Calling All Artists!
We'll be opening up applications for 2024 after this year's show.
We look forward to getting to know you & your work!
View this years artists.
Event Information
The 55th Annual AOFTA is dedicated to maintaining high standards and working diligently to foster a positive environment for artists and patrons. Our commitment is to balance the show so it showcases every artists’ unique work.
- Friday set-up and Sunday tear-down drive adjacent to booth
- Friday Preview Night - Artists who participate will be able to purchase discounted tickets to attend
- Every Booth is a Corner
- Artists' sales average has Trended Up for last 5 consecutive years
- Reserved artist-only parking (includes RV & oversize vehicles)
- Booth sitters, free bottled water and lunch delivery
- 24 hour security using local police
- Full color printed program sent to 40,000 households prior to the show
- Awards Reception Saturday Eve
- $5,000 in awards; winners jury-exempt the next year
New this Year
An Evening for the Arts on Friday, October 6th from 5pm-7pm.
We invite artists to showcase their work to our patrons and VIP's. Artists who are open for the evening will be given early setup times and can purchase discounted tickets to attend the party from 7pm to 9pm. This is a fundraiser for the AOFTA Artist in Residence program with the James City County public school system. An Evening for the Arts features wonderful food by local restaurants, drinks and live music. Your application and acceptance to the show is not based on your ability to be open on Friday evening, however your location may be affected.
Location
The setting for the event is on Merchants Square, a popular destination for people from around the world, nestled between historic Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary. This is an outdoor show - the event goes on RAIN OR SHINE.
Our Market
The "Historic Triangle" includes: Williamsburg, James City County and York County encompassing a total population of 158,294. This is a midsize community. In addition to local patrons, the show draws from metropolitan areas of Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach; plus a large presence of tourists visiting the area.
Attendance With no gate, attendance is estimated. The Williamsburg Police estimated attendance in 2021 at 30,000 (show was cancelled in 2022 due to a Hurricane). Hotels are filled this time of year, bringing a nice mix of local art patrons and tourists. Artists should come with shipping options if art is large.
2021 Sales Summary
Based on a 64.58% response, 93 of 144 artists returned anonymous surveys in 2021.
31% had sales between $5000 - $15,999
45% had sales between $2000 - $4999
24% had sales between $0 - $1999
On a 5 pt scale (5 = highest) artists ranked art quality at 4.57
88% of artists responding said they would return if invited
Booth Spaces All booths are corners! There is no storage behind the booths on Duke of Gloucester Street (Quad arrangement). There is limited storage behind Boundary Street (Duo arrangement) as these booths back up to a sidewalk.
VA Sales Tax Sales tax in Williamsburg, VA is 7%. Artists not residing in Virginia and do less than 3 shows in the state annually do not need to open a
Sale and Use account with the state. You will need to collect sales tax and file a Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return ST-50 form (Used for shows/events). Download Form (use part C)
Awards Minimum of $5000 will be awarded in prize money. 10 Awards will be given in 2D and 3D categories. Award winners are jury-exempt in the next year's show.
Contact
Robin Markowitz
Executive Director
(e) [email protected]
(p) 202-251-0637
Important Dates
4/10/23
Encouraged Application Deadline
4/17/23
Final Application Deadline
4/24/23 - 4/28/23
Jury Deliberation
5/10/23
Artist Notification
6/30/23
Booth Payment Due
