About the Show
Since 1975, The Harding Art Show has grown into one of the largest and most successful fine art exhibitions in the Southeastern U.S. From April 29–May 1, 2027, Harding Academy will proudly host the 52nd Annual Harding Art Show on our Nashville campus. With help from dedicated volunteers, we transform our PreK–8th grade school into a vibrant venue where artists display their work in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
We will feature approximately 90 artists and welcome around 5,000 guests—including art collectors, interior designers, and enthusiasts from the Greater Nashville community. Proceeds benefit Harding Academy's student programs, facilities, and arts education.
The 2027 show will be held in person, with an option for artists to offer limited online exclusives, extending the show's reach through our digital platform. The Harding Art Show 2026 show was a record-breaking success, generating $1.7 million in art sales.
Important Dates
- Application Open: September 8, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
- Artist Notification: December 14, 2026
- Artist Invitation Acceptance Deadline: January 8, 2027
- Booth Purchase Deadline: January 8, 2027
- Show Dates: Thursday-Saturday, April 29 - May 1, 2027
- Artist Payment Issued: (approximately) May 21, 2027
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Indoor Booth Fee: $150
- Outdoor Booth Fee: $100
Artist Selection
Approximately 90 artists will be invited to participate in the 2027 Harding Art Show, a fine art sale with a diversity of price points and media. Openings for artists are available in every art category. The majority of artists are painters using oils, acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media; openings are also available in ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, metals, photography, sculpture, and woodwork.
Artists are chosen by a designated selection committee, whose members (jurors) have a variety of backgrounds including artists, designers, and supporters.
Artist Amenities
- Advertising and Marketing: This is a heavily advertised event, including an extensive print and digital mailing list, thousands of social media followers, and partnerships with local publications and interior designers.
- Artist Hospitality: Catered meals, beverages, and snacks are provided each day on a complimentary basis in our artist hospitality area. Each artist is assigned an artist liaison who provides critical show information and support throughout the entire show process.
- Artist Booths: For artists exhibiting indoors, Harding will provide white pegboards, hanging hardware, a power strip, and access to electricity. Artists exhibiting outside will be provided a power strip and access to electricity but are responsible for providing their own booth/tent. We recommend artists bring at least 25-35 works (jewelers and ceramics artists need to bring more).
- Onsite Security: Private security is provided 24 hours per day during the entirety of the event. Locked and video-monitored storage is also available for overflow inventory.
- Prompt Payment: Within three weeks of the show, each artist will receive a direct deposit comprising 70% of his/her gross sales.
Rules and Regulations
- All works exhibited must be for sale and must be original, designed and produced by, or under the direct supervision of the exhibiting artist.
- No commercial reproductions, posters or promotional products are permitted. A small number of limited, signed, high-quality reproductions may be allowed.
- Except in special circumstances, the artist must be present with his/her art during the show.
- Two weeks prior to the show, each exhibiting artist will be required to provide a list of inventory, brief description, and price for each item.
Artist Sales
Artists receive seventy percent (70%) of the total price of each item sold via The Harding Art Show, with the remaining thirty percent (30%) going directly to Harding Academy. Should any artwork be commissioned during the show or items be sold/commissioned within 120 days following the show, Harding Academy is to receive thirty percent (30%) of the total price of the item. Exhibiting artists are responsible for Tennessee sales tax, if any, on the 70% portion they receive.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year: 350. Average number of artists selected from the jury: 75. Average number exempt from jury (returning artists invited): 10. A single jury panel of 15 jurors scores applications for all medium categories, separately from various locations, on a 1-7 scale; images are viewed on a computer monitor and sorted in random order within each medium category. The jury process is closed.