The San Carlos Art and Wine Festival presents a unique platform for artists to showcase their creations amidst a lively and appreciative audience. This event not only offers a chance for artists to exhibit their work but also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts.
The festival’s vibrant ambiance and the allure of wine tastings create an ideal setting for artists to gain exposure and potentially expand their clientele. Joining this festival could be a stepping stone in an artist’s career, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations within the creative community.
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Contact Information
| Website: | cityofsancarlos.org |
| When: | Yearly in October |
| email: | wschettino@cityofsancarlos.org |
| Facebook: | sancarlosartandwine |
| Instagram: |
About the Festival
Held annually in San Carlos, California, this festival brings together over 150 artists from various disciplines, including fine arts and crafts. With its prime location on San Carlos Avenue and Laurel Street, artists can connect with a large audience of art enthusiasts and potential buyers.
This event beautifully showcases diverse artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry. The festival provides a platform for artists to display and sell their creations directly to attendees. It fosters local culture by bringing together talented individuals from the community and beyond.
In addition to the artistic offerings, visitors can enjoy wine and craft beer tasting, live music performances, and delicious food from local vendors. With thousands of art enthusiasts and visitors attending each year, the festival presents a valuable opportunity for artists to gain exposure, connect with like-minded individuals, and immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit.
Venue Information
Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Carlos is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. With its picturesque neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks, San Carlos provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
San Carlos Avenue at Laurel Street is the prime location for the annual San Carlos Art and Wine Festival. This bustling area showcases the city’s commitment to promoting arts and culture.
Surrounded by charming shops, cafes, and restaurants, the festival creates a lively atmosphere where artists can showcase their work and art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in diverse artistic expressions. Convenient public transportation, including Caltrain and SamTrans, makes it easy for attendees to reach the festival from various parts of the Bay Area.
Opportunity for Artists
The San Carlos Art and Wine Festival presents a unique and lucrative opportunity for established and emerging artists to promote and sell their work. With thousands of visitors attending, the festival offers artists a large and diverse audience to showcase their talent and connect with potential buyers.
The bustling atmosphere and lively ambiance create the perfect backdrop for artists to engage with art enthusiasts and make meaningful connections. The festival’s reputation for quality artwork and its emphasis on fine arts and crafts make it an attractive destination for art enthusiasts seeking unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. This, in turn, increases the sales potential for participating artists.
While competition for booth spots can be fierce due to the festival’s popularity, the organizers strive to create a fair and balanced selection process. They carefully curate a diverse range of artists, ensuring a varied and high-quality art selection for attendees. Artists are encouraged to submit their applications early to maximize their chances of securing a booth at this coveted event.
With a successful track record of sales and a dedicated crowd of art enthusiasts, this festival is a prime platform to promote and sell artwork, making it a must-attend event for artists looking to expand their customer base and increase their revenue.
How to Participate
Pacific Fine Arts Festivals administers the San Carlos Art and Wine Festival application process.
The festival welcomes artists who showcase their unique perspectives and demonstrate creativity and sound design in their artwork. Handcrafted works made in the USA by the artist selling them are eligible for consideration. The festival aims to create a family-friendly environment, so certain depictions of weapons, nudity, or printed words are carefully evaluated.
The application process typically requires artists to submit several artwork images, including a booth shot showcasing their display presentation. Artists must also provide an artist statement or biography and a description of their artwork, which includes the medium, subject matter, and the approximate percentage distribution of their display.
Due to competitive demand, the festival organizers encourage artists to submit their applications early for a higher chance of acceptance. The exact timescale for the application process may vary, but artists can expect to receive status notifications within approximately four weeks of submitting their application.
Fees and Costs
To apply, there is a non-refundable application fee of $25, payable by check or credit card at the time of application. Additionally, artists are responsible for space fees, which vary depending on the booth size required.
The festival operates on a commission-based system, where artists pay a 10% commission on their gross, pre-tax sales. This commission applies to all artwork sold as a direct result of the festival, including sales finalized after the event. Artists must submit their commission payment to the organizers by the Wednesday following the festival.
Regarding booth space, different sizes are available to accommodate artists’ needs. The fees for booth spaces range from $230 for a 5ft x 10ft space to $570 for a 10ft x 20ft space. These fees and the application fee should be paid separately by check or credit card, with a 3% fee added to credit card charges.
Regarding permits and insurance, artists must have a California Seller’s Permit, which allows them to sell their artwork. This permit must be obtained at least six weeks before the event. While insurance is not mandatory, the festival organizers strongly recommend artists obtain business or event insurance to protect their work and business.
Parking and Setup Logistics
The San Carlos Art and Wine Festival provides convenient access and ample timing for booth setup, ensuring a smooth experience for participating artists. On the set-up day, artists can begin checking in at 5:00 AM, with staggered entry times to manage traffic flow.
Artists with oversized vehicles or trailers must unload and depart from the site before the first scheduled entry time or utilize side streets for unloading. The festival organizers prioritize the safety and convenience of artists by offering the opportunity to drive directly to their designated booth spaces.
Parking availability is provided in designated areas as stated in the festival’s instruction letter, and artists are expected to promptly remove their vehicles to the designated parking areas after setup. Additionally, overnight security is provided to ensure the safety of both artists’ booths and personal belongings.
