St. Charles Fine Art Show 2027

About This Call

Be part of the celebrated St. Charles Fine Art Show on May 29th & May 30th, 2027. The St. Charles Fine Art Show, marking its 28th year, invites over 100 juried artists to showcase their original works across various mediums. Held outdoors along the scenic Fox River in downtown St. Charles, this event promises a vibrant atmosphere and a prime opportunity to connect with art enthusiasts and buyers.

General Information

Participation is open to fine artists in the following mediums: Clay/Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing/Illustration, Fiber (non-wearable only), Jewelry, Photography, Glass, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Wood.

Artist Amenities

• Complimentary Refreshments: free coffee, water and soda on Saturday & Sunday, along with donut holes in the morning and free box lunches from a local restaurant on Saturday & Sunday
• Multi Media Marketing: promotions through online digital ads, social media, "Featured Artist" campaigns, influencer marketing, street banners on Route64/Main Street, website advertising and Chicago Tribune
• Dedicated Art Buyers: loyal art purchasers who participate annually and benefit from the "ArtCada" Purchase Award Program, offering buyers two free tickets to the Arcada Theater with a minimum purchase of $250
• Security & Convenience: 24-hour security on site and convenient artist parking
• Artist Awards: compete for $1500 for Best in Show, six $700 Awards of Excellence and three $100 Judges Awards
• Booth Sitters Available
• Supportive Community: a dedicated volunteer committee passionate about creating an exceptional event for both artists and attendees
• Vibrant Surroundings: public art, entertainment, dining, recreation and shopping all within walking distance of the show

The St. Charles Fine Art Show is presented by the St. Charles Business Alliance, a non profit organization committed to promoting tourism and enhancing the downtown's economic success.

Rules and Regulations

The St. Charles Fine Art Show is an exhibition and sale of fine art of an original concept, executed and designed by the artist in attendance. The St. Charles Fine Art Show Jury is comprised of professional artists, art patrons and collectors as well as artists from academia that strive for balance among all media submitted. Artists are judged in a manner that reflects the show's standards for originality, artistic merit, technical excellence, composition and overall impact.

1. All booths and displays must be of a professional nature and representative of juried work.
2. Prints and reproductions must be limited to 10% of the overall display and must be of art also on display.
3. Work done in a production studio or made with commercial kits or patterns is forbidden.
4. All work must be displayed with visible pricing.
5. Artists must provide professional quality freestanding tents with adequate weights to support changing midwestern weather. Pop Up style tents without sides or weights are prohibited.
6. The committee reserves the right to make suggestions regarding improvements in display to meet the quality standards of the show.
7. Collaborators (up to two artists total) producing a single item must be clearly noted on the application and work displayed must be signed by both.
8. No booth wings are allowed; approximately 3 feet of space between booths must remain open.

Booth Information and Fees

• Jury Fee: $40
• Single 10 x 10 Booth: $450
• Double 10 x 20 Booth: $900
• Electric: limited access for $30.00; artists must bring their own extension cords

Artist booth set up takes place on Friday, May 28 from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Entry is at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Walnut Avenue (east side of the Fox River).

Jury Details

• Average number of applications submitted each year: 200
• Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate: 75
• Average number exempt from jury (invited): 65
• Vendors excluded/ineligible: no food or other services
• Images are viewed by jurors on a high-definition TV
• Applications within a medium category are sorted and viewed in random order
• Jurors score applications on a Yes, No, or Maybe scale
• 8 jurors score applications, convened as a single panel in one room
• The jury process is closed to observation

Applications are reviewed by a single jury panel of 8 jurors convened in one room, scoring on a Yes/No/Maybe scale, with images viewed on a high-definition TV. The jury process is closed to public observation. Returning artists may also be selected by having received a prior award, by on-site jury, or by the show director/board.