Calling All Artists!

We look forward to getting to know you & your work.
View our 2023 artists.
 
 

Event Information

The 56th 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
  • 30-35,000 loyal, art educated patrons
  • Onsite staff and fabulous volunteers
  • Every Booth is a Corner
  • Reserved artist-only parking (No Camping or Overnight Stays in any parking lot)
  • Booth sitters, free bottled water and lunch delivery
  • 24 hour security using local police
  • Full color printed program sent to 45,000 households prior to the show
  • Awards Reception Saturday Eve
  • $5,000 in awards; winners jury-exempt the next year

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 2023 at 30,000. 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.

2023 Sales Summary

** Based on a 69% response - anonymous survey in 2023.
45% had sales between $5000 - $15,999
39% had sales between $2000 - $4999
16% 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.