considered a
deterrent and provides no guarantee that damage, theft, or vandalism will be prevented.

Artists must understand that the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is held in the heart of the City of Philadelphia, and while the Show goes to great lengths to hire its own dedicated Security Officers to protect artists and patrons from any unfortunate encounters they may experience with members of the public during the Show, the RSFAA cannot guarantee the safety of any artist or any artist’s body of work. By making this application, the artist is expressly absolving the RSFAA and its Board of Directors, employees and agents of any and all liability for any such damage or injury to the artist herself and/or to her work. The use of the feminine pronoun includes both genders.

REQUIRED TAXES & CITY LICENSE
As an exhibiting artist at the Rittenhouse, you must take extra steps to be compliant with the
City of Philadelphia code and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
Due to the frequent changes made in these requirements, we recommend all artists refer to the specific tax information provided by the city and state. Visit https://tax-services.phila.gov/_/  and
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-revenue/our-services/tax-services/trade-show-vendor--guide/
for more info.

CONTACT INFORMATION    
Parris Berry-Oliphant - Show Director
info@rittenhousesquareart.com

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS
Below are rules and regulations to follow during the show. Please read each of them carefully
as they must be obeyed.  

 1.  Artists MUST be present all three days of the Show from the opening to the closing. No
commercial dealers, agents, friends, or relatives are permitted to represent the artist. The Show
reserves the right to close down or remove any booth in which the artist is not present.
  2.  Artists may NOT unload or set up their booth before their provided assigned time on
Thursday.
  3.  All work must be the artist’s original work and all artwork must be available for sale.
  4.  No items may be priced for less than $150.
  5.  Nothing can be stored inside the park or over the perimeter fence throughout the show.
  6.  No sticks, spikes, or tent stakes may be driven into the ground. 
  7.  There is no tying off to the fence.
  8.  All artists are responsible for picking up trash around their display area.
  9.  Electricity is not provided. No gas/diesel generators are permitted.
10.  All booths must face the street, except booths in the corners of the park.
11.  Displays must be professional in appearance.
12.  All extra boxes, supplies, extra work, etc. must be kept out of sight.
13.  Booths must be set up and open for business by 11:00 AM.
14.  Exhibitors may not display ribbons, awards or prizes received at previous shows.
15.  Artists who misrepresent their work will be dismissed from the show and forfeit all fees.
16.  Artists will be responsible for obtaining their own insurance. Artists will be required to
provide a certificate of insurance.
17.  No reproductions or functional artwork of any kind is permitted.
18. Artists who break down displays or depart before closing time on any day of the show will
not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows. On the final day of the show,
artists must break down and remove displays by 10pm EST.  
19.  All artists are responsible for collecting and paying the State of Pennsylvania and the City of
Philadelphia sales tax. For more info: Visit https://tax-services.phila.gov/ for more information.
20.  Artists are responsible for obtaining any permits needed to conduct business in
Philadelphia.
21.  Artists are required to have sufficient weights to secure their booth against any wind.
22.  Each artist is expected to clean up their booth space after teardown, before they leave the
park. 
23.  The park is designated as a NO SMOKING area, so please do not smoke.
24.  The park is a NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES area, so please do not drink any alcoholic
beverages.

Any breach of the rules forfeits all rights of the artist and will result in immediate removal from
the show without a refund and/or possible exclusion from future shows.

BOOTH SPACE DESCRIPTION 

All booth spaces are on a concrete sidewalk which surrounds the perimeter of the park, with
each booth space measuring no less than 10’ x 10’.  Most spaces will share an additional 5’
space, located between every other space. This 5’ space is to be shared by you and your
neighbor.  Some end booths may not have this extra 5’. 
 
Double booths are not available.  The footprint of every booth is no more than 10’ x 10’. 
All tents, canopies, display panels, etc. must be freestanding. Nothing can be tied off to the fences, trees, posts, etc. around the Square and no stakes can be put in the ground. All booths and displays should be secured in place with a minimum of four 50 lb. weights.  Expect medium to strong winds. 

Lightweight EZ Up style tents are not permitted. RSFAA does, however, recognize that certain heavy-duty pop-up systems may be acceptable. Artists are encouraged to contact the Managing Director for clarification if they are uncertain whether their tent complies with this guideline.
 
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $45.00
Standard Booth Fee: $675  (single 10' X 10' booth). 
Premium Booth Fee: $875  (single 10' X 10' booth).
          NOTE:  These locations are situated at each park entrances and are very limited.

The June show booth fee will be due: Monday, March 1, 2027

REFUNDS  
Payment of the booth fee is a commitment to participate in this RSFAS.  In the event of an
emergency, artists must request a refund of their booth fee in writing to the Board.  Artists who
cancel 60 days prior to a show and request a refund in writing will receive a 75% refund of the
booth fee.  After this date, no refunds will be issued.

Application fees are non-refundable.