The Kings Mountain Art Fair is a prestigious event that allows artists to exhibit their work in a beautiful outdoor setting among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s known for its rigorous jury selection, emphasizing artistic excellence, and attracting a discerning audience, including art enthusiasts and potential buyers.
This fair is unique not only for its commitment to community engagement and environmental sustainability but also for providing a significant platform for over 120 independent and 16 local artists from the Kings Mountain community to connect directly with visitors.
Held annually over Labor Day weekend, artists can engage with the public, share their creative processes, and gain exposure. With a strong focus on artist interaction and a portion of the proceeds supporting the local community, the Kings Mountain Art Fair is an ideal venue for artists across various mediums to elevate their work and contribute to a vibrant artistic community in a supportive, eco-conscious environment.
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Contact Information
| Website: | kingsmountainartfair.org |
| When: | Yearly in September |
| email: | kmafsecty@kingsmountainartfair.org |
| Facebook: | KingsMountainArtFair |
| Instagram: | kings_mountain_art_fair |
About the Festival
The Kings Mountain Art Fair (KMAF), celebrated over Labor Day Weekend, is an acclaimed outdoor exhibition in the Santa Cruz Mountains‘ enchanting redwood forest. This three-day event showcases over 120 juried artists and 16 local talents, offering a vast array of fine arts and crafts in a picturesque mountain setting.
KMAF’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity through a rigorous jury process has solidified its reputation as a premier art destination, attracting art lovers to discover and purchase unique works.
Originating in 1963 as a fundraiser for a volunteer fire department, KMAF has evolved into a beloved festival that supports community initiatives without public tax dollars. Artists present their original works, promising an authentic art experience against a serene backdrop.
Drawing visitors locally and from afar, the fair is known for its magical ambiance, quality artwork, and direct artist interaction, making it a highly anticipated event for artists and attendees. Celebrating over six decades of art and community, KMAF continues to be a must-visit festival, enhancing its legacy each year.
Venue Information
The Kings Mountain Art Fair is in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, enveloped by the majestic redwood forest. Situated at approximately 2,250 feet, this picturesque setting offers a tranquil and breathtaking backdrop for the festival. The towering redwoods create a serene atmosphere, with dappled sunlight filtering through the towering canopies, casting a magical glow upon the event.
Nearby towns such as Woodside, San Mateo, Belmont, and Half Moon Bay provide convenient accommodation options for those attending the fair. The charming communities offer a mix of quaint shops, delightful eateries, and opportunities to explore the stunning coastal landscapes.
The fair occurs at the Kings Mountain Community Center and Firehouse, where artists from near and far come together to showcase their diverse artwork. Held annually on Labor Day Weekend, the fair welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Given the town’s varying weather conditions, attendees are advised to come prepared for various climates, from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons. Transportation options to the fair include parking along Skyline Blvd, free shuttle services, nearby hiking trails, Uber pick-up arrangements, and designated bicycle racks, ensuring easy access for all who wish to experience the magic of the Kings Mountain Art Fair.
Opportunity for Artists
The Art Fair presents a range of exciting opportunities for both established and emerging artists to showcase and sell their work. With over 120 independent artists and 16 local artists participating, the fair attracts many visitors, providing artists with substantial exposure to a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
The event’s reputation as one of the premier art shows on the West Coast ensures a high level of attendance, increasing the potential for sales and revenue.
Visitor numbers at the fair are consistently strong, with thousands of art enthusiasts and collectors attending over the Labor Day weekend. This high level of foot traffic creates a vibrant marketplace for artists to connect with potential buyers, fostering opportunities for sales and networking.
Securing a booth spot at the Kings Mountain Art Fair is competitive due to its popularity and limited space. However, the fair employs a jury selection process to ensure a diverse mix of artists across various mediums. While competition for booth spots can be intense, accepted artists have the advantage of exhibiting their work in a highly regarded art event, increasing their visibility and credibility among customers and fellow artists.
Overall, the Kings Mountain Art Fair offers a lucrative platform for artists to promote and sell their work. With its large visitor numbers, strong sales potential, and opportunities for artist engagement, participating in this esteemed festival can significantly boost an artist’s career and revenue generation.
How to Participate
Artists interested in applying to the Kings Mountain Art Fair must adhere to specific requirements to be considered for participation. All work exhibited must be original art produced by the applying artist, and no commercial kits, molds, or prefabricated forms are permitted. Artists may exhibit most original paintings and limited edition prints, but all prints and no originals are prohibited.
The application process begins between November 15 and January 31, and interested artists are required to submit five to ten images of their work and an image of their booth set up at a fair. The jury closely scrutinizes these images to assess the quality, style, and consistency of the artist’s work.
In addition to the images, artists must provide a description of their art form, technique, and process and a resume of recent shows. A non-refundable jury fee must accompany the application.
Upon submission, a jury selection process occurs, with artists notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance by March 15. Artists whose work aligns with the fair’s guidelines and has been chosen by the jury will have the opportunity to participate in the event, showcasing their art to the fair’s broad audience and potential buyers.
Fees and Costs
Artists must submit a non-refundable application fee of $20 to apply for the fair. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with the jury selection process.
If accepted, artists must pay an entry fee of $100 to secure their booth space at the fair. In addition to the entry fee, artists are subject to a 15% commission on the sales they make during the event. It’s important to note that all sales taxes are the responsibility of each artist, and the state requires a California Seller’s Permit.
While specific details on permits and insurance are not provided, it is common practice for artists to obtain liability insurance to protect their work and themselves during the event. Artists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any local or state requirements regarding permits or insurance.
Parking and Setup Logistics
The Kings Mountain Art Fair provides artists convenient access and ample time for booth setup, ensuring a seamless experience. Artists can access the fairgrounds to set up their booths during designated times before the event begins.
Due to the fairgrounds’ unique location, parking availability for artists can vary. While there is no dedicated parking lot, artists are typically directed to park along Skyline Blvd, the main road adjacent to the fairgrounds. Shuttle service is often provided to transport artists and visitors to and from the fairgrounds, ensuring convenient access and minimizing parking concerns.
Artists are encouraged to arrive early and follow the instructions provided by the fair organizers to ensure a smooth setup process. By offering accessible access and addressing parking logistics, the Kings Mountain Art Fair aims to facilitate a stress-free experience for participating artists.
